Mother - 2009 (Movie - 2009)

44 Korean Films at the 2009 Marrakech International Film Festival

Source | 2009/11/19 | 0 comments | Permalink |

In a celebration of Korean film, a record 44 will screen at this year's 2009 International Film Festival of Marrakech. In addition, representatives from Korean government organizations, the Korean film industry: producers, directors, actors and film festival delegates will be in attendance. The festival, which began in 2000 has in the past focused on the national cinemas of Italy, Egypt and Spain. This year, signaling the growing importance of Korean film and certainly spurred by recent successes such as BONG Joon-ho's "Mother - 2009" and PARK Chan-wook's "Thirst", the festival turns its eyes to South Korea.

A whole host of Korean directors will accompany their films to the festival: IM Kwon-taek, the godfather of Korean cinema with "Surrogate Mother" (1986), "Seopyeonjae" (1993) "Chihwaseon" ("Strikes of Fire" - 2002) and more; LEE Do-yong "The Oldest Son" (1984); LEE Chang-ho "The Man with Three" Coffins (1988); JANG Sun-woo "Lies" (1999) and other directors; PARK Chan-wook "T...| More

Mother KIM Hye-ja wins at major Chinese fest

Source | 2009/11/13 | 0 comments | Permalink |

Veteran actress KIM Hye-ja won best actress award at China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival, one of the most prestigious awards in China. KIM won the prestigious award for her critically acclaimed role in Mother.

"Mother - 2009" is KIM's big screen debut. Busan Film Critic's awarded KIM the best actress award earlier this year. Also, she has been lavishly praised at major international film festivals including Festival de Cannes.

"Mother - 2009" is directed by BONG Joon-ho. KIM plays the mother of a mentally challenged son, a role by WON Bin. After the son is arrested for murder, the mother goes all out to have him released.

After its Japanese (31 October) and Hong Kong (9 November) premiere, "Mother - 2009" will be released in ten more countries all over the world from Europe to South America.

Yi Ch'ang-ho (KOFIC)...| More

Grand Bell Film Fest Puzzles Movie Fans

Source | 2009/11/08 | 0 comments | Permalink |

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

Movie fans may have highly anticipated the 46th Grand Bell (Daejong) Film Festival, which took place Friday in southern Seoul, but the outcome of the event was unexpected.

The festival's award ceremony had many shaking their heads, as some of the most successful films took home fewer trophies than expected, while the lack of participating stars left the event feel a bit empty.

This year's Best Picture award went to "The Divine Weapon", pushing aside hit blockbusters "Haeundae" and "Mother - 2009".

"Mother - 2009", which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, managed only to win the Best Supporting Actor award, while "Haeundae", which was nominated in nine categories and was one of the biggest films of the year, won only Best Producer.

"Take Off" was nominated in seven categories but only won Best Director, while "Closer to Heaven" took home Best Actor. "Haeundae" and "Take Off" attracted a total of 12.93 million movies goers, alternating ...| More

Korea culture to be on the screen at 4th London Korean Film Festival

Source | 2009/11/06 | 0 comments | Permalink |

The fourth London Korean Film Festival 2009 runs from Nov. 1 to 18 and already some of the big name directors in Korea have flown to the United Kingdom to promote Korean movies. Prior celebrations and functions aside, the actual first screening was on Thursday (Nov. 5).

This year's film festival, with 25 feature films and four animations from Korea, is organized by the Korean Cultural Center in the United Kingdom and the Korea Creative Content Agency, with the support of the Korean government.

The films will be screened at the BFI (British Film Institute) from Nov. 1 to 14; the London Barbican Centre from Nov. 5 to 12; Manchester Cornerhouse from Nov. 7 to 9; and Nottingham Broadway Cinema from Nov. 16 to 18.

Some award-winning directors from Korea, namely director Park Chan-wook and Bong Joon-ho will visit London with their respective works, "Thirst" (2009) and "Mother - 2009" (2009). The Thirst, which won a Jury Prize at the 62nd Cannes International Film Festival this year,...| More

Interview: Director Park Chan-wook of 'Thirst'

Source | 2009/11/06 | 0 comments | Permalink |

Director Park Chan-wook, who received the Jury Award at the Cannes Film Festival for his movie "Thirst", says that Korean films can gain global recognition by improving their artistic expression and setting new trends.

In an interview with the Yonhap News ahead of the screening of "Thirst" at the London Barbican Centre as the opening film of the 4th London Korean Film Festival, Park said that Korean movies can be exported overseas not only by producing them in English but also by setting new trends.

The festival will run through November 18 at the London Barbican Centre and the British Film Institute. A total of 29 Korean films will be screened, including "Thirst" as well as "Mother - 2009" by Bong Joon-ho.

Interview with director Park Chan-wook.

-- Did the film face a lot of red tape because it deals with Christianity?

- We had a hard time designing its posters. In Korea, we had to take out the image of the lead actress's legs from the poster because they were said to l...| More