:
Song Jae-Ho,
Song Jae-Ho,
Kim Eung-Su,
more...
:
Im Sang-su,
Im Sang-su
see all cast/crew...
: Kino
: Foreign, Political Satire, Korea
: 104 min.
: Korean
: English
see additional details...
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| Better than Old Boy
by feldmarshmellon
September 21, 2006 - 9:36 PM PDT
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1 out of 2 members found this review helpful
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This film made me want to pick up a book on the history of South Korea in the 70s. Not because i felt I lacked context to appreciate the film, but it got me all excited and wanting to learn more. The Cold War never ended!
Although i think comparison with Kubrick's Strangelove in the official blurb is a little off. Kubrick's film is satirical and sarcastic, whereas Im Sang-su's humor is more warmly humane. |
| Dumb-ocracy
by talltale
April 8, 2006 - 3:52 PM PDT
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1 out of 2 members found this review helpful
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It'll help your enjoyment and understanding of THE PRESIDENT'S LAST BANG if you're Korean or have utter familiarity with South Korea's history--which poses a problem for some of us. That said, there's still a lot of fun and surprise to be had in this telling of the last day of President-cum-dictator Park Chun-hee. I have heard that, while the movie may seem funny and its various groups--police, military, politicians--hopelessly ineffectual, it's still pretty close to the truth. On another web site, a posting mentions that the Korean title of this film translates roughly as "Those People at That Time"--a much better rendering (though a tad less commercial-sounding) of what we're actually seeing.
Dictatorships breed greed, incompetence and abuse--all of which are in evidence here, as even the best of the characters are unable to accomplish much. Sadness and waste are what we're left with at the conclusion, yet Korea may have been able to take a few steps upwards--some time later--as a result of this change in government. What a shame it had to happen as it did.
Watch the interview with the director (he speaks surprisingly good English!) for an added fillip. Once again, a talented Korean filmmaker has found a unique way to come to grips with his country--and the world. For more top movies, try the Park Chan-wook trilogy--or "Save the Green Planet." |
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GreenCine Member Rating
(Average 6.97)
37 Votes
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