[POPSEOUL! Special Feature] The Missing Movies - Honorable Mentions

JangTa — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:08:09 +0000

The Search for the Missing Movies – Honorable Mentions

When future archeologists rummage back through the archives of Korean movies and stumble across a copy of the movie “D-Wars,” they will be horrified. They will all agree that no soul should be subjugated to such an eyesore and quickly proceed to burn it. “D-Wars” is definitely not the treasure they are after. Rumor has it that an honorable mentions list is around the area – the movies that could have made POPSEOUL!’s top 10 Korean movies list (Top 10-6, 5-1). As a sparkle glows on the right side, the explorers head to the glow’s direction in the hopes of finding their objective. The found glowing treasure: The Missing Movies – Honorable Mentions.

Luckily for our readers, POPSEOUL! has retrieved this fabled honorable mentions list. But how did we get such an artifact? The archeologists pull off their lab coats and finally reveal themselves to be the entire POPSEOUL! team. Yet, there is much shock within the team; after all, all of us were in close proximity of the deadly plague, “D-Wars”, earlier. After shedding ourselves of any bad movie disease, the POPSEOUL! team is ready to announce their discoveries.

The honorable mentions list contains movies that are not on the top 10 list, yet are very deserving of special mention. To meet the criteria of making this list, it must have: an epic story, solid acting, great cinematography, a noticeable impact on Korean cinema, and an underlying message or meaning upon Korean society (with a heavier emphasis on the latter two). In trying something new, the movies for this article will now be rated in each of the five categories mentioned above, ranging from 1 to 10. An overall score will be provided as well, although this score will not be an average of the five categories.

Since these honorable mentions could have made the elite ten, this list should be looked more as an extension of the top 10 list. So without further ado, POPSEOUL! would like to present: The Missing Movies – Honorable Mentions.

Friend (Chingoo)

Director: Kwak Kyung-taek

Writer: Kwak Kyung-taek

Genre: Friendship, Drama, Gangster, True story

Release Date: March 2001

Overview

The year is 1981. A gentle breeze is felt in this sunny, peaceful afternoon; the weather is perfect for this special event in Pusan. The day of graduation has finally arrived in Sang-taek’s Korean high school. For many seniors, this is the time of jubilation; no more long homework assignments to turn in, hard tests to take, and early morning classes to attend. Yet, Sang-taek feels nervous as he waits for his name to be called to get his diploma. For the first time in years, his life will not revolve around going to high school, seeing friends, doing well in his academics, and checking out the cute girls in Chemistry class. As he looks across to see his three childhood friends also dressed in graduating gowns, the sudden feeling of uncertainty sinks in. All four know that graduation is just the beginning of their lives.

High school graduation also shows that friends eventually part ways to pursue their life goals. This rule is no different for Sang-taek. Both he and his friend, Joong-ho, chose the academic path and head off to college. While Sang-taek’s other two childhood companions, Dong-su and Jeong-suk, did not follow his lead in attending college, he knows that they each have their unique path in life. However, when he and Joong-ho visits them three years later, they barely recognize them: Dong-su is a gangster doing time in jail, while Jeong-suk is an abusive husband addicted to drugs. But how did these four friends’ paths diverge so much? Why did Dong-su and Jeong-suk turn to a life of crime and drugs? Can these four friends unite to overcome these difficulties? Imagine you were in Sang-taek’s shoes for a moment. What would you do after seeing your childhood friends go in a downward spiral? Such is the story of “Friend”.

Story

Do you remember the great times with your best friends? How each friend changed your life and shaped the very ideals you hold today? The person that you see in the mirror today is simply a collection of all our past deeds done up to this day. All the bad, good, funny, embarrassing, and painful moments make us who we are. Similarly, “Friend” will make the viewer ponder about their own friends that touched our lives in some shape or form. Whether we talk to friends by calling them, joining social networks like Facebook and Myspace, or hanging out like the friends in “Friend”, the film encourages the audience to value existing friendships, while reconnecting with old friends.

Based on director Kwak Kyung-taek’s real life experiences, he uses Sang-taek to present his honest, heartfelt story of friendship and loyalty. The gradual transformation of each lead will engage the audience, as they become emotionally tied with the friends’ fate. As the film progresses towards its darker side, the viewer will experience sorrow and a sense of helplessness alongside the four friends. While the film’s overall story is incredible, there is one critique worth mentioning; the first half of the movie involves the entire cast of friends, yet the second half almost exclusively focuses on just two of them. The latter half of the film, unfortunately, places so much emphasis on only two of the leads that the other two friends are almost ignored.

