Host and Guest (Movie - 2005)

Korea's Film Focuses on Migrant Issues

Source | 2009/06/26 | Permalink |

Despite the fact that many migrant diasporas remain largely on the fringes of Korean society, it doesn't prevent them from make their own cinematic footprints.  "Bandhobi" directed by SIN Dong-il ("Host and Guest") brings together 2 characters that would normally be unlikey to mix.  Karim a Bangladeshi migrant worker and a Min-Seo a female school girl form a very special friendship amongst an indifferent world.  Although the film deals with significant issues such as the plight of immigrant workers, racism, poverty and the inequality of Korea's stress laden education system, director SHIN presents a light hearted journey into these problematic realms. 
 
Karim, played by Mahbub Alam Pollob, a Bangladeshi Academic, comes to Korea with hopes of a better life but is exposed to its stark reality.  At the same time Min-seo, played by BAEK Jin-hee is a loud, obnoxious teenager who has concerns other than worrying about a fair society.  Both are forced however even further into their proble...| More

'Bandhobi' Interweaves Growing Pains, Cultures

Source | 2009/06/18 | Permalink |

By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

In "Bandhobi", director Sin Dong-il translates to screen "uncomfortable" issues of illegal immigration, racism and social toadyism through the universal languages of ticklish humor, teenage angst and priceless friendship.

It's a story about growing pains and the meeting point of different cultures _ the title "Bandohbi" roughly means "female friend" in Bengali. It's an indie flick that, while comfortably feigning mainstream superficiality, is inlaid with some gem-like scenes that show why Shim was dubbed "the Korean Woody Allen" (Berlin International Film Festival, "Host and Guest", 2005).

Teenage actress Bae Jin-hee portrays the cheeky 17-year-old Min-seo with sure-fire articulation. One of the thousands of girls who took part in political candlelit vigils, Min-seo relentlessly speaks her mind at home _ "you're just my mom's sex partner", she shouts at her single mother's incompetent boyfriend (Here, the film could have made the man despicable ...| More

Behind the curtain

Source | 2009/04/10 | Permalink |

"Madame Kang of the Dressing Room" is one of the most popular sketches these days on the KBS television comedy show "Gag Concert". Grotesquely and ridiculously made-up actresses take verbal beatings and acting instructions from their seniors. The preposterous costumes and makeup accentuate the innuendo of the backstage power struggle and parody social hierarchy in real life.

Although a selfish, domineering and know-it-all actress, second in the dressing room hierarchy, looks down with disdain on two younger actresses, she instantly transforms into a completely different figure - docile, vulnerable and excessively obsequious - when her senior and mentor, Madame Kang, steps into the dressing room.

Behind-the-curtain abuses led Russian novelist and philosopher Leo Tolstoy to seriously question art itself.

On one occasion at the theater, Tolstoy caught a glimpse backstage while trying to get to his seat and witnessed a quite disturbing, yet common, backstage scene. Behind the faca...| More

Jeonju Unveils Korean Competition Films

Source | 2009/04/09 | Permalink |

The 10th Jeonju International Film Festival (JIFF), one of Korea's three major cinema showcases along with PIFF and PiFan, has revealed a selection of 11 new films for its Korean Feature Competition section that will vie for the JJ Star Award for top film, a cash award of 10 million Won.

Among the films selected are director SIN Dong-il's third feature, "Bandhobi", which tells about the relationship between a Bangladeshi laborer and a Korean high school girl. SIN debuted with the award-winning "Host and Guest" (2005) and followed it up with the critically praised "My Friend and His Wife" (2006).

Other notables include LIM Soon-rye's latest, "Fly Penguin", a human-rights themed drama starring MOON So-ri; KIM Eung-su's HD feature "The Origin of Water" about a mysterious painting and a man who goes in search of the scenery depicted in it.

Feature debut directors are many, including CHO Kyeong-duk with "Sex Volunteer", SIM Sang-kook with "Where is Ronny... ", KIM Aaron with "...| More

My Friend and His Wife Finally Released

Source | 2008/11/19 | Permalink |

Two years after premiering at the Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF), where it received rave reviews, SIN Dong-il's sophomore feature is finally receiving its local release. "My Friend and His Wife" opens November 27 through producer and distributor Prime Entertainment.

The film stars JANG Hyeon-seong ("Feathers in the Wind") as Ye-jun, the best friend of Jae-moon, played by PARK Hee-soon ("Seven Days"). The latter's wife, Ji-sook, is played by newcomer HONG So-hee. The trio traverse a landscape of ethical and personal challenges during the film's running time.

Amidst the praise it generated at PIFF, Variety film critic, Derek Elley was most exuberant, calling the film, "Superbly honed at every level, with dialogue, performances and direction meshing in a seamless, apparently effortless flow", adding that the director's second film should "put Shin's name on the international map".

Writer-director SIN made his feature debut with "Host and Guest" in 2005, premieri...| More