Thursday 26 August 2010, 7pm, Korean Cultural Centre As
above states, this is the last film of the Jang Sung-woo series, so
please get down to KCC and catch this rare opportunity to see this
little gem. Location of screening: Multi-purpose hall, Korean Cultural Centre UK, Grand Buildings, 1-3 Strand, LONDON, WC2N 5BW Breathless 똥파리 Location of screening: Multi-purpose hall, Korean Cultural Centre UK, Grand Buildings, 1-3 Strand, LONDON, WC2N 5BW
Lovers in Woomukbaemi / 우묵배미의 사랑
Starring: Park Joong-hoon, Choi Myoung-gil
Running Time: 118 min
Certificate: 18 (Korea)
Synopsis
The
final film is one rarely seen in the UK, Lovers in Woomukbaemi. A
different type of film compared to Jang Sun-woo’s previously screened
in this retrospective, Lovers has far more of a comedic touch to the
subject. Situated in a small town in South Korean it centres on a
clothes factory manager and the triangular relationship between
himself, his insatiably jealous and violent wife and one of his
employees. Each character helps to represent that thoughts, feelings
and humour of the lower class at the time. A hugely funny film yet not
any less important than any of Jang Sun-woo’s other films.
Source: KCC website
Booking information: Booking is essential by either calling +44 (0)20 7004 2600 or by email at info@kccuk.org.uk
Starring:Yang Ik-joon (양익준), Kim Kkot-bi (김꽃비), Lee Hwan (이환), Park Jeong-soon (박정순) & Lee Seung-yeon (이승연)
Running Time: 130 min
Korean Release Date: 16/04/2009
UK Distributor: Terracotta Films
UK Theatrical Release Date: 29 January 2010.
UK DVD Release Date: 22 March 2010 - HMV (9.99) Play.com (9.99)
Interview with director Yang Ik June (양익준) here
Interview with actress Kim Kkot-bi (김꽃비) here
You can see my review here - you shouldn't miss this film. 
Synopsis
After witnessing the deaths of his mother and sister during childhood, Sang-hoon grew up along with violence. To punish his father for destorying the family, Sang-hoon visits his father regularly with rampage. One day, he meets a teenage girl, Yon-hi. As encounter piles up, Sanghoon and Yonhi find themselves in each other. But their link started long time ago. Out of blind, Sang-hoon, Yon-hi, and others among them reach out for more relationships.
Source: KOFIC
Booking information: Booking is essential by either calling +44 (0)20 7004 2600 or by email at info@kccuk.org.uk
Thursday 24 February, 7pm, Korean Cultural Centre
Chosun's most infamous Casanova, irresistible temptress and virtuous widow entangled in provocative and dangerous liaisons Source:www.cjent.co.kr
The end of the Chosun dynasty-a period when rigid Confucianism clashed with encroaching new beliefs.
Lady Cho is a brilliant woman who mastered the classics on her own, and she resents the limited life she must lead as a woman. A devoted wife on the surface, she secretly entertains herself with sexual conquests.
On the other hand, her younger cousin Jo-won is accomplished both as a scholar and in martial arts, but rejects a high government post as if he disdains the hierarchical and patriarchal conventions of the time. He indulges in the pleasures of the flesh with as many women as he can seduce. Lady Cho was his first love, and they become co-conspirators in a high-stakes game of love and intrigue while hiding their true feelings for each other.
One day, Lady Cho asks Jo-won to deflower the innocent young Soh-ok, who is to become her husband's concubine, but his attentions are elsewhere: Lady Sook. Graceful and aloof, Lady Sook lives according to her convictions as a Catholic. Jo-won becomes obsessed with seducing her, a woman who has remained chaste for nine years since her husband's death. However, it proves to be more difficult than he expected when Chosun's greatest playboy sets out to conquer the most virtuous woman in the land...
Thursday 8 October, Korean Cultural Centre
Every love has to be paid… A competent detective Ki-hoon, who has a graceful wife and a passionate lover, takes a murder case. While he investigates the mysterious widow, he becomes lost between two loves, which lead him to a final disaster. Source: KOFIC The film has earnt praise for its depth and artistic merit. The film follows detecive Ki-hoon played by the famous Han Seok-Kyu This is Byeon Hyeok's (변혁) second film; he made his debut with his renouned Interview / 인터뷰 (1999). He seems to have cultivated a particular artistic style, which is further expressed in A Scarlet Letter. His latest film, Five Sense of Eros / 오감도 (2009), which is a selection of short films from different directors', was recently released, but failed to please audiences. This film, however, was relatively successful, even if it didn't break box office records. But I suspect it won't be a comfortable viewing, given that it seems to be rather depressing, not least in relation to the sudden death of one of Korea's great actresses. But its artistic and acting merits will no doubt keep you engaged well beyond the conclusion of the film.
