Showing posts with label south korea. Show all posts
Showing posts with label south korea. Show all posts

20 September 2013

TIFF 2013 Review - Cold Eyes (Gam si ja deul)

No comments:

Rating:
15
Release Date:
13th, 14th, 15th September 2013 (TIFF)
Director:
Ui-seok Jo, Byung-seo Kim
Cast:
Hyo-ju Han, Woo-sung Jung, Jun-Ho Lee

One of the most accomplished and stand-out features at Toronto International Film festival this year is the slick, fierce, and ingenious Korean thriller

A bank robbery and the induction of a fresh faced operative to a shadowy police surveillance team, I’m a sucker for a concise, fast-paced opening and Cold Eyes has a great one in the vein of Heat and The Dark Knight... Actually Cold Eyes emulates a hundred films like these in its consistently thrilling flow of events, its use of characters who are at the top of their game, and its beautifully shot sprawling urban space. The film flits from point to point pulling at the quickly unravelling thread of a ensemble of bank robbers until things explode with dangerous enthusiasm. This is a crime film with a difference though, it’s all told from the point of view of an elite surveillance squad whose sole purpose is to track and remain covert. Considering the film’s head villain is just as desperate to remain behind the scenes, this makes for tense viewing.

One of the most striking features of the film is the Holmes/Moriarty relationship that plays out between Sol Kyung-gu’s seasoned Chief Detective Wang and Jung Woo-sung’s James, the shadowy leader of the criminal gang. Whilst Wang’s powers of deduction set him in a race against time to halt the next theft, James’ meticulous planning and dangerously efficient lack of empathy keep him a step ahead of the police. Its’ a pleasure to watch two fantastic actors settle so well into two wonderfully written parts. Woo-sung makes an absorbing and unstoppable force of nature in his turn as a genuinely fantastic villain; cold, calculating, and highly dangerous- as he proves on many occasions. On the other hand, Kyung-gu displays perfect comic timing, a fierce and fascinating intellect, and a fatherly kind of support for his group of young surveillance experts, ensuring that the good guys don’t become an irritating distraction from those blessed scenes where we see the inner workings of James’ plans.

Not an out –and- out action film, Cold Eyes favours use of action only when it is required, directors Jo Ui-seok and Kim Byung-seo are as apt at relaying fight sequences as they are with the often complex workings of criminal gangs and police squads. A lesson could be learnt here in regards to action in thrillers: less is more. A Bourne-type brutality surprises and shocks in its pace and edge, ensuring violence doesn’t become filler.

With an impeccable control over pace and action, Cold Eyes is a highly impressive thriller from its explosive start to epic finale. Here is gipping viewing that’s entirely worth your time.

★★★★★

Scott Clark


20 January 2013

Trailer And Poster For Korean Thriller The New World Starring Choi Min-sik

No comments:

There is many legends in film but there's very few in world cinema who get called 'legends' by western cinephiles one of those is South Korean actor Choi Min-sik. His performances in Oldboy along with I Saw The Devil are nothing but astonishing, and now he has a new film called The New World and just before it's release next month in his native Korea we have a new full trailer.

The New World tells the story of of an undercover cop who finds himself cornered deep in the heart of the biggest criminal organisation becoming involved in the fight for that groups leadership. This is no small movie The New World cast has some of the biggest names in Korean cinema with Hwang Jeong-min (The Unjust, Private Eye) and Lee Jeong-jae (The Thieves, The Housemaid) to name a few.

Synopsis:A detective infiltrates into one of the biggest gang organizations in the country and gets involved in a fight for the heir to the gang after the boss dies and in between the second in charge who trusts him with his life and the high police officials who think of him only as bait.

The New World will be released in South Korea 21st February.



sourceHancinema

7 January 2013

Yueng Sang-Ho's 'The King of Pigs To Get Theatrical Release 25 January

No comments:

Terracotta Distribution have announced the UK release details of THE KING OF PIGS’ (Dwae-ji-ui wang) is an ultra-violent Korean animation set in a high-school world in which rich "dogs" rule over the "pigs".

