Where film demands dramaticism, realism is forfeited, Ransomed is the latest piece of Korean cinema to take a bit of history and whip up a fun action flick around it. The true story it’s based on of a Korean diplomat’s abduction in Lebanon is like a small meringue, sitting atop a thick lemon tart of…
Tag: Far East Film Festival
26th Far East Film Festival: “12.12: The Day” Review
12.12: The Day is the new cinematic offering from Kim Sung-su, a South Korean filmmaker well-known for Musa, Asura: The City of Madness, and Flu. And, just like his previous works, 12.12: The Day is a gripping and powerful narrative filled with sublime performances. In the wake of President Park’s assassination in 1979, the political…
26th Far East Film Festival: FOCUS ASIA 2024 Announces All Selected Projects and Works in Progress
Following the success of the previous edition, FOCUS ASIA 2024, the industry segment of the Far East Film Festival, is delighted to announce the full selection for the All Genres Project Market and Far East in Progress. These platforms serve as vital conduits for projects with potential for Asian and European co-production, as well as…
26th Far East Film Festival: “Customs Frontline” to Close the FEFF in Udine
The Closing Night of FEFF 26 will begin with the prestigious awarding of Lifetime Achievement Golden Mulberries to both Zhang Yimou and Chiu Fu-sheng, followed by the screening of the restored version of To Live. The festival’s conclusion will feature the world premiere of Herman Yau’s thrilling new action film, Customs Frontline. Herman Yau, screenwriter…
26th Far East Film Festival Returns with 79 Films from 12 Countries Celebrating Asian Cinema
The Far East Film Festival is back and it’s bigger than ever for its 26th edition, which boasts 79 films from 12 countries, all celebrating Asian cinema. Taking place in Udine, Italy, from 24 April to 2 May, the esteemed film festival will host a number of exciting stars to present their movies to cinephiles….
25th Far East Film Festival: “The Legend & Butterfly” Review
Oda Nobunaga, Japan’s first “great unifier”, has been depicted on screen countless times. Depending on the angle of the narrative the daimyo can either be seen as a hero or villain; romantic lead or malevolent foe; the Fool of Owari or the Demon King. Often his part in unifying the country during the Sengoku period…
25th Far East Film Festival: In Conversation with He Shuming, Hong Huifang & Anthony Chen of “Ajoomma”
The Udine Far East Film Festival is probably one of the most prestigious and important film festivals in Europe that promotes Asian films over 9 days. This year, FEFF celebrated its 25th anniversary with Ajoomma as the Opening Night film. During the festival, we had the pleasure of speaking with He Shuming (director), Hong Huifang…
25th Far East Film Festival: “Ajoomma” Review
Making your feature film debut can be an exciting yet daunting experience, and the foundation of any good film is a strong story and its characters. Ajoomma, directed by He Shuming and co-written with Kris Ong, is one of those evocative narratives. A Singaporean and South Korean co-production, produced by the renowned filmmaker Anthony Chen…
25th Far East Film Festival: “December” Review
If your daughter’s killer had the opportunity to start again, would she, to your mind, be deserving of that second chance? That is the question at the heart of December, a Japanese court drama helmed by Indian filmmaker Anshul Chauhan. Crime, punishment, and the rehabilitation of criminals are topics that are debated all around the…
24th Udine Far East Film Festival: “Confession” Review
Confession, a remake of 2016’s Spanish thriller, The Invisible Guest, written and directed by Yoon Jong-seok, is truly one of the most interesting remakes of the past decade. The dark atmosphere and mysterious characters not only draw the viewer in, but also provoke deeper reflections on human behaviour in extreme situations. Undoubtedly, Yoon’s Confession keeps…
24th Udine Far East Film Festival: In Conversation with Park Dae-min, Director of “Special Delivery”
It took a while for Park Dae-min to make his first film. Although he graduated with a degree in architecture, he found his passion for filmmaking back in 2002 when he directed a short film Hey, What Are You Looking For, which was invited to screen at the Busan International Short Film Festival. Park Dae-min…
23rd Udine Far East Film Festival: “My Missing Valentine” Review
Taiwanese romantic comedies can touch one’s heart regardless of their Rotten Tomatoes rating or the narrative itself. And despite the genre, the country’s cinema has always highlighted its culture and people against the wonderful landscapes and pictorial compositions of local architecture. Although rom-coms are filled with cliches, some storylines make the audience analyse their own…
23rd Udine Far East Film Festival: “A is for Agustin” Review
Despite the importance that has been attached to education on a global scale over the years, the world still faces enormous inequalities in terms of access to education. The immediate and most telling effect of not receiving education is illiteracy. While only 3% of people in Europe are illiterate, in South America, Asia and Africa…
23rd Udine Far East Film Festival: “Money Has Four Legs” Review
Wai Bhone (Okkar Dat Khe) sits across from his producer in his office. His producer pours over Wai Bhone’s latest film script. He crosses out lines and spits out suggestions – cut out smoking scenes – they set a bad example, make the criminals more polite – we must show how polite Burmese people are,…
VIEW OF THE ARTS 