Latest news with #ParkChan-wook
Nikkei Asia
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Nikkei Asia
South Korea's Cannes film festival shutout spurs reckoning
SEOUL -- After zero South Korean feature films were selected for this year's Cannes Film Festival for the first time in 26 years, one of Asia's most storied film industries has been searching for answers to the setback. High-profile South Korean films such as "Parasite," director Bong Joon-ho's genre-bending smash hit, Park Chan-wook's "Decision to Leave" and "Chihwaseon" by Im Kwon-taek have all won major awards at the French festival, and Korean films have routinely been selected for the in- and out-of-competition categories.
SBS Australia
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- SBS Australia
These mothers will have you glued to the screen
L-R: Arab Blues, Volver, The Handmaiden, Black Bear. Credit: SBS On Demand. Mothers come in all shapes and sizes. Mothers make us laugh, they make us cry, and with SBS's 'Mother is Mothering' collection , they'll also keep your eye glued to the screen with one hand in the popcorn bowl. And no, we don't just mean biological mothers – though there are definitely some wonderful ones in this collection. We mean capital-M Mothers: women that, for better or for worse, take on the world and try to make it their own. So, if you're looking to get gagged, gooped or maybe just queen out, here are the most iconic films that will leave you saying "Motherrrrrr!". This sumptuous Park Chan-wook film is set in Japanese-occupied Korea and based on Welsh writer Sarah Waters' iconic lesbian novel Fingersmith . As well as a deeply moving depiction of queer love, this film is also a pacey – sometimes gory – psychological thriller with enough twists and turns to leave you gasping. The TLDR is that Sook-hee (Kim Tae-ri), a Korean thief, gets into cahoots with a con-man (Ha Jung-woo), who gets her a gig as Japanese heiress Hideko's (Kim Min-hee) maid. His cunning plan? Get Hideko to fall in love with him, steal all her money and then consign her to an asylum, with the promise of Sook-hee getting a cut of the riches. And getting Hideko to fall in love shouldn't be too much of an ask, because she's functionally imprisoned in the house of her awful uncle, The Count (Ha Jung-woo) and forced to perform for his frequent guests. But an unexpected tenderness, and attraction, grows between Sook-hee and Hideko as they get to know one another. There's more to Hideko than meets the eye though, and the potential for betrayal lurks around every corner. Even when you don't know who is in the right and who is in the wrong, at every moment of the film, you can't help cheering for both women, whether they're together or apart. Biggest 'Yes Queen' moment: We won't spoil this twist-filled film for you, but let's just say there are multiple 'Yes Queen' moments throughout the course of this film. The Handmaiden is streaming now at SBS On Demand. A comedy drama about a Tunisian psychoanalyst who returns to Tunis after living in Paris for many years, Arab Blues explores the flood gates that open when someone is willing to really listen to you talk. From the moment Selma (Golshifteh Farahani) arrives back in Tunis to set up her own psychoanalysis office, she's met with detractors, from her aunt and uncle who reluctantly allow her to practice on their roof, to the bureaucratic system which stalls her. But there is a clear warmth throughout the film, from Selma's relationships with her clients to her bond with rebellious cousin Olfa (Aisha Ben Miled). Occasionally, the conditions of Selma's clients are played for laughs in a way that borders on dismissive. But in general, Arab Blues aptly showcases the potentially life-altering power of therapy, treating its characters with empathy and with humor. Woven throughout the film is reference to Tunisia's post-revolution political situation, seen in Selma's relationship with police officer Naim (Majd Mastoura), the trauma of the clients she takes on, and most disarmingly, a scene late in the film where she visits her aging grandfather. Farahani is excellent as Selma, a woman trying to forge a path to her future within the country of her past. Biggest 'Yes Queen' moment: When, despite the derision, Selma opens her office door and sees floods of people wanting to speak to her. In close second is an emotionally vulnerable moment late in the film when we finally see the gravity and weight of what she's trying to accomplish crack Selma's calm exterior. Arab Blues is streaming now at SBS On Demand. This critically acclaimed Spanish comedy-drama saw Penelope Cruz become the first Spanish woman nominated for an Oscar, for her role as Raimunda, a woman who will go to any length to protect her daughter Paula (Yohana Cobo) from harm. This