This film will always go down as the last film Lee Eun-joo (故 이은주) acted in before she tragically commited suicide in February 2005. It caused shock and an outpouring of grief amongst fellow celebrities and fans alike. Much has been discussed about her sudden death; not least her nude scenes in this film, which has been linked to her depression. But I don't want to dwell on what led to her death, but draw on her raw acting ability - if only very briefly - which is explified throughout her career: many will recognize her from her moving performance in Taegugki / 태극기 휘날리며 . This film appears to exhibit her sheer talent as an actress as she seemed able to act with great intensity and authencity in a very demanding role.
(한 석규) as he seeks to fullfill his desires, but it comes as a cost, as it leads him on a jonurney destined for disaster. One critic has read the film in relation to Adam and Eve - the film begins with a verse from Genises 3:6 and labels it as "the 21st century Genesis Chapter 3." 
Lee Eun-joo in her last film before she tragically took her own life.
The people of the UK have been blessed with the very impressive Korean Culture Centre that resides in the heart of London, Trafalgar Square. Since its opening at the end of January, it has already hosted a screening - Virgin Snow with the director taking a Q&A - and it now hosts regular film screenings. There is also a reference library, which allows you to watch Korean films in the centre on their 23" Samsung TVs. But, you need to register so please refer to their guidlines
The Korean Cultural Centre is open Mon - Fri 9am - 6pm and Saturday 11am -5pm and for a map, please click here. You can also find more information on the Korean Centre by going to their website.
Korean Classic Film Series
Date: Every Thursday from 5 – 25 February 2009
Time: 7pm
Location: Multi-purpose hall, Korean Cultural Centre UK, Grand Buildings, 1-3 Strand, LONDON, WC2N 5BW
Contact: Hye-Jung Jeon at hyejung.jeon@kccuk.org.uk or tel: +44 (0)20 7004 2606
Booking information: Booking is essential by either calling +44 (0)20 7004 2600 or by email at info@kccuk.org.uk
The Korean Cultural Centre has now been screening Korean films on a bi-weekly basis for a year now since the centre has opened. And to celebrate our year anniversary, we are delighted to present to you the Korean classic film series, which begins on Thursday 5 February with the screening of Han Myeong-mo’s classic Hyperbolae of Youth (1956), and runs every Thursday to the 25 February, which concludes with the screening of Lee Du-yong’s accomplished The Last Witness (1980).
In order for you to get as much from these films as possible, Daniel Martin from Queen’s University Belfast will give an overview of classic Korean cinema on Thursday 5 February.
Film Schedule: Date and Time Title Director Thursday 5 February, 7pm Hperbolae of Youth Han Myeong-mo Thursday 12 February, 7pm A Pretty Middle Manger Lee Bong-rae Thursday 19 February, 7pm Ieoh Island Kim Ki-young Thursday 26 February, 7pm The Last Witness Lee Du-yong
These films' are a must see for anyone interested in Korean cinema. Well before contemporary Korean cinema lept on to the world stage, Korean films have captivated and stunned audiences for years, both in the domestic and international markets' although on a much smaller scale when compared to current or recent Korean films. This is a great opportunity to see some rare gems that you would not normally go and see. They will leave you thinking for hours and you may wonder why Korean cinema was left relatively hidden for so long, at least compared to other national cinemas.
Hyperbolae of Youth / 청춘쌍곡선 (1956)
Director: Han Myeong-mo
Starring: Hwang Hae, Ji Hak-ja, Kim Hee-Gap
Running Time: 94 min
Production Company: Han Hyeong-Mo Production
Synopsis
The film follows Myeong-ho and Bu-name. They both lead opposite lives; one has a life of excess and the other is completely malnurished and in comparison, leads a far simpler life. A doctor subsequently orders them both to switch lifestyles for two weeks and things then take a rather interesting turn.
If you want some more info on the film, there is a review/article on the film, which contextualises the film and makes some interesting points.
Source: Korean Film Archive, Twitch
Korean Cultural Centre Screening: Chi-wha-seon (기담)
Venue: Multi-purpose hall, Korean Cultural Centre
Date: Thursday 25 September 2008
BOOKING ESSENTIAL: PLEASE EMAIL info at kccuk.org.uk OR CALL 020 7004 2600 TO MAKE A RESERVATION. PLACES ARE LIMITED.