The film is directed by Yeun Sang-ho and stars the voices of familiar Korean actors, Yang Ik-june and Kim Kkobbi from the internationally acclaimed ‘BREATHLESS’(released by Terracotta Distribution in 2009).
A festival favourite, this feature animation (aka Manwha) premiered at the 2011 Busan International Film Festival and has since played in various international festivals including the Director’s Fortnight 2012 making it the first animated Korean film to screen at the Festival de Cannes.

THE KING OF PIGS’ will be released theatrically in UK from 25th January followed by DVD in March 2013.



.After murdering his wife, a businessman on the verge of bankruptcy, Hwang Kyung-min, finds an old classmate, Jung Jong-suk whom he hasn't seen for fifteen years. During a reunion dinner they look back on their school days, hiding their present situations.Back then there were class distinctions among the pupils. The elite students - 'The Dogs’ - rich, successful and particularly cruel, exercised a reign of terror over the weaker, poorer students - 'The Pigs'.
Jong-suk and Kyung-min were powerless against the ‘dogs’. When Kim Chul, one of their fellow pigs, stood up, he fast became their last hope to end the circle of fear.Fifteen years later, Chul remains a hero. But behind his figure, the two men recall the murky story of their bond and return to the site where the most shocking truth of what happened there is finally revealed.

The King Of Pigs Also had a a decent run on the festival circuit including London Korean, Edinburgh, Fantasia as well as been officially selected for Cannes 2012 directors fortnight which is quite an achievement for an animation and a sign of the quality of the film too..

Before It's March DVD Release King Of The Pigs will have an limited theatrical release in UK on 25th January with Watershed Bristol, Showroom Sheffield and Komedia in Brighton already confirmed to show the film along a screening at next month's Dublin International film festival. More dates to be announced and you can keep track of those dates by checking out Terracotta Distribution's official website

8 November 2012

Kim Ki-Duk Double Bill comes to UK DVD

No comments:
If, like me, you missed out on Kim Ki-Duk's critically praised Arirang during its limited theatrical release, you'll be pleased to know that the Cannes Un Certain Regard winning documentary, supposedly made as "self-administered therapy", will come to UK DVD on 12th November though Terracotta Distribution.

But that's not all, as Kim Ki Duk fans will also get treated to his 1996 directorial debut Crocodile, which will come bundled in the 2 disc DVD. This will be the first time the film has seen a release in the UK, so it's sure to be a treat for those who wish to revisit the Korean filmmaker's roots.

Read the official press release below:

This 2 disc DVD set will include CROCODILE, Kim Ki Duk’s rarely seen 1996 directorial debut which has never been released in the UK; the grittiest of his early work which led the path to series of intense and highly acclaimed features. 
And ARIRANG, the director’s long anticipated documentary about his self-imposed exile, Winner of “Un Certain Regard” Award at Cannes Festival 2011. 

Crocodile: South Korea / 1996 / 102 Mins / Cert 18 / Drama / In Korean with English subtitles
Arirang: South Korea / 2010 / 100 minutes / Cert 15 / Documentary / In Korean with English subtitles
RRP: £19.99

DVD RELEASE DATE:  12th November 2012

Director Unlike most directors and writers, Kim Ki-duk turned to filmmaking without any prior experience or training.Born in 1960 in South Korea, Kim Ki-duk returned to Korea after studying art in Paris and began his career as a screenwriter. He made his directorial debut with a low-budget movie, CROCODILE, in 1996. Since then, he has been hailed by both critics and audiences for his hard-to-express characters, shocking visuals, and unprecedented messages. He continued on making internationally acclaimed films such as SAMARITAN GIRL which won the Silver Bear Award (Best Director Award) at the 54th Berlin Int’l Film Festival.Kim Ki-duk just won the top award Golden Lion at the 69th Venice Film Festival this year, with his new film PIETA. Selected FilmographyCrocodile (1996), The Isle (2000), Address Unknown (2001), Bad Guy (2001), The Coast Guard (2002), Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter…and Spring (2003),Samaritan Girl (2004), 3-Iron (2004), The Bow (2005), Time (2006), Breath (2007), Dream (2008), Pieta (2012).

