Declaration of Fools: Less Chirpy Talk, More Chaplin Walk

Released in 1983, the nonsensical Declaration of Fools feels as though it were shot in the freewheelin' '60s. But that might be because the more recent South Korean decade was shaped by a people-power credo similar to that of America'a youth revolution of 15 years prior. But is director Lee Jang-ho advocating for democracy or anarchy here? He's appparently got no (coherent) script and his scenery-chewing leading man, Kim Myung-gon, isn't fighting the status quo with his Chaplinesque kicks. Where are the two of them going? To vaudeville, to the circus, or to a kindergarten class?

Should it be that last option, they might meet up with the child who provides the film with its occasional narration. (Most of the movie is devoid of dialogue!) Hell, if that same youngster is responsible for the playful drawings used for the credits, he'd be a pretty cool kid to meet. Who shows up in the meantime? Actress Lee Bo-hee and her costar Lee Hie-seong, both giving energetic performances via dubiously connected skits incorporating Jerry Lewis hijinks like pants-less cocktail parties and an afternoon of inflatable condoms. What's it all about? Life is meaningless! We've lost our way! Everyone's stupid! Take your pick. There's truth to be found aplenty but a little more forethought and a little less slapstick might've worked in this movie's favor.