Based on the French graphic novel ‘Le Transperceneige’, ‘Snowpiercer’ can equally be viewed as an analogy to and critique of real world oppression; a hero’s journey in classic Monomyth style; or simply a gripping and exciting rollercoaster ride of entertainment. Snowpiercer will leave you both exhilarated and breathless. [Read More]
Hangul Celluloid Korean film reviews (page 8)
Sprout (콩나물, 2013) review: a young child’s first solo exploration
The warmth, depth and meaning with which Yoon Ga-eun so successfully infuses this gentle, sweet and simple tale not only clearly shows her sheer talent as a director and storyteller but also deftly underlines how beautiful Korean cinema truly can be. [Read More]
Antique Bakery (서양 골동 양과자점 앤티크, 2008) review: a pleasing millefeuille of genres
Initially appearing to simply be a warm and genuinely funny comedy that gently details themes of sexuality and acceptance, Antique Bakery nonetheless quickly proves itself to be so much more; deftly accenting numerous genres along its ultimately cathartic path. [Read More]
Hope (aka Wish) (소원, 2013) review: finding humanity and healing in the aftermath of unthinkable trauma
A devastating yet profoundly humane drama, Hope focuses on a young girl’s journey towards physical and emotional recovery after unimaginable trauma. Director Lee Joon-ik balances heartbreak with compassion, crafting a deeply moving film anchored by an astonishing, career-defining performance from child actress Lee Re. [Read More]
Norigae (노리개, 2013) review: power, abuse and a damning indictment of justice
Inspired by true-life tales of the sexual coercion and abuse of celebrity figures in Korea, ‘Norigae’ was guaranteed to be both controversial and shocking. It tells a story that desperately needed to be told and points an accusing finger at the free rein often afforded to the powerful at the expense of the vulnerable. [Read More]
Melo (멜로, 2012) review: love, paranoia, and the dark side of devotion
While ‘Melo’ is on the surface a dark tale of love, sex and trust (or the lack thereof) told largely through a young woman’s perspective, it also serves as a dissection of selfishness and self-perception; ultimately detailing the twisted path down which personal need placed above all else can lead. [Read More]
Miss Longlegs (키다리 아가씨, 2012) review: seeing the women behind the glass
Miss Longlegs is, at its core, a simple story but one which is also deceptively so and, like the characters themselves, its underlying depth is far, far greater than that assumed from a cursory glance. Ultimately, what Miss Longlegs deftly states will stay with you almost infinitely longer than its 21-minute running time. [Read More]
Perfect Number (용의자X, 2012) review: a nuanced Korean reimagining of a Japanese thriller
Based on the best-selling novel ‘The Devotion of Suspect X’ by Keigo Higashino, ‘Perfect Number’ asks what one man is prepared to do for love. An in-depth yet nuanced thriller at its core and a romance in part, ‘Perfect Number’ ultimately answers the question of whether heart or mind will win in a battle between the two. [Read More]
Azooma (공정사회, 2012) review: a gritty if unbalanced critique of social injustice and patriarchal apathy
At its core, Azooma is a critique of Korean society at large, a dissection of injustices in the name of procedure, and lingering patriarchy. But the decision to focus the narrative culmination on suddenly chosen revenge, almost as catharsis, leaves Azooma teetering between being an overly rushed revenge genre film and an insightful dramatic thriller. [Read More]
My P.S. Partner (aka Whatcha Wearin’, 나의 P.S. 파트너, 2012) review: redefining the Korean rom-com
My P.S. Partner is as warmly romantic as any love story of recent years, as genuinely funny as almost any comedy you care to mention, and as sexy (and naughty) as any real-life relationship should be. Frank and groundbreaking in concept, but also comfortably genre-familiar, My P.S. Partner is the romantic comedy of 2012, period [Read More]
Lovable (다슬이, 2011) review: art, autism, and wonder
An utterly exquisite, poignant and ultimately uplifting film – told largely from a child’s perspective – telling the tale of a little girl’s love for a snowman. Lovable deftly strips away the veil of illness to show how intelligent, creative and inspiring autistic children truly can be. [Read More]
The Tower (타워, 2012) review: high-spectacle disaster and classic genre thrills
The Tower is a visually breathtaking high-spectacle disaster movie that, in spite of predictability, ultimately succeeds in being more entertaining and exciting than many films of its genre; remaining engaging throughout and even managing to be somewhat moving, on occasion… [Read More]
The Berlin File (베를린, 2013) review: a high-octane journey through espionage, loyalty and humanity
‘The Berlin File’ is at once a tale of political intrigue and a dissection of North and South Korean attitudes to humanity, morals and freedom all wrapped up in a high-octane thriller. While the ultimate narrative destination can largely be predicted, in this case the journey is equally as important, if not more so. [Read More]
Confession of Murder (내가 살인범이다, 2012) review: an action-packed tale of fame and revenge
Brutal at times, humorous at others, Confession of Murder is a thoroughly engaging serial killer tale though it could be said that both its narrative and execution borrow ever so slightly too much from a number of classic, and famously noteworthy, Korean thrillers. [Read More]
Young Gun in the Time (영건 탐정사무소, 2012) review: love, loss, laughter, and lo-fi time travel
Young Gun in the Time uses classic Korean cinema genre merging to be at once science fiction, mystery thriller, action, romance and comedy. Though it is low budget through-and-through, that is in fact one of the many charms of this warm, engaging and gently funny film. [Read More]
Sweet Dream aka Death’s Lullaby (미몽 / 죽음의 자장가, 1936) review: the fallen woman in early Korean cinema
Sweet Dream uses its dark tale of a woman choosing her own needs over her familial responsibilities to critique the modernisation of Korean society in the 30s. Pulling no punches, Sweet Dream serves up a classic Korean cinema narrative arc complete with what would later become almost requisite melodramatic elements. [Read More]