Synopsis CROCODILE Kim Ki-duk’s stunning debut CROCODILE is a study of violence in South Korean society and seemingly unlike any other Korean films made before it.It depicts the life of violent thug, Crocodile, who lives with a peddling boy and an old man by the banks of the river Han in Seoul, a popular suicide spot.Homeless Crocodile makes a living by robbing the dead bodies of those who commit suicide by jumping into the river.One day, he saves the life of a suicidal young woman from drowning but only to use her for sex. Keeping her there, he develops an abusive relationship and, despite his temper and violence, a bond soon forms between the four of them. Starring: Cho Jae-hyeon (Wild Animals, The Isle, Bad Guy, Address Unknown, Sword in the Moon, The Kick)

ARIRANG ARIRANG marks Kim Ki-duk’s triumphant return to cinema after an absence of three years. ARIRANG offers audiences a unique and indiscreet look at the man regarded as one of Korea’s greatest living directors.While shooting a suicide scene for his last film, DREAM, in 2008, the lead actress nearly perished and the incident triggered an emotional and creative breakdown for the director. As an act of self-administered therapy, ARIRANG takes playful liberties with the documentary form as Kim Ki-duk traces his experiences and mindset during this period of crisis. Arirang is a folk song and, according to some sources, Korea’s unofficial national anthem. While ostensibly a love song, its theme of parting and sorrow provides a potent metaphor for Korea’s suffering as a nation and its enforced division at the end of the Korean War

Arirang is the ultimate work of auteurist cinema” – Empire

This startling, fascinating and bizarre film is in some ways the strangest arthouse event of the year.” - The Guardian 4/5 stars

"a rare insight into a controversial director who's as divisive as the 38th Parallel." -Total Film

“Arirang is quite simply Kim Ki-duk's best film to date.” – Hangul Celluloid





15 October 2012

Watch The Teaser & Full Trailer For Confession Of Murder

No comments:




















Meeting someone face to face who says he's the killer of the unsolved murders who where investigating many years ago is someone you want to meet at a police station not at a book signing. In Jeong Byeong-gil  Confession Of Murder Jung Jae-young  plays an hardened cop Choi who comes face to face with a baby faced suave 'killer' Lee (played by Park Shi-hoo)who claims to be the killer of those unsolved murders 17 years previously, they meet each other at the book signing of 'I Am The Killer'. Thanks to a rule of the statute of limitations Choi cannot not touch Lee but is determined this time he'll get his killer.

Been an avid fan of Korean thrillers anything remotely dark, twisted even intense I'm a sucker for them and Confession of Murder certainly looks to have the credentials to be at least intense. Park Shi-Hoo looks creepy and his sinister smile/stare does suggest behind the babyface there's something ice cold evil behind it.

Confession of Murder is released in Korea November, check out the official teaser and full trailers below.




Director Jeong Byeong-gil made his debut with action documentary "Action Boys" (2008), a film about stunt men who dream of becoming action stars. He is now moving onto feature films for the first time. This action thriller, with his stable performance, Jeong Jae- yeong takes on the roll of detective Choi Hyung-gu and popular TV drama star Park Si-hoo plays Lee Du-seok. After the statute of limitation expires on the murders he has committed, Lee Du-seok publishes an autobiography describing all his murders in great detail. Detective Choi, who investigated Lee's murders 15 years ago starts the chase once again and Han Ji-soo, who lost her daughter to Lee, pledges vengeance. Meanwhile, another killer appears, casting doubt to whether Lee is the real serial killer. The key here is how well the story juggles the truth and how solid the description of the characters' tangled relationships is. The film began production in January, and is scheduled to be released during the second half of the year.

