Apologies for the late posting -- Filmbrain has been crazy this week with events for the festival. Here are some brief plugs for the films this weekend that Filmbrain thinks should not be missed. (All films this weekend are at the ImaginAsian theater.)
Tonight, Saturday, August 14 @ 7:40 they are screening one of the most entertaining Korean films that Filmbrain has come across -- Save the Green Planet. This film, directed by Jang Jun-hwan is not easily classifiable -- a comedy/drama/sci fi/action/thriller/suspense film that's also a social critique, and genuinely moving. A perfect film for a rainy Saturday night. The director will be present for Q&A following the film. (Also screeing August 17 @ 9:30 and at BAM on August 21 @ 9:30.)
The Uninvited Saturday, August 14 @ 10:30
Is Lee Soo-youn's film a supernatural ghost story or portrait of a psychological breakdown? You be the judge in this often disturbing meditation on relationship anxiety and other ills. (Also screening August 19 @ 9:30)
The Spirit of Jeet Kune Do: Once Upon a Time in High School (Sunday, August 15 @ 3:00)
Yu Ha's film is about a group of students in an all-boys High School in South Korea circa 1978, and the violence that was a part of their daily existence thanks to the military dictatorship that was in power at that time. Between the fighting and the bullying, two boys, Hyun-soo and Woo-sik, meet and become fast friends -- that is, until both decide they are in love with the same girl. An extremely well-crafted film that was a huge success in Korea.
And of course, tomorrow (Sunday) night @ 7:40 is Im Sang-soo's A Good Lawyer's Wife, which Filmbrain once again implores you to see.
More recommendations on Monday.
Since you happen to be a Korean cinema devotee, I wanted to ask your opinion on a Korean high-school comedy I saw at the UC Davis Asian Film Festival called 'Conduct Zero,' set in the 80s and starring Seung-beom Ryu, who gives a terrific, witty performance.
It's not a major film by any means but vastly enjoyable and pretty cunning in its genre trasitions. And it shames most American-made high school films.
Posted by: IA | 2004.08.15 at 06:00 AM
Hmmm..wonder if the title was in any way influenced by Jean Vigo's Zero de Conduite?
Haven't seen it, though all of the Korean HS films I've seen are far better than their American equivalents. (At least the ones of the 90's and 00's -- the Koreans have yet to make a Breakfast Club.
Posted by: FIlmbrain | 2004.08.15 at 10:50 AM
Well, elsewhere around the world the title translates to "No Manners," so the Vigo reference may have been added by translators. It's a hugely enjoyable film and is currently available on a 2 disc Korean DVD and has just been released by ADV as a region one disc.
Posted by: IA | 2004.08.15 at 07:15 PM