Film Information
Chi-Wha-Seon (취화선)
Director: Im Kwon-taek (임권택)
Starring: Choi Min-sik (최민식), Yoo Ho-jeong (유호정), Yoo Ho-jeong (유호정) & Kim Yeo-jin (김여진)
Running time: 120 min
Korean Release Date: 10/05/2002
Synopsis
During the 1850s, KIM Byung-moon saves young Seung-up from being beaten by a group of drifters. Seung-up draws him a picture to explain the reason of being beaten. KIM looks carefully at Seung-up's rough yet extraordinary talent... and years later, KIM encourages Seung-up to pursue the life of a true artist and gives him a pen name, Oh-won. Seung-up meets Mae-hyang, a daughter of a declined Yangban(nobility) who attracts him deeply. But, they part when she runs away from persecution of the catholic.
Seung-up leaves and wanders about in pursuit of the truth of art. Nobody can hold on to him. Only through pleasure can he eagerly stroke his paintbrush. He confirms the power of his brush stroke through his painting of a monkey with a liquor bottle in hand while mocking the world. As fame builds up, he yearns to change and stretch beyond his limits. Then one day, he experiences all his body's energy flowing into the paintbrush. Seung-up, in a misshaped bowl, discovers the state he has strived to attain and turns his back to the world and fades away...
Some thoughts...
As with any Im Kwon-taek film, it is quite cultural in its look, though he doesn't explore culture in the same way he has done in many of his other films such as Sopyonje. This film is more personal and some argue that the character of Seung-up played by the excellent Choi Min-sik is actually IM Kwon-taek himself, which is an interesting and convincing argument. This film also marks as a change in IM's style; Im moves from long takes to shorter cuts and close-ups. This is an excellent film with superb performances, infinite depth and Im clearly in control, but for those seeking for entertainment, you will be bitterly disappointed.
Korean Cultural Centre Screening: Epitaph (기담)
Venue: Multi-purpose hall, Korean Cultural Centre
Date: Friday 22 August 2008
BOOKING ESSENTIAL: PLEASE EMAIL info at kccuk.org.uk OR CALL 020 7004 2600 TO MAKE A RESERVATION. PLACES ARE LIMITED.
Film Information
Epitaph (기담)
Director: Jeong Beom-sik (정범식) & Jeong Sik (정식)
Starring: Jin Goo (진구), Kim Tae-woo (김태우), Lee Dong-gyoo (이동규) & Kim Bo-kyeong (김보경)
Running time: 98 min
Korean Release Date: 01/08/2007
Number of Korean Admissions: 647,601 (as of 13/08/2007)
Synopsis
“In a modern hospital in 1941, doctors witness weird events and learn DEATH is the sole healer.” In 1979, Dr. PARK receives an old photo album from his twenties in 1941 when mysterious things befell him and his colleagues. PARK was bound by his parents to marry a girl whom he never met, but fell in love with a dead woman who happened to be his arranged marriage. Meanwhile, a little girl who was apparently the only survivor a car accident was haunted by ghosts every night. After two doctors (a married couple) involved in these two stories return to their hospital from Tokyo, a series of serial murders occurs around them.
Some thoughts...
This film is part of the horror season at KCC - the last screening was of Tale of Two Sisters. Traditionally the month of August is the month for horror films in Korean cinemas, but since last year's horror season was so unsuccessful - this film only gathered 647,601 admissions - there was talk that there would be no horror season this year. However one horror film has been released this year - Death Bell ( 고死: 피의 중간고사) directed by Chang (창감독) and time will tell whether this will be successful. Anyway as for this film, to me this seemed to be the most promising horror film last summer with its classic look. Since I haven't seen it, I can't really say whether it is good or not, but given Koreans do make a good horror film, even though it is a genre that is somewhat run out of steam, I am sure this film is worth checking out especially if you like a good horror film. It is worth mentioning a couple of awards including Pusan Film Critics Awards. Here is a good review, which should encourage you to check it out.
Korean Cultural Centre Screening: A Tale of Two Sisters 장화, 홍련
Venue: Multi-purpose hall, Korean Cultural Centre
Date: Thursday 7 August 2008
BOOKING ESSENTIAL: PLEASE EMAIL info at kccuk.org.uk OR CALL 020 7004 2600 TO MAKE A RESERVATION. PLACES ARE LIMITED.
Film Information
A Tale of Two Sisters / 장화, 홍련
Director: Kim Ji-woon (김지운)
Starring: Moon Geun-yeong (문근영), Im Soo-jeong (임수정), Yeom Jeong-ah (염정아) & Kim Kap-soo (김갑수)
Running Time: 115 min
Korean Release Date: 13/06/2003
Synopsis
Eun-joo, the stepmother, welcomes two sisters who come back home after recovering their health, but Su-mi, the elder sister, intentionally avoids her and Su-yeon, the younger sister, shows a smack of fear for her stepmother. On their first night, Su-yeon sneaks in Su-mi's room confessing there is someone in her room and Su-mi sees a ghost of her late mother who hung herself in Su-yeon's closet. Strange things begin to happen since then; a ghost haunts the house and stepmother's birds are poisoned to death. Assuming Su-yeon is behind the inauspicious incidents, the stepmother locks her in the closet, and when Su-mi learns about the cruel punishment, conflict between the stepmother and two sisters gets bitter than ever.
