Seong Dong-il (성동일)

Retro movies rediscover colonial era

2008/01/28 | Source | Permalink |

Gyeongseong is emerging as a popular background for Korean films, reflecting the public's recent penchant for retro style, and filmmakers' newfound interest in the Japanese colonial period -- evidence of their quest for fresh characters and themes.

During the Japanese colonial rule of the early 20th century, today's Seoul was called Gyeongseong. It was the very cultural center where tradition and Western modernity began to fuse.

Four new films exemplify this dipping into the past -- "Once Upon a Time", "Radio Dayz", "Modern Boy" and "The Good, The Bad, The Weird", all of which come with high-profile directors and actors. Production houses are pinning their hopes on the success of this new breed of Gyeongseong films at a time when home-grown movies face an uphill battle against Hollywood blockbusters.

In the past few decades, a host of filmmakers already used Gyeongseong as a historical setting -- but only superficially. In contrast, these upcoming films rely heavily on the cul...| More

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"Once upon a Time" shines bright

2008/01/25 | Source | Permalink |

Director JEONG Yong-ki tried his hand again at comedy and selected a winning leading duo in PARK Yong-woo and LEE Bo-yeong, aptly complemented by a number of supporting roles. The film is situated during the final days of the Japanese colonization of Korea.

"Once upon a Time" is a well balanced heist comedy; including fast and dynamic action and fight scenes, glitter and glamour, and plenty of jokes. The humorous scenario is well handled by the director and the actors' fun during filming is apparent for anybody to see.

PARK transforms from the shy guy who never had a girlfriend in his breakthrough film "My Scary Girl" into a confident player. His eyes are set on the beautiful singer played by LEE, however, she is also pursued by a Korean officer in Japanese service.

PARK, LEE and Korean officers of the Japanese army become entangled in a struggle for a phenomenal diamond; while freedom fighters and pro-Japanese Koreans clash during the dying days of the Japanese occupation....| More

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