Joint Security Area

[alexandral]

I have watched “Join Security Area” this weekend, the film of critically acclaimed Korean director Chan-wook Park. It is very different from his later created famous Vengeance trilogy (“Sympathy for Mister Vengeance“, “Oldboy” and “Lady vengeance”) but at the same time you can clearly feel the same theme of exploring ultimate results of human emotions there. “Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance” was probably THE most shocking film I have ever seen and “Oldboy” is only second because I went to watch it already prepared. JSA is not a shocker, nor it is full of violence, it starts and moves almost quietly, almost like a theatrical play, but it gathers momentum as it goes, on emotional and visual level.

StoryThe border between North Korea/South Korea: In the remote North Korean military post two North Korean Soldiers are killed and one injured by a South Korean soldier. Two sides have two completely different stories to tell and it doesn’t take long for every word to be questioned. Sounds like a whodunit? And it starts like one indeed, but it ends up being a Shakespearean-like tragedy. Chan-wook Park is an Asian master of Shakespearean tragedy, I think. :D Film has male friendship that is larger then life, a nation that is divided and in a war with itself, spilled blood and angst.

On a personal level I felt very touched by the story of divided Korean nation as being told in the film. I know this is something that I knew from the time I was a child – there is North Korea and South Korea. But what it is for Korean people? I never thought about this seriously before.

The verdict? I liked it very much indeed and would recommend this film wholeheartedly.

Actors Two main leads, Lee Byung Hun and Song Kang Ho make this movie to be what it is. I have seen and noticed Song Kang Ho before, but Lee Byung Hun is a new name for me (And I liked him enough to start looking for his pictures/films/dramas obsessively). I would love any recommendations!!!

Small pictural evidence of Lee Byung Hun’s great qualities:
















This film with Lee Byung Hun I really want to see, A Bittersweet Life, also starring Shin Min Ah (from A Love to Kill)








PSCross-posted in korean_cinema, Here

Comments

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

EEEEE! Thank you! I must say I was very tempted to download (though I prefer not to download films), but the links don't work anymore. I think I have found it in DVD rental, I will see if I can get it this week.

I am looking forward to your posts about his films!!!

[allbloomedout.livejournal.com]

I think I have found it in DVD rental, I will see if I can get it this week. You're welcome! The links still worked when I still checked now. You just need to change it to hxxp to http. I'm glad you found it in DVD rental place. Can't wait to read your review on it! ^_^

I am looking forward to your posts about his films!!! I haven't thought about doing movie write up before. Maybe I should try it next time! I probably won't get to watch his Bungee movie anytime soon. I have lots of reading to do since I spent my weekend overdosing on Hana Yori Dango. ^_^

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

I haven't thought about doing movie write up before. Maybe I should try it next time! I probably won't get to watch his Bungee movie anytime soon. I have lots of reading to do since I spent my weekend overdosing on Hana Yori Dango. ^_^

I just got to watch HYD 2 episode 1 and I feel so much glee. This is going to get me through the period when “The Snow Queen” will be over. Hanazawa Rui is incredible wearing all the white clothes and playing a violin. :D

[allbloomedout.livejournal.com]

I just got to watch HYD 2 episode 1 and I feel so much glee. This is going to get me through the period when “The Snow Queen” will be over. Hanazawa Rui is incredible wearing all the white clothes and playing a violin. :D YAY! You're watching too! I love Rui!I can't wait for episode 3 this weekend! ^_^ Hopefully the rest of Snow Queen be out soon too!

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

Hopefully the rest of Snow Queen be out soon too!

I do too! I loved the ending of episode 13. :D

[allbloomedout.livejournal.com]

I do too! I loved the ending of episode 13. :D Me too! At least they are going to give us some happy memories before it breaks our hearts :)

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

I agree :D