One day, Mu-hyun, the father goes to town and Su-mi finds there is no sign of her younger sister, Su-yeon and Su-mi sports Eun-joo dragging a big bag through the dark corridor leaving bloody stains behind her. Su-mi follows bloody trace of the bag and she confronts with Eun-joo on her way of tracking. They starts to fight vehemently and Su-mi falls down struck by Eun-joo in the end... A while later, Mu-hyun comes back to the house and founds Su-mi fallen on the floor alone and enraged Mu-hyun exclaims that Su-yeon was already dead His exclamation awakes a series of memories and hidden secrets buried deep inside of Su-mi..
Some thoughts....
Given that Kim Ji-woon's (김지운) latest film The Good, The Bad and The Weird 좋 은 놈, 나쁜 놈, 이상한 놈 is making headlines in Korea with its strong performance, it is quite timely that his horror hit is to be the next screening at the Korean Cultural Centre.
Although it has already been released theatrically and more notably, it has been and continues to be a successful DVD title, some may argue why screen it? But there are always people who haven't seen it and given that it is a very solid piece of work, you can't go wrong in spending two hours of your time watching this film. Kim Ji-woon has a habit of adding something to a genre and few people would disagree that this highly skillfull, compelling and innovative film has contributed a great deal to the horror genre. The use of the set, camera techniques, faultless acting and a very clever and unpredictable plot are merley a few attributes that make this film an excellent one, even for the audiences that normally stay well clear of horror films.
Korean Cultural Centre Screening: A Peppermint Candy 박하사탕
Venue: Multi-purpose hall, Korean Cultural Centre
Date: Thursday 24 July 2008
BOOKING ESSENTIAL: PLEASE EMAIL info at kccuk.org.uk OR CALL 020 7004 2600 TO MAKE A RESERVATION. PLACES ARE LIMITED.
Film Information
Titles: A Peppermint Candy 박하사탕 (Lee Chang-dong Season)
Director: Lee Chang-dong (이창동)
Starring: Seol Gyeong-gu (설경구), Moon So-ril (문소리) and Kim Yeo-Jin
Running Time: 130 min
Korean Release Date: 01/01/2000
Synopsis
The film follows Yong-ho, who is played by Seol Gyeong-gu (설경구). The film begins at his suicide and the film looks back at his life and by extension looks at the political and social turmoil over the last 20 years (prior to 2000 when the film was made). The film ends at the beginning, which sees Yong-ho prior to the events that ultimultely led to his demise.
Why you should see it
It is probably one of the finest films in contemporary Korean cinema - it makes the films that are being made at the moment look quite poor in comparison, but that is just my frustration with the film industry at present. Serioulsy though, this is one extraordinary film, which breaks narrative conventions and challenges its Korean audience to look at its dark past. Lee courageously explores the transition from dictatorship to democracy and the cost involved in this transition. Through this, he also looks at the Gwangju massacre, which has was made into a film last year - May 18 (화려한 휴가) directed by Kim Ji-hun - but in my opinion, although Gwangju is only part of this film, it says more about Gwanggju than May 18 does as it explores it as a point in history and how it changed one man and by extention a nation.
But to get the most out of this film, one needs to really get a solid understanding of the content. You can find alot about this in books. There is a good chapter on this film in Seoul Searching (Forgetting to Remember, Remembering to Forget: The Politics of Memory and Modernity in the Fractured Films of Lee Chang-dong and Hong Sang-soo) and New Korean Cinema (Peppermint Candy: The Will Not to Forget), but if you want something much more lighter (!) and convenient, check out this review, which captures the main points. But I would stress, it is no substitute if you want to get into the nitty-gritty. Obviously, all these have spoliers, but this is not a film that you watch wondering what is going to happen next; it is more about understanding the signiificance of what is going on in the screen.
Korean Cultural Centre Screening: Green Fish (초록물고기)
Venue: Multi-purpose hall, Korean Cultural Centre
Date: Thursday 10 July 2008
BOOKING ESSENTIAL: PLEASE EMAIL info at kccuk.org.uk OR CALL 020 7004 2600 TO MAKE A RESERVATION. PLACES ARE LIMITED.