While destiny leads them to their respective paths after high school, the movie always revisits its main theme: through thick and thin, true friendship never fades away.

Acting

The film’s incredible acting is what makes “Friend”so emotional and heartbreaking. Throughout the film, the lead actors’ performance is both mesmerizing and flawless, allowing the audience to empathize and relate to the four. Each actor’s performance is also noteworthy for the depth and unique character roles they portray: Seo Tae-hwa plays the studious and intellectual, Sang-taek; Jeong Un-taek acts as the humorous and rebellious class clown, Jeong-ho; Yu Oh-seong assumes the sensitive and fearful son of a gangster, Joon-suk; Jang Dong-gun takes on the persona of an aspiring thug that snubs his father’s attention and law-abiding lifestyle, Dong-su. Together, the four weaves both fond memories of their childhood with their life altering changes of adulthood within the film.

Cinematography and Musical Score

The beautiful and seemingly real recreation of 1970s and 80s Pusan is outstanding. The viewer will immediately feel they are living during Park Jung-hee’s presidential rule. From the sprawling city life, the back alleys, and school settings, “Friend” depicts this time era well. The film’s musical score is well done, going from the tranquil and nostalgic themes during their childhood, suspenseful scores during the latter half of the movie, and the catchy pop song performed by female vocalist Jin-sook (actress Kim Bo-kyeong) and her band: Rainbow. Overall, the film’s environment and musical score enriches the underlying theme of friendship and growing into manhood.

Impact on Korean cinema

The common belief is that when “My Sassy Girl” came out in 2001, the film became Korea’s highest grossing film that year. Not so; the movie with the sassy girl and loveable Cha Tae-hyun came in second. “Friend” not only bested “My Sassy Girl” for most watched Korean film of 2001, it became the highest grossing film in Korean cinema history for a short period of time. Nominated for five awards – and coming home with three of them – this film started to put Western filmmakers that the Korean film industry is a force to be reckoned with. The Korean “Hallyu” wave of 2001 is here to stay, with “Friend” leading the charge.

Underlying Message

While there have been many gangster movies done before, the authentic storytelling and believability of the main actors sets the film apart. The recurring theme that brotherhood can prevail over school popularity or cutthroat gangs is both touching and rare. In a world where people will “sell out” their friends to avoid trouble, become famous, or to make money, “Friend” shows the exact opposite. Friendship, trust, and loyalty are traits that do not have a price, for they are themselves priceless.

Overall and Score

“Friend” is one movie that deserves to be in the top 10. The film became the most difficult to cut from the golden ten seeing how the movie hits home on so many themes – and does them well. Replacing one movie from the top 10 with this film is very understandable; there is no shame in ranking a classic so high.

Story: 9 / 10

Acting: 10/ 10

Cinematography and musical score: 9 / 10

Impact: 8 / 10

Underlying Message: 10 / 10

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The King and the Clown

Director: Lee Jung-ik

Writer: Choi Seok-hwan

Based on: Kim Tae-woong (play)

Genre: Drama, Historical, Comedy

Release Date: December 2005

Overview

(A comedian walks on stage to tell a joke)

Comedian: How did the hermit pay for his rent?

Audience: (silence)

Comedian: Alone!

Audience: BOOOOO!

(After the horrible joke, tomatoes and kimichi are thrown at the aspiring comedian)

While this comedian may temporarily suffer some kimichi stains and a bruised ego, this aspiring stand-up will eventually get another shot to make an audience laugh. The five jesters in the Joseon dynasty era “The King and the Clown”, however, may not get another chance. Facing a serious dilemma, these 16^th century comedians have a simple, yet daunting task: make the Korean king laugh. If they make the Korean ruler chuckle, then all is well; if they fail, however, the jesters’ heads will roll. The jesters, fortunately, get the king to laugh during the closing seconds of their skit. But they dodged just one bullet; the real problem now begins. What awaits these jesters? How bad can this problem be?

