By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
Women, the children of Eve, have many faces. Whether they be dangerous femmes fatales, prim society ladies or fearless grandmothers, their fascinating aspects of womanhood timelessly inspire films.
"Lady Chatterley" (also known as "Lady Chatterley et l'homme des bois", 2006) has been drawing quite a strong female following, particularly middle-aged women, since its release just two weeks ago, according to its distributor Jin Jin Pictures. Inspired by D.H. Lawrence's controversial novel "Lady Chatterley's Lover", the film traces the sexual and emotional awakening of a high society woman living in early 20th century France.
Ever since her husband was confined to a wheelchair, Constance has been feeling listless. One day, she meets the gamekeeper of their estate, and a passionate affair ignites. Free from the confines of rigid social decorum, she enters new realms of self-understanding and intimacy.
Actress Mariana Hands gives an electrifying performance as she portrays Constance's spiritual and sensual stirring. Her role won her the 2007 French Cesar Award for Best Actress. The film also swept prizes for Best Film, Cinematography, Costume Design and Writing.
Roughly described as Korea's version of "Basic Instinct" (1992), "Temptation of Eve" (2007) is an omnibus of thrillers featuring four very different _ but similarly diabolically alluring _ women.
The femme fatale series deliciously combines seduction and suspense. The first installment, "
Temptation of Eve - Angel", most closely resembles the Sharon Stone classic, where a detective falls for a woman suspected of murdering her husband.
"
Temptation of Eve - Good Wife" portrays a "devoted" wife's sexual affair with other men, despite her faithful love toward her disabled husband.
"
Temptation of Eve - Kiss" traces a married man's fateful attraction to the soulful eyes and charming looks of innocence of his neighbor's wife.
In "
Temptation of Eve - Her Own Art", a young and successful doctor begins an illicit affair with a fatally attractive woman, only to fall prey to his own wrongs.
Each of the four films will open weeklong one after the other in theaters beginning July 30 before airing on the OCN Channel.
Sensuality is not limited to those who possess youthful beauty and energy. "Irina Palm" (2007), coming to theaters August 9, shows that it is never too late for Maggie, a quiet middle-aged widow, who is still faithful to her late husband and in desperate need of money to finance her beloved grandson's medical treatment. After several unfruitful attempts at finding a job, she finds herself in a strip club called "Sexy World" in London Soho.
Surprisingly, her soft hands enable her to provide anonymous sexual services for men. Reborn as a young and sexy "Irina", Maggie becomes the most high paid and sought-after "hostess" in town. As life takes an unexpected turn, Maggie is no longer her passive self and she courageously conquers the road of self-discovery.
The critically acclaimed film won much attention at the 2007 Berlin International Film Festival, including the nominations for Best Film and Actress.
These films, exploring different aspects of female sexuality, will enable women and men alike to fathom the profound world of not only sensual pleasures but of harrowing self-discovery as well.