Film Information
Titles: Green Fish (초록물고기)
Director: Lee Chang-dong (이창동)
Starring: Han Seok-Kyu (한석규), Shim Hye-jin (심혜진), Moon Seong-geun (문성근), Myeong Kye-nam (명계남) Song Kang-ho (송강호)
Running Time: 114 mins
Korean Release Date: 07/02/1997
Synopsis
The film follows Mak-dong (Han Suk-kyu) who has just come out from 2 years of mandatory military training and returns to Ilsan, which has turned into a Satellite town. With the population of Seoul going through the roof, the government took measures to try and move people to satellite towns just outside the centre so they could still work in Seoul – Ilsan being one of them (it is situated to the North West of Seoul). Mak-dong struggles to adjust to this transformation, and enters into the world of gang culture, and his life subsequently takes a dark turn.
Why you should see it
I have reviewed it, so please click here - it will give you all the information you need to encourage you to watch it. In short, it is one of the great films from Lee Chang-dong - well all his films are superb, but this is no exception. Although it may look a bit dated, Lee Chang-dong's passion for realism that reveals the social issues of Korea, both past and present -this is something he adopts throughout all of his films - is astounding. Green Fish is a gruelling experience - don't expect any happy endings - but it is filmmaking at its very best.
Korean Cultural Centre Screening: Welcome to Dongmakgol (웰컴 투 동막골)
Venue: Multi-purpose hall, Korean Cultural Centre
Date: Thursday 26 June 2008
BOOKING ESSENTIAL: PLEASE EMAIL info at kccuk.org.uk OR CALL 020 7004 2600 TO MAKE A RESERVATION. PLACES ARE LIMITED.
Titles: Welcome to Dongmakgol (웰컴 투 동막골)
Director: Park Kwang-hyeon (박광현)
Starring: Jeong Jae-yeong (정재영), Sin Ha-gyoon (신하균), Kang Hye-jeong (강혜정) & Kang Hye-jeong (강혜정)
Running Time: 133 mins
Korean Release Date: 08/04/2005
Number of Korean Admissions: 8,008,622 admissions
Synopsis
During the Korean War, soldiers from the US, North and South Korea come to a peaceful village, Dongmakgol. At first, they confront each other but soon, they start to mix with the villagers. But now the time has come when they must carry out their duties.
Why you should see it
Although it didn't quite make as much money as Taeguki/Brotherhood, which was released a year earlier, it still was very successful amongst audiences to become the second biggest hit of the year - it was only beaten by The King and The Clown (왕의 남자) , whch went on to break the record formally held by Taeguki/Brotherhood. It is a very interesting film that is similar to JSA (공동경비구역) in some respects as it put North and South Koreans together even though they are in conflict with one another and you get to see 'we are of the same blood, but ideology seperates us' (not quoted from the film) on screen. As a result, as a non-Korean, I feel somewhat isolated to a certain extent as there is so much I can't identify with, however it is interesting to see, even only to a certain extent how ideology has come to seperate a nation that was once unified.
Aside from its content, it also delivers faultess acting from the Korean cast, most notably Kang Hye-jeong (강혜정) who does deliver an exceptional performance and as always, Sin Ha-gyoon (신하균) is a real pleasure to watch. However, the American in the fim, played by Steve Taschler is awful, which is a shame, but don't let this deter you from watching the film - you will miss out on some terrific action set pieces, beautiful cinematography and clever wit. Enjoy...
Korean Cultural Centre Screening: Taeguki (Brotherhood).
Venue: Multi-purpose hall, Korean Cultural Centre
Date: Thursday 12 June 2008
BOOKING ESSENTIAL: PLEASE EMAIL info at kccuk.org.uk OR CALL 020 7004 2600 TO MAKE A RESERVATION. PLACES ARE LIMITED.
Film Information
Titles: Taeguki / Brotherhood / 태극기 휘날리며
Director: Kang Je-gyu (강제규)
Starring: Jang Dong-gun (장동건), Won Bin (원빈), Lee Eun-joo (이은주), Kong Hyeong-jin (공형진), Jang Min-ho (장민호) & Lee Yeong-ran (이영란).
Running Time: 140 mins
Korean Release Date: 02/05/2004
Synopsis
Jin-tae shines shoes in order to save money to send his younger brother Jin-suk to university.
Their mother runs a noodle shop, wishing the best for her two sons even though
things have been tough since her husband has passed away. Sending Jin-suk to
university has become the shining light in their everyday routine. At the start
of the Korean War(25th June 1950), Jin-suk is unwillingly conscripted into the
war. Jin-tae joins the war to save his brother and send him back home. Without
money or influence, the only hope to save his brother is for Jin-tae to enlist
in suicidal missions in order to earn the Medal of Honor. The medal will guarantee
Jin-suk's release. Jin-suk fails to understand his brother's actions and misinterprets
them as a dangerous mix of patriotism and obsession with fame and glory. It
is only at the fatal end that Jin-suk realizes the truth of his brother's sacrifice.