Story

As part of an entertainment troupe, male comedians Jang-saeng and Gong-gil perform various clown tricks and tightrope acrobatics. Yet, deep down, the two desire more in their jester career. Underpaid and unappreciated, they want to live comfortably, without the worry of never having enough money to eat. When their manager tries to prostitute the effeminate looking Gong-gil, Jang-saeng has had enough. Both he and Gong-gil resign from the performing group and attempt to leave. Yet, when the manager tries to murder Jang-saeng for walking out, Gong-gil kills the manager in Jang-saeng’s defense.

The two flee to Seoul and cast their eyes on the biggest gamble of their career: mocking the king. Doing so would bring both fame and fortune from the masses. But when their gamble backfires and their mockery is seen by the king’s royal consort, they are arrested for treason and pull off a nail biting performance to save their lives. Thus, the five comedians are invited to become the king’s personal jesters and the story of “The King and the Clown” begins.

Due to the reference to gay themes, some viewers may call “The King and the Clown” the Korean “Brokeback Mountain”. Yet, as the film’s storyline evolves, a different perspective is discovered – the film is more about two male best friends and their platonic relationship. Throughout the movie, Gong-gil’s strikingly good looks capture the attention of many, including the king himself. While being blessed with good genes can grant special favors, Jang-saeng believes exploiting his looks is wrong. Whether Jang-saeng is merely concerned as a good friend or jealous as a potential lover, his intentions are quite ambiguous.

The film presents its story like a Shakespeare play; the dialogue, script, and mannerisms feel as they were pulled from “Hamlet” or “Romeo and Juliet.” Since the movie takes place in the same century when the theater maestro was living (1564 AD – 1616), having “The King and the Clown” follow similar to a play is only fitting. The viewer will see the subtle pining of the two main leads when they are separated, the eloquent poems and plays they perform, portrayal of the upper class royalty as obstacles, and the tragedies that follow. The modern adaption of a 16^th century based play is shown incredibly well in this film.

Overall, the story weaves two important themes: how close friends support one another during both the good and bad times and how laughter can soften any problem. And for that, the movie presents these themes well.

Acting

The chemistry between the three lead actors is dead on. Jang-saeng, portrayed by Kam Woo-seong, plays the leader of the five person troupe. A tough alpha male that does not kowtow to any authority and lives vicariously, he is also very protective of his trusted sidekick, Gong-gil. Kam extends his acting range by showing he has a soft spot for Gong-gil through the manly facade he initially presents. As mentioned earlier, he convincingly shows the audience that his “love” for Gong-gil could be taken in two ways: brotherly love or romantic love. Fortunately, he presents the homosexual theme very tastefully in this film. And for that, Kam is given much praise and critical acclaim from movie critics.

Newcomer Lee Jun-ki became an overnight star with his brilliant portrayal of the effeminate Gon-gil. The incredible male beauty that Lee possessed, combined with his great acting, made it believable that other males would desire him over their own wives. His character’s strength and determination is tested as he balances the triangle relationship between his best friend Jang-saeng and the advancing approaches from the king. For his performance, he won several awards and propelled his acting career to new heights.

The king is the pivotal character in this film and the actor played his role perfectly. Jung Yin-young plays the flawed, but sympathetic Korean tyrant. An interesting feature to point out is his Jekyll and Hyde performance: one moment, he is ruthless and orders officials to be executed, while later he acts like a playful child. As the viewer justifiably labels the king as an evil and unjust ruler, his character’s depth is fleshed out. By the end of the movie, the audience will understand what led him to become what he is.

Cinematography and Musical Score

The beautiful and lush environment of the Joseon Dynasty is given the full treatment in this film. From the rural areas of Korea, to the traveling roads to Seoul, to the palace itself, the cinematography is amazing. The movie’s musical score also adds to the movie quite well. Rhythmic drum beats are used during the various plays the jesters perform.

Impact on Korean cinema

Did anyone expect “The King and the Clown” to achieve so much since its release? Well, the film’s crew and actors had faith; they told anyone that would listen that this was the next “sleeper” hit. Yet, with a modest budget, a cast of relative unknowns, and the fact that the film’s production was almost canceled, very few believed the movie would be more than a mediocre effort. The common belief was that to have an “A list” blockbuster movie, the film needed a huge budget – such as “Taegukgi”, famous actors, and a well known director to helm the project; qualities that “The King and the Clown” lacked. However, like the under-the-radar 2008 movie, “The Chaser”, this film also defied the odds.