film tackles heavy subjects, most prominently death, abuse and sexual violence, but also takes great care while exploring the complexities of the relationships between women. And perhaps unexpectedly, Volver is also a ghost story: Raimunda's mother, Irene (Carmen Maura), has apparently returned from the dead. Biggest 'Yes Queen' moment: Quite simply, Penelope Cruz. Need we say more? Volver is streaming now at SBS On Demand. A taut, gripping, psychological drama which never goes quite where you expect it to, Black Bear sees Aubrey Plaza in a standout performance as Allison, a proclaimed director who goes to a retreat run by friends-of-friends, couple Gabe (Christopher Abbott) and Blair (Sarah Gadon), who is pregnant. What follows is a sucker punch of a film, as the drama intensifies to an almost melodramatic level until an unexpected switch changes the tone completely. Highlights include the world's most uncomfortable, tense dinner party: beginning calmly, before erupting into an interpersonal clash with emotions boiling dangerously close to the surface. While this film may not end where you expect it – and might leave you needing a strong cup of tea and a lie down afterwards, if not a trawl through the internet reading peoples' analysis – it is held together by a nuanced, powerful performance by Aubrey Plaza as you've never seen her. Biggest 'Yes Queen' moment: In the latter part of the film, we meet a gay makeup artist and a costume designer who can't stop gossiping. They are icons. Black Bear is streaming now at SBS On Demand. Explore the MOTHER IS MOTHERING COLLECTION at SBS On Demand. Share this with family and friends SBS's award winning companion podcast. Join host Yumi Stynes for Seen, a new SBS podcast about cultural creatives who have risen to excellence despite a role-model vacuum.
Korea Herald
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Clash of stars: 61st Baeksang Arts Awards delivers shake-up in Korean entertainment
Auteur Park Chan-wook speaks about similarity between his film 'Uprising' and current political landscape Amid a banner year for Korean entertainment propelled by breakout hits such as "When Life Gives You Tangerines," "Culinary Class Wars" and "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call," this year's Baeksang Arts Awards delivered one of the most hotly contested races in the award ceremony's history. Held Monday night at Coex in Seoul's Gangnam-gu, the Baeksangs, widely regarded as one of Korea's most prestigious awards spanning film, television and theater, were closely watched as globally beloved Korean titles battled it out for top accolades. In a historic twist, the grand prize in the television category went not to a drama, but to a variety program, marking the first time in the ceremony's history that an entertainment show took home the top honor. In the TV category, Netflix's culinary competition juggernaut "Culinary Class Wars" emerged victorious, clinching the grand prize. 'This feels especially meaningful to receive the grand prize for a variety show,' said Yoon Hyun-joon, CEO of Studio Slam, the production company behind the series. 'The stature of Korean variety shows is rising.' Director Kim Hak-min reflected on the journey to the win: 'Ten years ago, I watched producer Na Young-seok receive the grand prize backstage at the Baeksang Arts Awards and wondered what it would feel like to win such an award as a producer. And now, something that felt impossible has actually happened.' Meanwhile, Netflix's hit human drama "When Life Gives You Tangerines" secured four major honors, including best drama, best screenplay and both best supporting actor and actress awards. Director Kim Won-seok emphasized the show's central message of empathy in his acceptance speech. 'These days, people call this an era of hate, but while working on this drama, I found myself thinking, 'Let's not hate, let's try living well together.' I believe this award recognizes that sentiment.' The race for best actress in television was especially competitive, with nominees including Jang Na-ra from "Good Partner," Lee Ji-eun (IU) from "When Life Gives You Tangerines," Kim Hye-yoon from "Lovely Runner," and Go Min-si from "The Frog." Ultimately, Kim Tae-ri triumphed for her portrayal in "Jeong-nyeon: The Star is Born." Meanwhile, Ju Ji-hoon took home best actor for his performance in "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call." On the film side, the grand prize was awarded to the historical film "Harbin," headlined by Hyun Bin and Park Jung-min. Veteran actor Jeon Do-yeon earned best actress for her role in the thriller "Revolver," while Cho Jung-seok picked up best actor honors for his comedic turn in "Pilot." Auteur Park Chan-wook, previously honored at the Oscars for "Decision to Leave," won best screenplay alongside co-writer Shin Cheol for Netflix's period film "Uprising." The film tells the story of Jong-ryeo, the son of Joseon's most elite military family, and his servant Cheon-yeong, as they reunite as enemies amid the turmoil of the Japanese invasions. 