Why you should see it
Often compared to Saving Private Ryan for its brutal portryal of war, it has become a Korean classic, though some have criticised it for its blockbuster appeal that began with Kang's previous film, Shiri. It broke box office records in Korea making 11,746,135, though there reports of the distributor, Showbox giving away free tickets to beat the record, but you can't believe everything and if you see the film you can see why it was so popular. It stars one of Korea's most popular actors Jang Dong-gun who delivers a sensational performance as the brother who becomes disillusioned - you may recoginse him from Kim Ki-duk's The Coastguard. It also stars Lee Eun-joo who tragically commited suicide in 2005, which makes the film ever more poignant. The film is also being introduced by a British war veteran from the Korean war (the UK sometimes forget we were even there), which will give the viewing some valuable perspective.
Beyond The Years by Im Kwon-taek on 27th March at 7pm
This is a terrific film that leaves you contemplating for hours after you have watched it, at least I did. Below is a brief review of the film and please click here for the interview I had with Im Kwon-taek, which hopefully provides some insight into the film.
Brief Review
With Im Kwon-taek’s 100th film, you have to take your hat off to him, or in Korean style, bow like crazy. At 71, it easy to write off a director and with the funding problems of this latest film, perhaps there was an element of this. But, although it failed at the box office, it has got to be the most beautiful film I have seen in 2007. Im Kwon-teak, in my view follows realism in a different way compared to the likes of Lee Chang-dong and exposes Korean culture not only to the international audience, but asks Korean’s not to forget their heritage. The flashback narrative is beautifully woven into the present and with faultless performances from the cast, this film doesn’t fail to meet the standard set by his critically acclaimed Sopyonje. This film is a masterpiece – roll on his 101st film!
* * * * *
For more information on the screening, please refer to the press release, which is below:
Press Release
Korean Cultural Centre, UK
Beyond the Years (천년학)
Director: Im Kwon-taek (임권택)
Starring: Jo Jae-hyeon (조재현), Oh Jeong-hae (오정해) & Im Jin-taek (임진택)
Korean Release Date: 12 April 2007.
Venue: Multi-purpose hall,
Korean Cultural Centre UK
Date: Thursday, 27th March 2008
Running Time: 19:00 – 20:46 (106 mins)
BOOKING IS NECESSARY - AVAILABLE VIA:
Tel: 020 7004 2600
Email: kcclondon - at -googlemail.com
Website: www.london.korean-culture.org
KOREAN CULTURAL CENTRE UK, TRAFALGAR SQUARE
Thursday, March 27th 2008, 7:00 PM
As part of the Korean Film Night programme, and following the first successful showing of ‘Virgin Snow’, the Korean Cultural Centre UK proudly presents the first UK release of ‘Beyond the Years.’
‘Beyond the Years’ is the one hundredth film of the highly prolific director Kwon Taek Im, casting Jae Hyun Cho (Dong Ho) and Jung Hae Oh (Song Wha).
Dong Ho, a pansori drummer, is the adopted son of Yu Bong and the brother of Song Wha, a beautiful girl training to become a great pansori singer. Although Dong Ho develops an unspoken love for Song Wha, a love that exceeds the normative affections between siblings, his constant struggles with his father determines him to leave home and find a better life. Yet wherever he walks, he cannot forget his love. His heart compels him to return to Song Wha, dedicate his life to her, and maintain the special relationship they enjoy.
The film will hold its first showing in the UK in the modern Multi-purpose hall of the Korean Cultural Centre UK, situated in the Grand Buildings, Trafalgar Square.
For further information please contact:
Email: hyejung.jeon- at - kccuk.org.uk
Thursday March 12th, Korean Cultural Centre
Seven Days (세븐 데이즈)
Director: Won Sin-yeon (원신연)
Starring: Kim Yoon-jin (김윤진), Kim Mi-Sook (김미숙), Park Hee-soon (박희순) & Choi Myeong-su (최명수)
Running Time: 125 min
Korean Release Date: 14/11/2007
Location of screening: Multi-purpose hall, Korean Cultural Centre UK, Grand Buildings, 1-3 Strand, LONDON, WC2N 5BW
Booking information: Booking is essential by either calling +44 (0)20 7004 2600 or by email at info@kccuk.org.uk
If you want to see what I think of the film, please click here for the review.
