On the Occasion of Remembering the Turning Gate (2001) - 생활의 발견 (Saeng-hal-eui Bal-kyeon)

2007/09/04 | Source | Permalink |  Digg |  del.icio.us | Stumble It! | Share this news

According to the latest box office, historical-tragedy "May 18", has surpassed 7 million ticket sales as of September 3, making it the highest grossing Korean-language film of the year. The Korean-produced but English-language D-War is thus far the overall box office champion of 2007. "May 18" is directed by KIM Ji-hoon, previously responsible for "Mokpo, Gangster's Paradise" (2005).

On "May 18", 1980 the government under then military general CHUN Doo-hwan, sent in troops to put down a civilian uprising. The repressive policies of general CHUN, who had ordered the shut down of universities, outlawed protests, censored the press, and arrested his political opposition, resulted in the Gwangju Uprising. Troops entered the city and fired into the crowds killing hundreds of civilians.

While several films have dealt with issues surrounding the Gwangju Massacre, including "The Old Garden" (2006), "Peppermint Candy" (1999), and "A Petal" (1995), "May 18" is the first to directly fo...

To participate to HanCinema, you must sign up or log in. Sign up, Why ?

2007/06/26 | Source | Permalink |  Digg |  del.icio.us | Stumble It! | Share this news

Dealing with the events leading up to one of the tragedies in Korean history known as the Gwangju Massacre, "May 18th", directed by KIM Ji-hoon, will be the second big-budget historical film released this year following "Hwangjin-y - Movie - 2007", released earlier this month.

On May 18th, 1980 the government under then military general CHUN Doo-hwan, sent in troops to put down a civilian uprising. The repressive policies of general CHUN, who had ordered the shut down of universities, outlawed protests, censored the press, and arrested his political opposition, resulted in the Gwangju Uprising. Troops entered the city and fired into the crowds killing hundreds of civilians.

While several films have dealt with issues surrounding the Gwangju Massacre, including "The Old Garden" (2006), "Peppermint Candy" (1999), and "A Petal" (1995), May 18th is the first to directly focus on the actual events leading up to that tragic day as experienced by Gwangju residents. The film is about...

To participate to HanCinema, you must sign up or log in. Sign up, Why ?

2007/06/19 | Source | Permalink |  Digg |  del.icio.us | Stumble It! | Share this news

Female Korean directors are in short supply, but their ranks gained a valuable addition with director KIM Hee-jung's debut feature film. "The Wonder Years" (YeolSesal, Sooa) depicts a high school girl who is unsatisfied with her life and mother, and creates an alternative take on her life.

KIM's short films got her noticed by the renowned Cannes Residence Program which selected her for their 2005 edition. There she developed "The Wonder Years", her first feature film.

The film premiered last week and offers an alternative for the big-budget summer fare. "The Wonder years" opened at ten in last weekend's box office.

Teenage actor LEE Se-yeong plays the protagonist girl. Her credentials include "Lovely Rivals" and "When I Turned Nine". The mother is played by CHOO Sang-mi ("On the Occasion of Remembering the Turning Gate", "A Smile"").

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

To participate to HanCinema, you must sign up or log in. Sign up, Why ?

2007/03/06 | Source | Permalink |  Digg |  del.icio.us | Stumble It! | Share this news

A special showing of director Bong Joon-ho's works has been held in three US cities of New York, Chicago and San Francisco.
The Korean Film Council said Monday that it has organized the event to mark the release of Bong's recent film "The Host" there on Friday.

Two of Bong's previous films were shown in New York on Feb. 25, in Chicago on Saturday and in San Francisco on Monday. "Barking Dogs Never Bite" was his debut commercial film and "Memories of Murder" became a hit by drawing 5 million viewers when it was released in Korea. The director himself attended a meeting with the audience in San Francisco.

Meanwhile, a retrospective of director Hong Sang-soo will be held at the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival, which will open on March 15. Seven of his works will be shown, including "The Day a Pig Fell Into the Well", "The Power of Gangwon Province", "Virgin Stripped Bare by Her Bachelors", "On the Occasion of Remembering the Turning Gate", "Woman is the Fut...

To participate to HanCinema, you must sign up or log in. Sign up, Why ?

2006/12/15 | Source | Permalink |  Digg |  del.icio.us | Stumble It! | Share this news

The World of Silence's Strong Cast

The newly released thriller "The World of Silence" (Joyonghan Sesang) stars PARK Yong-woo and KIM Sang-kyeong. The film is the second feature film of director JO Eui-seok and a Prime Entertainment production.

PARK Yong-woo plays a detective investigating a children's serial murderer. One of his suspects is KIM Sang-kyeong's character. KIM's character looks after a child who is in danger of becoming the next victim.

PARK has become one of the most-sought after actors after success with recent high-profile films as the unexpected surprise hit comedy "My Scary" Girl and the historical thriller "Blood Rain".

KIM worked with critically acclaimed directors like BONG Joon-ho on "Memories of Murder", and with HONG Sang-soo on Turning Gate ("On the Occasion of Remembering the Turning Gate") and "Tale of Cinema".

Director JO's previous feature film was the 2002 comedy "Make it Big" starring KWON Sang-woo.

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

To participate to HanCinema, you must sign up or log in. Sign up, Why ?