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Baek Jong-hak,
Oh Yun-hong,
Kim Yu-seok,
more...
:
Hong Sang-Soo
see all cast/crew...
: Tai Seng
: 109 min.
: Korean, Cantonese, Mandarin
: English
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The beautiful mountains of South Korea's Kangwon Province provide a popular getaway for stressed-out residents of Seoul. The first segment of this two-part drama centers on a trio of young women, one of whom, Ji-sook (Oh Yun-hong), is very sensitive about the recent demise of her latest love affair. During their trip, she has a heated argument with her two companions. Later, she returns to the mountains to be near a handsome young cop they encountered there (Kim Yu-seok). The second story (occurring simultaneously with the first, though this is not readily apparent to viewers until later) follows university lecturer Sang-kwon (Baek Jong-hak) on his vacation. Accompanied by his friend, he rides the same train as the girls, visits many of the same locations, and witnesses the same events. Like Ji-sook (who just may have been his most recent girlfriend), Sang-kwon has an almost-affair with a woman he meets. When that fails, he employs a prostitute. This sophomore effort from filmmaker Hong Sang-soo (The Day a Pig Fell Into the Well), played at several international film festivals, including Cannes, Montreal, and Pusan in 1998. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
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| A Movie that Makes One Think
by JMVerville
September 13, 2004 - 8:18 PM PDT
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1 out of 2 members found this review helpful
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In the film Kongwon-do ui him it features a relatively intimate look into the meaningfulness (as well as general meaninglessness) into the lives of various Koreans; empty people seeking ways to fill themselves, enjoying the escapism of nature. From the beginning to the end of the film we observe the fallibility of the various characters; we learn of their shortcomings and their desires, the overall complexity captured within human life (and yet the overal simplicity of humanity). Although the film is slow-moving, it can be very contemplative. It does not force any ideas, but allows the ideas to come about themselves, it allows the concepts to reveal themselves.
The film ends as well and as suddenly as it begins, and one truly understands the meaning of aloneness, that love is often an act of selfishness, and the many mistakes that we make. It is a look into everyday life, very well and beautifully done.
If you are looking for action or for intense drama, this is not the film for you. However, if you enjoy honest, original, and meaningful films that are not forced and without glitz, this is a great film to watch.
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GreenCine Member Rating
(Average 7.06)
17 Votes
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