Movie Review – The Point Men

The Point Men (Gyoseob) Korea (2023) Dir. Yim Soon-rye “Pride won’t protect you from bullets” As with many international incidents, politics always gets in the way of resolving issues, resulting in antagonism followed by fighting. And, as usual, it is the innocent who suffer whilst the desk jockeys plunging them into war drone on about …

Movie Review – Confession

Confession (Jabaek) Korea (2022) Dir. Yoon Jong-seok “There is no salvation without suffering. Admit it. Tell the truth.” I don’t know if this is an officially recognised saying but in summing up the events of this twisty thriller “there are three sides to every story - yours, mine, and the truth” is very much apposite. …

Movie Review – The Man Standing Next

The Man Standing Next (Namsanui bujangdeul) Korea (2020) Dir. Woo Min-ho Power - everyone wants it but is it worth having? There are usually two things that make being in charge a hard job: that someone else wants your spot, and not everybody will like your decisions. And if your decisions prove unpopular, it may …

Movie Review – Life Is Beautiful

Life Is Beautiful (Insaeng-eun Areumdaweo) Korea (2022) Dir. Choi Kook-hee You don’t know what you’ve got until it is gone. It is amazing such a simple yet powerful aphorism exists yet is still routinely ignored as we continue to take things and people for granted. I’m doing it know, typing this review out on a …

Movie Review – A Year-End Medley

A Year-End Medley (Haepi Nyu Ieo) Korea (2021) Dir. Kwak Jae-yong Love Actually is one of those films the general populace seem to adore but discerning cinephiles tend to dislike. Thankfully, other countries around the world haven’t tried to remake it but have made something in a similar mould - step forward South Korea. The …

Movie Review – In Front Of Your Face

In Front Of Your Face (Dangsin-eolgul-apeseo) Korea (2021) Dir. Hong Sang-Soo Korea’s master of meta minimalism returns with another swift exercise of people talking about things whilst eating, drinking, and smoking. A reductive appraisal of his latest film to hit UK shores perhaps but as the title suggests, everything about Hong Sang-Soo is right there …

Movie Review – The Killer: A Girl Who Deserves To Die

The Killer: A Girl Who Deserves To Die (Deo killeo: Jugeodo doeneun ai) Korea (2022) Dir. Choi Jae-hoon “Don’t give up your day job” - a pithy quip designed to crush the dreams and aspirations of someone reaching beyond their ceiling of attainment. Then again, some jobs it would beneficial to give up have a …

Movie Review – 6/45

6/45 Korea (2022) Dir. Park Gyu-tae Could you share a huge wealth with people diametrically opposed to you in almost every way - i.e. politically and philosophically? It’s an unlikely situation granted, but everyone needs money and altruism is not lost in everyone, unless your hand is forced. By a twist of fate, a lottery …

Movie Review – Hunt

Hunt (Heon-teu) Korea (2022) Dir. Lee Jung-Jae It is hard to watch films about the feuding ideology of a bifurcated country or continent, where violence is deemed the only means to an end and not think of John Lennon’s simple plea of “Give peace a chance”. Is sitting down and verbally thrashing out a resolve …

Movie Review – The Cursed: Dead Man’s Prey

The Cursed: Dead Man's Prey (Bangbeob: Jaechaui) Korea (2021) Dir. Kim Yong-Wan Very rarely do the police receive advanced warning by a murderer that he intends to kill again, giving a specific time of day and the names of the victims. It’s a bold tactic, and dare I say a counterproductive one all things considered, …