source: Hancinema / Film Smash




5 July 2012

Grim Trailer For Kim Ki-Duk's PIETA

No comments:



















Every so often we get film makers that seem to be more popular outside there homeland than actually in there homelands, Kim Ki-Duk is one of those directors. Regarded as one of the forefathers of the Korean wave who has had success with the likes of  3 Iron, Bad Guy, The Coast Guard, Spring Summer Fall Winter And Spring .Then after a 3 year stint away from the camera he returned to documentary film making with Arirang making an appearance at Cannes 2011 but after mentoring certain young filmmakers it looks like the director may finally find some success on his own feet with his next film.

Pieta looks like to be a dark psychological drama which may not be up there with the dark twisted films we know and love from Korea but enough to say the film maker is on form. Grim but beautifully shot.

he film is about a brutal man who works for a cruel loan shark. Without any family or loved ones to worry about, he has no fear or hesitation when it comes to carrying out his evil deeds. One day, a mysterious woman shows up in his life, saying she is his mother. At first, he doesn't believe her, having no memories of a mother. But as his attachment to her grows, he discovers her gruesome yet sad secret.

source: Hancinema

11 June 2012

Win A BETTER TOMORROW 2012 On Blu Ray

No comments:
















BROTHERS - ENEMIES - KILLERS
Courtesy Of  Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment, we have 3 copies of A Better Tomorrow 2012 on blu ray to give away to Cinehouse readers.

This explosive action release from Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment is a big budget remake of John Woo's career defining A Better Tomorrow, it tells of Hyuk (Jin-mo), who lives the fast life as a high-ranking mobster in Busan, South Korea with his closest pal, fellow mobster Lee Young-Chun (Seung-heon). Hyuk is haunted by the memory of leaving behind his younger brother Chul (Kang-woo) and mother as they attempted to flee into South Korea from North Korea. Hyuk is set up by the police and jailed. Three years later, he is released and travels back to Busan to find his younger brother Chul now a high-ranking police officer. Hyuk tries to earn back the trust of his brother, but rejection and betrayal are hard to forget. Things come to a head when Young-Chun pulls Hyuk into doing one last gig. It happens to be the case that Officer Chul is in charge of, and the three brothers meet again one final time.

With blistering set pieces and stunning fight sequences, A Better Tomorrow 2012 is a must-see for fans of action and Asian cinema. Also available in spectacular 3D, the film comes to DVD and Blu-ray 11 June 2012

To Win this action packed film answer the following question:

Q.Who was the original star of The John Woo Version of A Better Tomorrow?

Send your answer , name, address, to have your email to  cinehouseuk@gmail.com  header As ‘A Better tomorrow’. Deadline:July 4th, 2012 (2359hrs) . Follow us at our Facebook Page if you haven’t done it already, double entry!

Terms and Conditions
  • This prize is non-transferable.
  • No cash alternatives apply.
  • UK & Irish entries only
    The Peoples Movies, Cinehouse and Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment have the right to alter, delay or cancel this competition without any notice
  • The competition is not opened to employees, family, friends of The Peoples Movies, Cinehouse,Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment employees
  • This competition is promoted on behalf of Warner Bros.
  • The Prize is to win A Better Tomorrow 2012 on Blu Ray
  • To enter this competition you must send in your answer, name, address only, Deadline July 4th, 2012 (2359hrs)
  • Will only accept entries sent to the correct email (cinehouseuk@gmail.com), any other entry via any other email will be void.
  • The Peoples Movies, Cinehouse takes no responsibility for delayed, lost, stolen prizes
  • The competition is opened to Aged 16  and over 
  • Unless Stated Please  Do Not Include Telephone Numbers, we don’t need them
  • The winning entries will be picked at random and contacted by email
  • By sending your entry for this competition you are confirming you have read and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
UK Competitions and Prize Draws at UKwins
Loquax Competitions
Free Competitions
ThePrizeFinder – UK Competitions