Korean DVD Releases

Since this is a UK site, I am trying to limit the reviews I do to UK releases, but there are times where I want to review a film that hasn't got a UK release, so this page will be dediated to that. If needs be, I will dedicate a whole set of pages to Korean release reviews, but at present, I don't want to overcommit myself.

Speedy Scandal /과속스캔들

Director: Kang Hyeong-cheol (강형철)
Starring: Cha Tae-hyeon (차태현), Park Bo-yeong (박보영), Hwang Seok-hyeon (왕석현) & Lim Ji-gyoo (임지규)
Running Time: 108 min
Korean Release Date: 30/11/2008
Number of Korean Admissions: 8,217,648
Korean DVD Release Date: 06/05/2008

Synopsis 

NAM Hyun-soo was once a popular idol star among teens and worshiped liked a god. Although he’s in his mid-thirties now, he’s still a sought-after celebrity and the host of a popular radio show. But one day a very young single mom named Jung-nam sends her stories to the radio show that Hyun-soo hosts. Her stories about her longing to meet her father whom she’s never seen before grips the nation and catapults the ratings to make it the most popular program. But to his surprise, Hyun-soo later confronts none other than Jung-nam, and her 7 year-old boy, Gi-dong. Jung-nam and Gi-dong invade Hyun-soo’s home and his radio station, claiming that Hyun-soo is her father. Hyun-soo does what he can to salvage his celebrity image.

Source: KOFIC

Review

Those who have been following Korean cinema over the last year or so will almost certainly be aware of this little gem. Amassing 8,217,648 admissions, it has become the seventh biggest domestic hit and the highest grossing Korean comedy to date. It is hardly difficult to miss. But box office hits don’t necessarily mean strong films; one only has to look at  May 18 / 화려한 휴가, which is deplorable. But this is no stinker; on the contrary, it is one of Korea’s finest comedies in recent years. 


It begins as the opening credits interact with the opening scene: the film introduces Nam Hyun-soo, played by the irreplaceable Cha Tae-hyun (차태현), and his stylish modern apartment. Clearly affluent and popular, he lives the life of a typical celebrity as he continues to host a popular radio show. But things take a sudden change when his daughter and grandson turn up at his doorstep – both of whom are unknown to him. Reluctantly, he allows them to stay and so the journey begins as Nam juggles between his own ambitions and supporting his newly discovered family without the press finding out. In conservative Korea, this narrative is a somewhat surprising turn of events. 

Directed by the very promising Kang Hyeong-chul (강형철) – this is his debut (!) - the film is exquisitely shot, not only to reflect the sophisticated level of the Korean film industry but also to illustrate to the extent how Korea has become a technological and modernized powerhouse through the protagonist, Nam. Like the epilogue in Memories of Murder / 살인의 추억, the film makes clear references to how Korea has embraced modernity and western culture: from the western dinning to the ultra modern apartment.  Of course, unlike Memories of Murder, this film doesn’t attempt to explore the underlying roots or causes of this. 

"Like many Korean comedies, it will leave you with a stomach ache – a result from laughing too hard"

Like many Korean comedies, it will leave you with a stomach ache – a result from laughing too hard. This film is utterly hilarious from the very word go right through to its conclusion. Though, for non-Korean viewers, I imagine it is hard to really understand some of the colloquial humour, but that said, however, even for those newcomers to Korean cinema, it will have something to make you chuckle.

Cha Tae-hyun does what he does best as he establishes himself as a very competent actor. His facial expressions and speaking manner are an integral part to the film’s success. Park Bo-yeong (박보영) meanwhile is very impressive as the single mother  - especially given that she was only 18 years old when she acted the part. And the adorable Hwang Seok-hyun who plays the young boy, Hwang Ki-dong, provides the film with much of its humour- the picture below is characteristic of his humour as he out plays Nam in a game of cards. 

One cannot discuss this film without referring to its thumping soundtrack.  With a mix of jazz, classical, contemporary and older Korean songs, the music will live as long in your memory as the film itself. Furthermore, if you purchase the limited first DVD edition, it comes with the full soundtrack, which has now become an essential part of my listening collection.

