While Steel Rain’s action set pieces are always exemplary, often visually breathtaking, it is the growing trust between the two main characters from either side of the Peninsula that is the film’s true and lasting strength; speaking of humanity’s similarities across a seemingly insurmountable divide, problems with accents and the English language notwithstanding… [Read More]
People: Kim Kap-soo
Blood and Ties (공범, 2013) review: family loyalty and a faltering moral thriller
While ‘Blood and Ties’ tries to be an original take on a familiar narrative subject in its attempted dissection of familial ties, any chance of insightful commentary is marred by plot holes and predictably. Ultimately, the appearance and performances of Son Ye-jin and Kim Kap-soo are by far the strongest aspects of the film. [Read More]
Tale of Two Sisters screens at the KCC
This week’s screening at the KCC is Kim Ji-woon’s (김지운) stylish suspense / horror flick Tale of Two Sisters (2003). (7 August, 7pm) Kim’s filmography is varied and of a high quality. He started with comedy – the macabre Quiet Family (1998) and the hugely fun Foul King (2000), and now seems to be in … [Read More]
A Tale of Two Sisters (장화, 홍련, 2003) review: psychological horror meets visual beauty
This exploration of family trauma, abuse and mental instability has slow-building tension, unreliable perceptions, layered symbolism, and narrative twists which reward repeat viewing. A lot of horror films are described in dark, brooding terms but very few could be described as beautiful; A Tale of Two Sisters is a sumptuously beautiful film [Read More]