For starters, the 2^nd highest grossing Korean movie of all time is already impressive. When a quarter of South Korea’s population – about 12 million – flocked to see the film, one will immediately claim the movie to be a success. Yet, one cannot judge a movie just solely on its profit margins. Several movies have made impressive gains at the box office before – cough “D-Wars”, but came up yawningly short as a good movie. Fortunately, “The King and the Clown” does not suffer from this. The small budget film was nominated in the “Best Foreign Language Film” at the 79^th Academy Awards, as well as winning a slew of awards in 2005 – 2006. While the movie is still unknown to many outside of Korea, it is only a matter of time that this “underrated” gem will get its deserved fame.

Underlying Message

As mentioned earlier, the film is more famous for its portrayal of homosexuality. And in a country that is strongly influenced by Christianity and Buddhism, as well as Confucian upbringing; the very mention of homosexuality is considered as taboo. The fact that the movie did so well, considering the sensitive topic presented, is somewhat surprising. Well, not really, since movies-goers probably understood that the theme was purely entertainment and nothing more.

The film also presents two other sub-themes: it lightly touches on political corruption and the inability of those in power to laugh at themselves. The latter is shown in greater lengths in the film through satires and plays. Many high-ranking officials either ignore these “silly” satires or behead the playwrights. However, behind the satire’s laughter and entertainment, there are important issues that the performers are conveying to its audience. Similarly many hip-hop artists today – such as Epik High and Yoon Mi-rae/Tasha Reid – rap and harmonize about real issues in their music. In the same way, these songs are satires and it takes an attentive ear to listen past the catchy beats and sick rhymes to capture the song’s true meaning.

Overall and Score

“The King and the Clown” is another movie that deserves credit. The movie reads like a fine tuned play- the film is incredibly entertaining, and it is an underrated gem in Korean cinema.

Story: 8 / 10

Acting: 9.5 / 10

Cinematography and musical score: 9 / 10

Impact: 9 / 10

Underlying Message: 10 / 10

Overall (not an average): 8.9 / 10

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Christmas in August

Director: Hur Jin-ho

Writer: Hur Jin-ho, Oh Seung-ook

Genre: Romance, Drama

Release Date: January 1998

Overview

“I’m going to die soon … Finally, I joked about the truth”

— Jung-won

This is the unfortunate situation that Jung-won is facing in his final moments. A photographer in his thirties living in the small town of Gunsan, he has a terminal illness that slowly eats him as the days pass by. Yet, rather than be depressed or in denial – which would be understandable, he decides to live his remaining time in happy and in high spirits. When a young parking-meter maid suddenly enters his life, a relationship soon develops. But she is unaware of his limited time.

What would you do if were told your life consisted of a mere few months? How would you spend your precious remaining time living? Where would you spend your last moments? Can you live your final moments joyfully the way Jung-won did?

Story

From the start, the viewer may know the eventual outcome of Jung-won, but in “Christmas in August” seeing how he lives his final days is the true story. Watching this classic will make the audience reminisce about how they currently live their own lives. In this crazy adventure called “life,” we sometimes lose our sense of time and self as the responsibilities of life consume us. Unfortunately, many people have forgotten how to simply step back and enjoy life’s daily pleasures and struggles. The story reminds viewers to live our lives to our fullest and live every day like it could be our last.

During much of the movie, the viewer sees Jung-won as a cheerful, free-spirited, and happy-go-lucky guy. In some scenes, he even jokes about his inevitable fate. To any outsider, he looks and acts the part of a perfectly healthy person. Yet, the audience also sees his struggles throughout the movie; the viewer will empathize with him every step until his final day. And director, Hur Jin-ho, never reveals the actual illness,but instead focuses on a dying person’s thoughts.

What is amazing about “Christmas in August” is that the film tells a sorrowful tale of inevitable death without using heavy doses of melodrama – excessive crying and saying waeyo (why) repeatedly – to convey its point.

Acting

The film’s success or failure ultimately hinges on the acting of the lead. Fortunately, Han Suk-kyu pulls off the performance of a lifetime as the lovable Jung-won. As mentioned earlier, his performance as a happy, appreciative, upbeat person tugs at the viewer’s emotions- the audience feels his pain, but he alone bears the inevitable outcome. He displays both his usual jovial and more depressing moods with equal aplomb very skillfully. The audience will be torn for both Jung-won and his romantic interest, Darim, knowing that they will never grow old together.

