While Psychokinesis initially appears to be a whimsical entry into the superhero genre, director Yeon Sang-ho is equally interested in telling a dramatic tale about family and the struggle of powerless individuals against corporate Korea. However, the film being inspired by the real-life Yongsan tragedy raises the question of where the balance between humour and drama should really lie [Read More]
People: Shim Eun-kyung
Baek Seung-hwa’s Queen of Walking is the 3rd LKFF Teaser
The LKFF Teasers this year are showing the wide range of film genres in contemporary Korean cinema. This month, a comedy. Queen of Walking (걷기왕) Director: Baek Seung-Hwa Cast: Shim Eun-Kyung, Park Joo-Hee 2016, 93 mins 7pm, Monday 22 May, Regent Street Cinema | Book here Hailed as one of the funniest Korean comedies of … [Read More]
Missing You (널 기다리며, 2016) review: reimagining the female revenge thriller
While many of the narrative elements of ‘Missing You’ will be very familiar to fans of Korean cinema, its story of one young woman’s need for revenge is engaging enough to make the film worth watching, its strongest point being its decisive and unexpected resolution [Read More]
Last Thursday’s screening at the KCC – Sunny – was an unexpected delight
Unexpectedly, I really enjoyed Kang Hyeong-cheol’s Sunny at the KCC this week. I shan’t bore you with the details – Paul Quinn has articulated it on Hangul Celluloid much better than I could. Based on the trailers I had been kind of expecting a bit of an offbeat teen comedy. When it featured in the … [Read More]
Miss Granny (수상한 그녀, 2014) review: youth reclaimed, manners forgotten
While ‘Miss Granny’ is light-hearted entertainment at its core, it nonetheless contains aspects inherent to classic Korean comedies over the years and elements that speak of a number of hugely influential films; all adding up to an intelligently written, genuinely funny film that stands as an example of quality Korean comedy at its very best. [Read More]
Choo Chang-min and Ryoo Seung-ryong interview: Masquerade – history with a modern voice
Director Choo Chang-min and actor Ryoo Seung-ryong discuss their involvement in Masquerade, exploring the appeal of period drama, the story’s modern relevance, casting well-known and emerging actors, artistic freedom, and the different challenges posed by physically demanding versus more restrained roles. [Read More]
Why I walked out of Possessed half way through
Maybe it’s because I was tired. Maybe it’s because I’m reading a particularly good book at the moment. Or maybe it’s because I arrived too late to get my favourite spot in the Spartan seating arrangements in the multi-purpose hall at the KCC (1). But as I sat through the first half of Possessed (2) … [Read More]
Event news: Possessed screens at the KCC
Leading up to Halloween, the films at the KCC this month aim to scare. First up, Possessed, aka Living Death (불신지옥). Possessed (불신지옥) Director: Lee Yong-ju (2009, 100mins) Screening Date: 7pm, October 06, 2011 Number of Seats: 125 Theatre: Multi-purpose Hall Synopsis: A young girl named So-jin survives a terrible car accident which left her … [Read More]
Hansel and Gretel opens in London
Hansel and Gretel screens at the ICA from 16 January, and moves to the Prince Charles on 30 January, before getting a selected nationwide release. It made an appearance at the BFI London Film Festival 2008, so if you missed it then, now’s your chance to see it. Following a car crash on a country … [Read More]
Hansel and Gretel (헨젤과 그레텔, 2007) review: broken fairy tales and lost innocence
Yim Pil-sung has produced a stunningly beautiful dark fantasy which rewrites, or more exactly, extends the Grimm fairy tale we all know. Lush production design and restrained horror reveal a tragic past of abuse and abandonment, blending creepiness with poignancy while exploring damaged innocence, memory and hope. [Read More]