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…
Tag: Korean Cinema
26th Far East Film Festival: “Citizen of a Kind” Review
Perhaps the most remarkable tale is one of a seemingly unremarkable person who defies their dreary destiny and takes control of their life. Nothing is more impressive than when these occur in real life – not just some fantasy stirred up for a good bit of fiction. Citizen of a Kind, directed by Park Young-ju,…
38th BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival – In Conversation with Yun Su-ik, Director of “Heavy Snow”
There are countless film narratives out there that not only entertain but also challenge societal norms, encouraging viewers to discuss the difficulties of human relationships and identity. Heavy Snow, a film that depicts the themes of love, social taboos, and personal growth, shows the true power of storytelling. We sat down with the film’s director,…
38th BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival – In Conversation with Han Hae-in of “Heavy Snow”
In films, where stories are displayed like flower petals in the wind, there’s a special place where characters come alive, showing us what it means to be human. And one of the shining stars is Han Hae-in. She’s known for her amazing talent in bringing characters to life on screen. Before she portrayed Su-an in…
38th BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival – “Heavy Snow” Review
Heavy Snow, written and directed by Yun Su-ik, is a subtle, heartwarming, and delicate narrative that depicts a friendship and budding romance between two teenage girls and their tumultuous journey through adolescence. At the centre of the story is Seol (Han So-hee: Nevertheless, My Name), a teenage actress whose world is transformed when she encounters…
38th BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival – In Conversation with Heo Ha-yeon, Director of “Nobody Knows”
While LGBTQIA+ cinema is still not seen in a favourable light in South Korea, many filmmakers dare to venture into that territory, and rightfully so, whether they are part of the community or not. Although not all of these films can be screened in the country itself, international festivals, including BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film…
38th BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival – “Nobody Knows” Review
Despite significant progress in recent years, the LGBTQIA+ community continues to face discrimination and marginalisation in Asia and around the world. While some countries have made strides towards equality, many from the community still live in fear of persecution, violence, and rejection by society due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. In Asia, cultural…
Lee Young-ae on Her Role of Cha Se-eum in “Maestra: Strings of Truth” – Exclusive Interview
Disney+’s Maestra: Strings of Truth, a Studio Dragon production, turned out to be one of the most interesting series of this season. The show follows the life of Cha Se-eum, a gifted violinist and conductor, played by Lee Young-ae, who battles a genetic illness. As the series progresses, Se-eum returns to South Korea, intending to…
Sung Hoon Dives into His Role of Seo Do-guk in Viki’s “Perfect Marriage Revenge” – Exclusive Interview
Meeting a Korean actor whose career has graced screens for over a decade is a rare and thrilling experience. Recently, I had the chance to sit down with the super lovely Sung Hoon in Seoul, where we explored his latest role in Viki’s Perfect Marriage Revenge. As we settled, Sung Hoon provided insights into the…
18th London Korean Film Festival: “Dr. Cheon and The Lost Talisman” Review (Closing Night)
Spoilers ahead Demons and spirits conjure two emotions for movie lovers: it either piques their interest to watch or has them running away in fear. The opening credits of 2023’s Dr. Cheon and The Lost Talisman do just that with the cryptic quote, “Seoul Kyung is a talisman with spells and glyphs written on Hanji…
VIEW OF THE ARTS 