Young-goon, mentally deranged and frequently electro-charging herself with a transistor radio, has been admitted into a mental institution. Firmly believing herself to be a cyborg, she refuses to consume like a human being. Il-soon is another patient, who catches the eye of Young-goon and soon becomes a close friend. Il-soon is now confronted with the biggest task – to cure Young-goon’s mental problem and have her eat real food. Source: KOFIC
Thursday 22 October, Korean Cultural Centre
Old boy / 올드보이
Location of screening: Multi-purpose hall, Korean Cultural Centre UK, Grand Buildings, 1-3 Strand, LONDON, WC2N 5BW
Booking information: Booking is essential by either calling +44 (0)20 7004 2600 or by email at info@kccuk.org.uk
Director: Park Chan-wook (박찬욱)
Starring: Choi Min-sik (최민식), Yoo Ji-tae (유지태), Kang Hye-jeong (강혜정) & Kim Byeong-ok
(김병옥)
Running Time: 120 min
Korean Release Date: 21/11/2003
Synopsis 
In 1998, OH Dae-soo is drugged and kidnapped in front of his own house. Coming to, Dae-soo realizes he has been thrown into a private prison. The people who imprison him supply him with food, water and a television. Dae-soo watches the news and learns that his beloved wife was brutally murdered and the police suspects Dae-soo as the murderer. He vows to survive his ordeal and take revenge on the men who destroyed his happy life. Dae-soo habituates himself to the darkness in the cell, training his mind and body. He covers himself with tattoos, evidence of the time that he has spent in the cell. One day, Dae-soo is given sleeping gas again. He comes to and finds he has been released, 15 years after he was kidnapped. He tries to find out who is behind all of this and why.
The Scarlet Letter / 주홍글씨
Location of screening: Multi-purpose hall, Korean Cultural Centre UK, Grand Buildings, 1-3 Strand, LONDON, WC2N 5BW
Booking information: Booking is essential by either calling +44 (0)20 7004 2600 or by email at info@kccuk.org.uk
Director: Byeon Hyeok (변혁)
Starring: Han Seok-Kyu (한석규), Lee Eun-joo (故 이은주), Seong Hyeon-ah (성현아) & Eom Ji-won (엄지원)
Running Time: 115 min
Korean Release Date: 29/10/2004
Synopsis
PARK CHAN-WOOK Season
I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK / 싸이보그지만 괜찮아
Location of screening: Multi-purpose hall, Korean Cultural Centre UK, Grand Buildings, 1-3 Strand, LONDON, WC2N 5BW
Booking information: Booking is essential by either calling +44 (0)20 7004 2600 or by email at info@kccuk.org.uk
Director: Park Chan-wook (박찬욱)
Starring: Im Soo-jeong (임수정), Rain (비),
Running Time: 105 min
Korean Release Date: 12/07/2006
Synopsis
Sorry about the late notice, I only heard about this yesterday. This is a screening of three films from the 1930s including the oldest Korean film in existence, so therefore a rare opportunity to see some of Korea's earliest films. This period was before the Second World War and therefore the Korean peninsula was under Japanese occupation, so it will be interesting to see how this has influenced what was put on screen. And, indeed, this was before Korea was split in two - Korea was one country, all be it controlled by the Japanese. Film Title: Sweet Dream (1936) Location of screening: Multi-purpose hall, Korean Cultural Centre UK, Grand Buildings, 1-3 Strand, LONDON, WC2N 5BW
Director: Yang joo-nam
Runtime: 48 mins
“The oldest (Korean) film in existence and a valuable window into 1930s films grammar, as well as into discourses on New Women and modernity during the japanese colonial era”
Film Title: Military Train (1938)
Director: Seo Gwang-jae
Runtime: 67 mins
Kim Jeom-young (wang Pyeong) and Won Jin (dok Eun-gil) are friends who are living together. Kim Jeom-yong is a train conductor who wants to drive military trains. Won Jin is the fiancé of yeong-shim, jeom-yeong’s younger sister. At this time, a spy approaches Won Jin and offers 2,000 KRW in exchange for information on the military train…
Film Title: Fisherman’s Fire (1939)
Director: Ahn Cheol-young
Runtime: 52 mins
‘Sweet Dreams’ is a melodrama dealing with a housewife, Ae-soon’s (Mun Ye-bong) deviation and repentance, and you can see the editing method of Korean sound films in the 1930s ‘Military Train’ is regarded as the first pro-Japan, pro-government Korean films. It is Seo Gwang-je’s debut work as a film director.