Shim Eun-ha easily slips into the role of the cute, girl-next-door Darim. The viewer will sense her increasing affection for Jung-won in tandem with the frequency of visits into his photography shop. Brings a sense of joy and laughter to his remaining days, Darim’s caring comes off as sincere and genuine, not resorting to clichéd melodramatics.

Cinematography and Musical Score

The film’s environment fits with the movie’s theme quite well. While there are no flashy or unique scenes, the movie takes simple scenes from everyday life, such as his shop and home. This depicts how Jung-woo would like to live his final days: normally as if nothing is wrong. The musical score in the film is also done well; there is a mixture of sad and happy themes. Silence is also used to great effect, as large portions of the film are void of any musical theme. As “3-Iron” taught movie goers, music is not always needed to portray feeling.

Impact on Korean cinema

When up-and-coming Korean actors and directors alike study this film as the ideal melodrama, one knows the movie has an enduring influence within Korean cinema. Other than “My Sassy Girl” – and arguably “The Classic” and “Failan”, there are very few movies in the genre – if any – that has a lasting impact the way “Christmas in August” did. When famed actor Jang Hyuk prepared to shoot the drama “Thank You,” he studied this movie. When the sassy girl submits her drama script to Sine Cinema in “My Sassy Girl,” she immediately suggests Han Suk-kyu and Shim Eun-ha as the lead stars. Many Korean melodramas pay homage to this classic in some way or form.

Outside of Korean shores, China also uses this movie as the basis for the ideal script writing, mood setting, and acting in a melodrama. Japan has also jumped on the movie’s bandwagon, creating the Japanese equivalent in 2005, “Hachigatsu no Kurisumasu.” All over Asia, this movie has lasting appeal and a huge fan base. The film has critical acclaim from movie critics as well; the Korean website, Movie Week, placed “Christmas in August” among the top 10 melodramas from 1980 to 2007. The film’s high placing is a well deserved honor.

Underlying Message

The film’s focus is the concept of death. The theme makes the viewer question if they really appreciate life and take it for granted. There are two scenes that show this perfectly. The first one is when an elderly woman returns to Jung-won’s studio to retake her picture alone. He understands this symbolism too well; although he is taking her picture when she eventually passes away, he will need his own picture taken when he slowly succumbs to the same fate. The second scene is the generation gap between Jung-won and Darim. While his life is about to come to an abrupt, sad conclusion, her life is just starting. For Darim, she dreams of advancing in her career and eventually having a family. Jung-won, on the other hand, does not have that luxury of thinking in the future; he must make do with his remaining time left. These two scenes alone are powerful enough to endear any viewer to this film.

Overall and Score

“Christmas in August” is a trendsetter; a breath of fresh air in the melodrama genre. Filled with memorable scenes of joy, laughter, sadness, and emotion, the movie gives the viewer either a satisfying smile or emotional tears. In either case, the film has done its job: the viewer will appreciate that life is precious. S

Story: 8.5 / 10

Acting: 10 / 10

Cinematography and musical score: 8 / 10

Impact: 10 / 10

Underlying Message: 10 / 10

Overall (not an average): 9.1 / 10

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Other Suggestions

While we, at POPSEOUL!, would like to review every great Korean movie, unfortunately, time constraints does not allow this. Fortunately, we compiled a quick list of recommended movies to check out. If you – the POPSEOUL! reader – have any movies to recommend, do not hesitate to post them. Below is a list of twelve films:

Sympathy for Lady Vengeance
Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance
Save the Green Planet
The Classic
Shiri
Thirst
Breath
The Good, Bad, & The Weird
A Bittersweet Life
Sad Movie
Failan
The Quiet Family

Final Thoughts

The above three movies are excellent and can be argued they belong in the top 10. One may ask, “If these three movies have such stellar overall scores, why aren’t they in the top 10?” The problem is simply there was not enough room – some movies, unfortunately, had to be left off. Every movie on the top 10 had an overall score of 9.1 or higher, meaning that yes, “Friend” and “Christmas in August” did tie with some of the movies on the list. Whether you watch any of the movies on the top 10 or honorable mentions, it is guaranteed to be great film.

Friend (Chingoo)

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[VOD] Celebrities Backstage @ 30th BlueDragon Film Awards

[POPSEOUL! Special Feature] The Missing Movies - Honorable Mentions

Friend (Chingoo)

The King and the Clown

Christmas in August

Chingoo