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April 2, 2015
MOVIE | Two films by "Korea's Godard," director Hong Sang-soo, released simultaneously: "Hae-won and the Book of Poetry" and "Our Sunhi"
MOVIE | Hong Sang-soo, the "Godard of Korea," has two films opening simultaneously
Our Sunhi | Nobody's Daughter Haewon
Films by Hong Sang-soo, who enjoys popularity not only in Korea but also in Europe, are being released in two simultaneous productions. "Nobody's Daughter Haewon" and "Our Sunhi" will open at Cinemaart Shinjuku on Saturday, August 16th.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi
Jane Birkin Appears as Herself in "Nobody's Daughter Haewon"
Director Hong Sang-soo, whose unique cinematic world garners attention, is often called the "Godard of Korea." Last year, his film "Our Three Annas," starring Isabelle Huppert in a role with the same name but a different character, was released in Japan, further increasing his presence in the country.
In "Nobody's Daughter Haewon," Jane Birkin makes an appearance as herself, having expressed a strong desire to work with Director Hong. The lead role of Haewon is played by Jung Eun-chae, also active as a model, who delivers a passionate performance of emotions wavering between love and the future. The university professor with whom Haewon has an affair is portrayed by popular Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun.
The story centers on Haewon, a university student who always keeps a diary. Just as she was growing tired of her secret relationship with the married professor Sung-joon and wanted to end it, she decides to spend her last moments in Seoul with her mother, who is emigrating to Canada. After parting with her mother, feeling lonely and dejected, she contacts Sung-joon as if to distract herself from the loneliness. As the two walk through the night streets after meeting for the first time in a while, they unexpectedly run into classmates, revealing their relationship. As Haewon becomes flustered, Sung-joon suggests they run away together.—
This film lightly and freely depicts the vague anxieties and loneliness that a woman of a certain age experiences between reality and dreams. The precise gaze that observes a single woman suggests a new frontier for Director Hong Sang-soo.
"Our Sunhi" Won Best Director at the Locarno International Film Festival
Meanwhile, in "Our Sunhi," which portrays a woman who, without being subservient, skillfully navigates through men, Hong's muse Jung Yu-mi takes the lead role. Playing the three men swayed by Sunhi are the talented actors Lee Sun-kyun, Kim Sang-joong, and Jung Jae-young, who also appeared in "Nobody's Daughter Haewon."
The film depicts a love quadrangle surrounding Sunhi, and Hong Sang-soo's style of romantic comedy, which highlights the differences between men and women through witty dialogue and remarkably realistic interactions, has taken the world by storm. Hong Sang-soo's style, oscillating between fate and coincidence, was highly praised, earning him the Best Director award at last year's Locarno International Film Festival, and it became the biggest hit in Hong Sang-soo's filmography in Korea as well.
Haewon, with her strong will yet glimpses of vulnerability and fragility, and Sunhi, with her devilish charm that allows her to slip away like a cat – these two contrasting women. Please enjoy these romantic sketches by Director Hong Sang-soo, centered around them.
"Nobody's Daughter Haewon"
Opening Saturday, August 16th at Cinemaart Shinjuku
Director & Screenplay | Hong Sang-soo
Starring | Jung Eun-chae, Lee Sun-kyun, Yu Jun-sang, Ye Ji-won, Jane Birkin
Distribution | Bitters End
2013 | South Korea | 90 min
"Our Sunhi"
Opening Saturday, August 16th at Cinemaart Shinjuku
Director & Screenplay | Hong Sang-soo
Starring | Jung Yu-mi, Lee Sun-kyun, Kim Sang-joong, Jung Jae-young
Distribution | Bitters End
2013 | South Korea | 88 min
http://www.bitters.co.jp/h_s/
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