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Korean movies opening today 2011/10/20 in Korea

Korean movies opening today 2011/10/20 in Korea "Always", "Punch" and "Wie-do" (2011)

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Directed by Song Il-gon

With So Ji-sub, Han Hyo-joo, Kang Shin-il, Park Chul-min, Wi Seung-bae, Oh Gwang-rok,...

Synopsis
A fatal love story centered on ex-boxer Chul-min (So Ji-sub) and telemarketer Jung-hwa (Han Hyo-joo). He has closed his heart to the world and she remains spirited despite slowly losing her vision. Eliminating the so-called silent style of long shots and long takes and appealing to soul and spirit, this could be deemed Song Il-gon's declaration of transformation from an auteur director to a popular director. Those who were mesmerized by Song's "Flower Island" and "The Magicians" may be somewhat disappointed. As suggested by the trite title, the movie is full of old clichés. But what makes it extraordinary despite its clichés is the director's characteristic unconventional directing style and dramatic twists in detail that reveals moderation and omission. [Always] takes small steps towards the climax without excessive use of words and action. Chul-min's climactic scene trumps the explosiveness of "Rough Cut". The director also adds class to the film through the remarkable visuals and sound design, sensuous but not superficial. As a result, this film is distinct from overwhelmingly common melodramas and successfully emerges as an 'uncommon common' drama. So Ji-sub and Han Hyo-joo are perfect in their roles. The commercial expression as 'So-joo couple' is no exaggeration. (JEON Chanil)
Previously known as "Only You - Movie" on HanCinema.

"Punch" (2011)

Directed by Lee Han

With Kim Yun-seok, Yoo Ah-in, Park Soo-young, Kim Young-jae, Kim Sang-ho, Park Hyo-joo,...

Synopsis
Based on a novel, this is a movie about a poor and rebellious Wandeugi, meeting an oddball teacher and growing up.
"Punch" is an acclaimed coming-of-age film based on the enormously popular novel by Kim Yeo-ryung and play produced by Kim Dong-soo. It's a timely text presenting the possibilities of the One Source Multi Use (OSMU) products. 18 year old Wanduk and his family's tale is portrayed with a jaunty, dramatic rhythm. Wandeuk's father is afflicted with kyphosis-commonly known as being hunchback. His live-in uncle isn't completely normal either. What's more, his mother, who makes an appearance in his life out of the blue, is Filipino. All of them, however, are precious to Wandeuk. And so is his homeroom teacher, Dong-joo, who is every bit the troublemaker Wandeuk is. They are constantly bickering and fighting as though they are enemies, but become more inseparable than family. "Punch" begins firmly rooted in the coming-of-age genre, but turns into a family drama and a social drama dealing with such crucial issues as the generation gap, education, disability, and multi-culturalism. It does all this and imparts some valuable lessons while providing entertainment and inspiration. (JEON Chanil)

"Wie-do" (2011)

Directed by Baek Jeong-min

With Jung Chan, Lee Doo-il, Kim Hyun-kyoon, Yoon Young, Seo Seung-won, Lee Jae-ryong-I,...

Synopsis
The residents of WIE Island are excited at the possibility of being compensated if the island becomes a cultural tourist area. However, an unexpected accident turns the area into an island of mysteries. The unique choreography and the director's determination to dig into the double-sidedness of an individual and a group stand out.

Review
An island is a miniature of the world. It is rare to find a more attractive place to show the selfishness of a group of people, twisted human desires, and the madness derived from a sealed-off world than an island. In this natural stage most suitable for mysteries and thrillers, a case unfolding itself covers the screen with ambiguous sentiments like the mist at dawn. Wie - Do takes place in wie Island in Bu-an, Jeollabuk-do. It is a thriller that digs into the hidden truths behind a murder case that takes place on the island. Selected as a pilot area for culture and tourism, high expectations for redevelopment engulf the island. One day, In-chul (Jung Chan), a detective visits the island. He had been sent to investigate the precise cause of death of Jong-gu, who had died in a landslide. In-chul senses something strange from the island people from the first day on. Though he's not happy with the cold behavior from the island people who want him to wrap things up quietly and leave, In-chul even takes tainted money to pay for his wife's hospital bills then eventually decides to leave the island. That night, another murder case takes place and In-chul has a hunch that the island people's odd behavior and the series of events are linked. Then he jumps right in the middle of the repulsive truth that the people had been hiding. Wie - Do persistently chases how far human beings' selfishness will go when buried within a group. It somewhat loses suspense with conventional story development and over explanations near the end, but the directing rhythm that chases the case is not bad. However, it is somewhat of a let-down that the film didn't fully capture the unique attractiveness of the actually existingplace, Wie Island. (Song Kyong Won)
* Excerpt from the 2011 Jeonju International Film Festival Program book

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