Lee Cheong-joon (이청준)

Director Im Wearied by 'Reckless' Korean Filmmaking

2008/06/24 | Source | Permalink |

Celebrated Korean director Im Kwon-taek (72) visits the 30th International Moscow Film Festival for the first time in 20 years. The festival is presenting a special retrospective on the filmmaker.
The 30th International Moscow Film Festival which opened on June 19 is presenting a special retrospective on legendary Korean director Im Kwon-taek. The event prompted the 72-year-old filmmaker to visit the Russian city for the first time in 20 years, but Im didn't seem happy when the Chosun Ilbo met up with him there. Rather than his feelings on visiting Moscow again, foremost on the director's mind were his concerns about the Korean film industry.

Im declared, with a note of guilt, that everyone in the Korean film industry -- including himself -- should be blamed for the falling market share of Korean films. "Movie fans have grown disappointed with Korean films because those working in the industry have just tried to jump on the bandwagon of the industry's boom without careful preparati...| More

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Korean Actress Wins the Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film Festival

2007/05/29 | Source | Permalink |

Korean actress Jeon Do-yeon won the best actress award at the 60th Cannes film festival held in Cannes, France, on May 27 for her role in "Secret Sunshine" by Director Lee Chang-dong, depicting a woman struggling to rearrange her life after the tragic deaths of her husband and only son.

Ms. Jeon is the second actress from Korea to win an award at three major international film competitions (Cannes, Berlin, Venice). Ms. Kang Soo-yeon won the best actress award at the 1987 Venice Film Festival for her role in "Surrogate Mother".

"I cannot believe it", Ms. Jeon said as she stepped up to the award stage wearing a gold-colored dress. "I heard there were many fascinating actresses who performed wonderfully, and I'm not sure that I deserve to stand here on behalf of them. I thank Cannes and the judges who gave me this honor".

In addition, she said "it was not possible to win this award through my efforts alone. Director Lee made it happen. Song Kang-ho, playing the character Jong-cha...| More

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Im unveils 100th film 'Beyond the Years'

2007/04/05 | Source | Permalink |

If you have already made 99 movies in your lengthy and diverse career, what kind of project would you choose to make for your 100th film? The question may sound unrealistic for most directors around the world; yet it's a real question for Im Kwon-taek.

Im has chosen to tackle the question head-on. For his landmark 100th piece, "Beyond the Years (Cheon-neon-hak)", he has returned to the old yet resonating theme of love and suffering. The new movie depicts life and its fleeting nature in a style that reflects Im's trademark meditative approach to life.

Local media swarmed the press preview venue on Tuesday afternoon, highlighting the significance of the latest movie made by the award-winning filmmaker. "For this movie, all the staff members and actors have devoted their full energy", Im told reporters.

The film is adapted from Lee Cheong-joon's novel "Seonhakdong nageunae" (The Wanderer of Seonhak-dong), and its pansori theme triggers its association with Im's "Seopyonje" (1993)...| More

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