Im Kwon-taek was already known for being korean best director. His former film "Sopyonje" ("The Pansori's singer", 1993), amongst others, was probably the best proof of his talent. He confirms here with his new film, a pure gem ! Of course, some people (let's hope that they won't be too many !) will never be seized by the film, reluctant to Pansori melodies and tunes. They probably even won't try, their ears "offended" by this rough singing, often panting, sometimes slow-speeded or on the contrary very fast and like breathless. How wrong they will be ! Because Pansori, this traditional korean narrative song sung by only one singer who plays all the different characters of the story, with one drum (the "puk") playing, this song tears hearts and souls of those who accept to give themselves to it...
And when the tale is as a beautiful and romantic one as Chunhyang's, the singer's throaty sounds and the incredibly beautiful pictures fill us with happiness. Im Kwon-taek, great director, moves us not only through the story told by also through his direction. His numerous sequence shots, the natural way he alternates close-up and wonderful purefaces shots on one way and splendid landscapes all drowned in gold and light on the other, spreads poetry in perfect harmony with the story told.
Maybe the plot (social classes differences getting in the way of a love story which is threatened then saved by marital fidelity) doesn't bright by its originality. Asian operas, novels, films are full of that kind of stories. But that's not the important point, after all haven't all stories been already told ? The way to treat those stories makes the real difference and the one Im Kwon-taek gives to Chunhyang's legend shines bright all around ! The korean director leads two young beginners in the lovers' roles. Yi Hyo-jeong, who is the exemplary Chunhyang, is only 17 years old and it was for her, as for her partner Cho Seung-woo, her first film. She brights with sweetness and he shows real nobility.
And when the tale is as a beautiful and romantic one as Chunhyang's, the singer's throaty sounds and the incredibly beautiful pictures fill us with happiness. Im Kwon-taek, great director, moves us not only through the story told by also through his direction. His numerous sequence shots, the natural way he alternates close-up and wonderful purefaces shots on one way and splendid landscapes all drowned in gold and light on the other, spreads poetry in perfect harmony with the story told.
Maybe the plot (social classes differences getting in the way of a love story which is threatened then saved by marital fidelity) doesn't bright by its originality. Asian operas, novels, films are full of that kind of stories. But that's not the important point, after all haven't all stories been already told ? The way to treat those stories makes the real difference and the one Im Kwon-taek gives to Chunhyang's legend shines bright all around ! The korean director leads two young beginners in the lovers' roles. Yi Hyo-jeong, who is the exemplary Chunhyang, is only 17 years old and it was for her, as for her partner Cho Seung-woo, her first film. She brights with sweetness and he shows real nobility.