Booking information: Booking is essential by either calling +44 (0)20 7004 2600 or by email at info@kccuk.org.uk
Thursday 26 November, Korean Cultural Centre
Untold Scandal / 스캔들 - 조선남녀상열지사
Director: Lee Jae-yong (이재용)
Starring: Bae Yong-joon (배용준), Lee Mi-sook (이미숙), Jeon Do-yeon (전도연) & Jo Hyeon-jae (조현재)
Running Time: 120min
Korean Release Date: 02/10/2003
Location of screening: Multi-purpose hall, Korean Cultural Centre UK, Grand Buildings, 1-3 Strand, LONDON, WC2N 5BW
Booking information: Booking is essential by either calling +44 (0)20 7004 2600 or by email at info@kccuk.org.uk
Synopsis
Take Off / 국가대표 Director: Kim Yong-hwa (김용화) Sypnosis Source: KOFIC This is Kim Yong-hwa's (김용화) third feature film and he has demonstrated he is becoming commercially consistent. His last film 200 Pounds Beauty / 미녀는 괴로워 (2006) became one of the most successful films of 2006 and his latest films was one of the most successful films of 2009. Often referred to a Korean take of Cool Runnings, it has been very popular with Koreans - many of whom have told me how much they have enjoyed it. Kim's films are thoroughly enjoyable and often hilarious and this is probably why his films are so popular. Kim told me when I met him a couple of years ago, he is very much influenced by Hollywood directors such as as the Coen Brothers and Michael Mann and therefore perhaps reflective of a younger generation of filmmakers who are as influenced by Hollywood film directors as they are by their Korean predecessors. Location of screening: Multi-purpose hall, Korean Cultural Centre UK, Grand Buildings, 1-3 Strand, LONDON, WC2N 5BW Trailer (without subtitles) 
Starring: Ha Jeong-woo (하정우), Seong Dong-il (성동일), Kim Ji-seok-I (김지석) & Kim Dong-wuk (김동욱)
Running Time: 137 min
Korean Release Date: 23/08/2009
Number of Korean Admissions: 8,089,522
In 1996 a small Korean town is undergoing a large-scale construction in preparation for Winter Olympics bid. In the middle of the construction, the local committee receives a report that they do not have sufficient athletes to compete. they conclude to form a ski jump team in order to represent the event. Former American Junior alpine athlete Bob is an adoptee who came to Korea in search of his mother. With 4 other non-experienced athletes, he form the first Korean ski jump team. there’s no turning back, it’s a challenge they committed to.
Some thoughts...
Booking information: Booking is essential by either calling +44 (0)20 7004 2600 or by email at info@kccuk.org.uk
Thursday 10 December, Korean Cultural Centre
The Past Unearthed: A collection of films from the 1930s
Lifting Kong Kong / 킹콩을 들다 Location of screening: Multi-purpose hall, Korean Cultural Centre UK, Grand Buildings, 1-3 Strand, LONDON, WC2N 5BW Trailer (without subtitles)
Booking information: Booking is essential by either calling +44 (0)20 7004 2600 or by email at info@kccuk.org.uk
Thursday 11 February, 7pm, Korean Cultural Centre
Director: Park Geon-yong (박건용)
Starring: Lee Beom-soo (이범수), Jo An (조안), Lee Yoon-hoi (이윤회) & Choi Moon-kyeong (최문경)
Running Time: 120 min
Korean Release Date: 01/07/2009
Number of Korean Admissions: 1,271,136 (as of 30/08/09)
Sypnosis
Retired weightlifter Lee Ji-bong (Lee Beom-soo) reluctantly accepts a coaching position at a provincial girls' middle school. Ji-bong eventually accepts the group of enthusiastic yet clueless teenage girls to pass on the painful skills of the unpopular sport. Inspired by a true story, the film shows how the ill-equipped team members champion the national sports festival and also transform one another's lives. All ages admitted.
Source: Korea Times.
Thursday 22 April 2010, 7pm, Korean Cultural Centre
The Avatamska Surta / 화엄경
Location of screening: Multi-purpose hall, Korean Cultural Centre UK, Grand Buildings, 1-3 Strand, LONDON, WC2N 5BW
Booking information: Booking is essential by either calling +44 (0)20 7004 2600 or by email at info@kccuk.org.uk
Starring: Won Mi-kyeong, Oh Tae-kyung
Running Time: 115 min
Korean Release Date: June 26 1993
The winner of the Alfred-Bauer Prize at the 1994 Berlin Film Festival
Before this film screening, guests will be invited to enjoy a Korean tea tasting with traditional snacks.
Synopsis
Abandoned as an infant, Seon-jae is foundand raised by Moon-su, an ex-convict with a colourful record. When Moon-su dies, Seon-jae begins a search for his mother. On his journey, Seon-jae experiences love, sorrow, equality, wealth, and sexual desire through the people he meets: Beob-woon who gives him a flute, Ji-ho a philanderer, Hae-woon a fishing village doctor, Ina the blind singer, Manee the vamp, the long-term prisoner Hye-kyung. He is reunited with Ee-ryun who confesses the love that she has kept for him for so long. They share a night together during a rain storm and Ee-ryun becomes pregnant.
Thursday 25 March, 7pm, Korean Cultural Centre