Oh no, not her again. Yes, it's another movie about Chunhyang (Lee Hyo-jeong), Korea's favorite daughter of a hooker, bride of the governor's son. And once again, she's too proud, too loyal, and too good for her own good. Because of that, she's still getting jilted when her young husband moves to Seoul. And she's still getting beaten by cudgels when the new governor (Lee Jung-hun) comes to town. So what does director Im Kwon-taek bring that's new to this torturous romance? A much younger leading man (Cho Seung-woo), lots of fabulous hats and robes, and a singer who narrates the action in front of a contemporary audience that acts like an Evangelical congregation. There's less tension here for both real and filmed audiences, as the director rushes the initial courtship as well as the subsequent punishment. In place of the venial and the penal, Kim shares excessive footage of the characters getting from Point A to Point B, which since they're always splendidly costumed, comes across as a dynastic fashion show in the great outdoors. There's also a strange brief moment when rainbow sperm shoot across the night sky but that aside, Kim's version is adamantly folksy, not flashy. Of the three renditions of this popular tale I've seen, this one's the least popular.
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Yeah, coming from the director of "Seopyeonje," I had high hopes for this one. Actually saw it in the theatre in Toronto during it's initial release. I agree with your appraisal. Sumptuous but not solid. I did, however really enjoy "Painted Fire" (Chihwaseon) and "Beyond the Years" (Cheonnyeonhak)--the latter very similar to "Seopyeonje"--from Im Kwon-Taek
ReplyDeleteI confess I'm not a big fan of this director. The two movies about The General's Son were fun but corny and Painted Fire was a bit slow for my taste.
ReplyDeleteIf you consider Painted Fire slow, for the love of soju, don't watch Seopyonje. Painted Fire is kinetic compared to it! ;)
ReplyDeleteI really like Im Kwon-taek although there are many of his films that I have not been able to get my hands on. This is long and yes very folksy but I really enjoyed. It was so beautifully put together and masterfully orchestrated that I got swept up in it.
ReplyDeleteI saw only Painted Fire and Chunhyang from Im Kwon-taek, both of the "historical" characters were new for me, although im a big Korea fan.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed (with mom, who is 30 years older than me) the rhythm both of the movies, beautiful scenes ( particularly in Painted Fire) , good screenwriting, amazing direction, good actors! Even days later im under their influence somehow.
I would like to get recommended movies like these ( mostly traditional costume movies)! Also from different directors.