KCC (Korean Cultural Centre, UK) Screenings.
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 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 culture as he does 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.