SECRET SUNSHINE

8/28/2011

 
Low-key Korean drama featuring a wonderful performance by Jeon Do-yeon. Slow and subtle, yet powerful. Themes of loss, faith, and insanity beautifully explored. Long, but worth it.

Official Site: http://www.criterion.com/films/27750-secret-sunshine

THE HOUSEMAID

7/4/2011

 
Worth seeing for the locations alone, hard to discuss without revealing the ending. See it.

Official Site: http://www.ifcfilms.com/films/the-housemaid
Netflix: http://movies.netflix.com/Movie/The_Housemaid/70139521?trkid=496624
 
My dad served in the Korean War, and after watching Tae Guk Gi (the South Korean flag) I understand why he refused to talk about it. What a mess... Engaging, violent story of two brothers and a nation torn apart by war. Lots of horrific battle scenes. Too many cuts, but one of best, if not the only film I've seen on the subject.

Official Site: http://www.sonypictures.com/homevideo/taegukgithebrotherhoodofwar/
Netflix: http://movies.netflix.com/Movie/Tae_Guk_Gi_The_Brotherhood_of_War/70012788?trkid=496624

I SAW THE DEVIL

5/17/2011

 
Revenge films are great, but I had to fast forward through most of the first 19 minutes, past the murder & dismemberment to get to it. And woe, there's more in this violent, graphic, bloody tale, which is particularly hard on the females. A handsome young man seeks retribution on the sick serial killer who slaughtered his betrothed. Slick, stylish, great characters, not for the squeamish.
Korean.

Official Site: http://www.isawthedevilmovie.com/
Netflix: http://movies.netflix.com/Movie/I-Saw-the-Devil/70144554?trkid=1660#height1716