This film has a great universal appeal; it will leave both young and old with a great big smile on their face, and like I said, even those unaware of Korean humour will find something to laugh at. One only has to look at the scene when Hwang successfully  tries to get Nam and his latest crush, Hwang’s school teacher, on a dinner date together.  So, if you are looking at what DVD to buy next, or if this film comes to a film festival near you, make sure this is on your list of must-sees.

* * * *

JASON BECHERVAISE

200 Pounds Beauty  (미녀는 괴로워)


Director: Kim Yong-hwa (김용화)
Scriptwriter:  Noh Hye-yeong (노혜영)
Starring: Kim Ah-joong (김아중), Joo Jin-mo (주진모), Kim Yong-geon (김용건), Seong Dong-il (성동일), Im Hyeon-sik (임현식) & Lee Han-wi (이한위)
Duration: 120 mins
Korean Release Date: 14th Decmeber 2006 (8 weeks in top 10)
Korean DVD Release Date: 20/04/2007
Korean Admissions: 6,128,392 admissions (11/02/2007)
Distribution: ShowBox

Is it coincidence that yet another sleeper-hit dominates the box office at the onset of the year?  In 2006 we had The King and the Clown; now we have a different kind of beauty. Although it didn’t break the ultimate record, The King and The Clown broke, it caused grave concern for those involved in other films released during its 8 week duration in the top ten.

From looking at the posters and hearing the gossip, one does get the impression it is a Korean remake of Hollywood film, Shallow Hall starring Jack Black. Although it seems to follow this path for about 20 minutes or so, it goes in a completely different direction.

Ha-na (Kim Ah-joong (김아중))  has a beautiful voice, but she is ‘overweight’ and thus can’t been seen singing. Consequently she sings under the stage, whereas a typically slim figure, Ami  is miming on the stage – this is being coordinated by manager Sang-jun (Joo Jin-mo) (주진모).  Ha-na also has a big crush on him, but is far too shy to approach him in that way. Because of her beautiful voice, in her spare time Ha-na works as a telephone sex operator. Once she realises her manager is only being nice to her because of her stunning voice, she bribes one of her telephone clients who is a well-established plastic surgeon to operate on her.  She then becomes a very attractive young lady and soon realises her world is about to change, but not necessarily for the better



In many ways the film is very cliché, but it works very well. Plastic surgery and its relationship to beauty is a very contentious issue in Korea, yet people have no issue in doing it, as long as no one knows about it. The director is frequently addressing this paradox: society wants females to be stunning and slim, but plastic surgery is seen as cheating. He also challenges how society quite often rejects individuals after discovering a hidden past, whether it is undergoing plastic surgery or something else.  By the conclusion of the film, he provides viewers with an authentic portrayal of society as well as providing some sort of solution.



He achieves this through a very long duration for a film of this kind, which is full of ups and downs – from hilarious moments, quite literally to scenes where tears will begin to fall down your face. But this is only possible through the wonderful performance of Kim Ah-joong (김아중) and competent directing by Kim Yong-hwa (김용화) . Supporting roles are also excellent and it is only though these roles that laughs come in left right and centre. Furthermore the strong chemistry between these roles and that of Han-na enables the film to spread its branches and therefore prevents it from being too shallow. The director wisely doesn’t include too many supporting roles, so characters can be fully developed.

"it won’t be long before you are dragged into this compelling, hilarious and ultimately moving tale of an individual integrating into Korean society."

Being a film that follows a musical theme, the soundtrack is a necessary requirement in any film, not least in this one. It is arguably one of its strongest elements and the song Maria! Will stick with you for a very long time. Indeed, you can’t go far in Seoul, or anywhere in Korea for that matter without hearing it from somewhere. Even the pantene adverts were screaming Maria! by Kim Ah-joong (김아중)  before the film was released! It might not be a new song, but since it is performed so well, you can forgive the lack of originality. 

       

The only weakness the film exhibits is its ‘cheesy’ feel, which will annoy some, but it won’t be long before you are dragged into this compelling, hilarious and ultimately moving tale of an individual integrating into Korean society.

Being it a stage event, to fully experience the film, it is important to view it in a cinema. However, a release of this film in the UK is not likely, though not impossible, but nevertheless, it is more probable that most will view it on DVD. Therefore if a Korean festival comes its way, like it will in London this year and possibly beyond, if this film is on show, it is probably in your best interest to give it a look.


* * * *


JASON BECHERVAISE