'Looking at the current political situation in our country, I often thought about this film. I believe there are strong similarities. Just like in the past, it's the brave and wise citizens who save a nation in crisis,' said Park during his acceptance. He added a pointed political message: 'The time is coming when we must elect leaders who match the greatness of our people,' adding, 'Instead of someone like Cha Seung-won's character, King Seonjo, who is cruel and foolish, we must choose a leader who knows to fear the people,' referencing the upcoming June 3 elections following the impeachment of former president Yoon Suk Yeol. This year's Baeksang Awards ceremony, hosted by Bae Suzy, Park Bo-gum and comedian Shin Dong-yeob, honored excellence across content released between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. Eligible works included Korean feature films, television series, variety shows and streaming platform originals.
South China Morning Post
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Why are Korean films absent from the Cannes Film Festival? A brain drain, Netflix and more
South Korean films are absent from this year's Cannes Film Festival for the first time in more than a decade, and observers say it highlights a brain drain plaguing the industry. Advertisement According to the line-up released by the Cannes Film Festival, which runs from May 13 to 24, no Korean films will be screened in its official selection. A short South Korean animated film, Glasses, directed by Jung Yoo-mi, will be screened as part of Critics Week, an event organised by the French Union of Film Critics that runs in parallel with the festival. It is first time since 2013 that no Korean movies have been included in the official selection. It is also the third year in a row that no Korean films will be screened in competition in Cannes. Director Park Chan-wook accepts the award for best director for Decision to Leave at the 2022 Cannes festival. Photo: Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP Korean films have been screened regularly at Cannes since 1984, when Lee Doo-yong's Mulleya Mulleya became the first Korean production to be selected for the festival, and they and their directors have earned strong recognition on the French Riviera.
Korea Herald
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Korean films absent from Cannes' official selection for first time in 12 years
With Cannes previously having added films after official lineup announcement, still possibility Korean films could be included For the first time in 12 years, no South Korean films have been included in the official selection of the Cannes Film Festival. According to the festival's organizing committee, which announced the lineup for the 78th Cannes Film Festival on Thursday evening, no Korean films were named among the invited works. Korean films were not only excluded from the main competition section, where the Palme d'Or and other top honors are awarded, but also from out of competition categories and sidebars such as the midnight screenings and Un Certain Regard. This marks the first time since 2013 that Korean cinema has been shut out from both competition and noncompetition categories at Cannes. Among the domestic titles submitted to this year's festival were 'The Ugly' from "Train to Busan" director Yeon Sang-ho, 'The Journey to Gyeongju' from Kim Mi-jo and 'Omniscient Reader' from Kim Byung-woo. Auteur and Oscar-winning Park Chan-wook's new film, 'No Other Choice,' was reportedly not submitted, as postproduction remained incomplete. This year's submission deadline for the Cannes Film Festival was March 14. However, since the Cannes Film Festival has previously added films after its official announcement, there remains the possibility that a Korean film could still be included. Korean entries may also appear in parallel sections yet to be revealed, such as Directors' Fortnight and Critics' Week. The last time a Korean film was in competition at Cannes was in 2022, with Park Chan-wook's 'Decision to Leave' and Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda's 'Broker,' the latter produced by a Korean company. This year marks the third consecutive absence of Korean films from the competition section. In this year's competition lineup are 'The Mastermind' directed by Kelly Reichardt, 'Alpha' by Julia Ducournau and 'Two Prosecutors' by Sergei Loznitsa. Out of competition, 'Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning' is among the selections.
