Short Film Saturdays: “A Blind Alley” (LKFF)

This review references sexual assault. Reader discretion advised. Rating: ★★★★ The second film I’m reviewing from the Women’s Voices Shorts Programme is Oh Su-yeon. Running at 27 minutes, A Blind Alley follows school friends Moonyoung and Eunjae, after Moonyoung suffers a traumatic incident and becomes withdrawn. She hides it from Eunjae, refusing to confide in her for most of the film. This short does an excellent job … Continue reading Short Film Saturdays: “A Blind Alley” (LKFF)

LKFF Review: “Breathless”

  Rating: ★★★ 1/2 Breathless is probably one of the most uncomfortable experiences I’ve ever had at the cinema. Shot in 35mm and riddled with close-ups, every punch, kick and act of violence is presented to us very explicitly. It was first released in 2008, but played at this year’s London Korean Film Festival with director and actor Yang-Ik Joon present for a Q&A. Hearing Yang … Continue reading LKFF Review: “Breathless”

Short Film Saturdays: “Playground” (LKFF)

This review references sexual abuse. Reader discretion advised. Rating: ★★★★ Choi Cho-ah’s Playground featured in the Women’s Voices Shorts Programme, running at 29 minutes. The film follows new nursery teacher Si-eun as she struggles with a past sexual trauma and witnesses inappropriate behaviour from one of the boys in the class towards a girl, Seolha. Whilst it deals with some incredibly dark, personal themes, it does so … Continue reading Short Film Saturdays: “Playground” (LKFF)

LKFF Review: “The Witness”

Rating: ★★★★★ Cho Kyu-Jang’s cat-and-mouse thriller is definitely one of my favourites from this year’s London Korean Film Festival. The film follows businessman Sang-hoon as he drunkenly returns to his apartment one evening, only to witness a horrific murder right outside his complex. Before he has a chance to call for help, the killer looks up, and the two make eye contact. Paralysed by fear, he chooses not … Continue reading LKFF Review: “The Witness”

LKFF Opening Gala: “Microhabitat”

Rating: ★★★★ For the 13th annual London Korean Film Festival, the opening film was Microhabitat by Jeon Go-woon. The film follows Mi-so; a young housekeeper who decides to give up her small, cold apartment due to an increase in rent, so she can enjoy the things she loves most in life: whiskey and cigarettes. It is an incredibly bold and somewhat silly idea that resulted in a … Continue reading LKFF Opening Gala: “Microhabitat”