South Korean director Kim Ji-won returns to theaters on Nov. 8 with This Shootout in Seoul, a zany comedy centered around a movie set. To mark the occasion, distributor The Jokers released three of the filmmaker’s feature films in restored 4K versions: Foul King, Deux Sœurs and A Bittersweet Life.
The latter is one of the 59-year-old director’s most striking works, a visceral dive into the heart of South Korea’s underworld. The story follows Sun Woo, the ruthless right-hand man of a fearsome gang leader.
The godfather suspects his girlfriend Hae Soo of having an affair with another man. He asks Sun Woo to follow him, with orders to kill them both if caught together.
From horror to thriller
Bitter Life is the debut thriller from Kim Ji-woon, who has previously directed several horror films such as Two Sisters and Three Stories from the Afterlife. The film noir aesthetic seems to have been of particular interest to the director, who particularly claims the influence of Jean-Pierre Melville.
“Film noir is a fun genre for a filmmaker. I’m much more interested in the idea of creating reality from scratch than a simple reconstruction. Film noir allows me to create settings, characters, lighting or darkness in complete freedom. I like being in complete control of what I’m doing.”confides in Kim Ji-won.
The latter believes as much in solid script structure as in elaborate staging that gives the audience the key. For the filmmaker, as the narrative is not clear, it is not really what guides the understanding of the story in his films.
A fine balance in style
“My style consists of finding a fine balance between the different elements of the staging to make sense of the story. This is how, in a certain number of sequences, the use of music or inserts added to the montage conveys information. The audience. I believe that whatever style we adopt, it is the story must be at work”The director explains.
Furthermore, A Bittersweet Life doesn’t settle for a chain of action scenes with stunts and violence. Kim Ji-woon wanted the actors to develop particularly expressive performances, especially the hero Sun Woo, played by Lee Byung-hoon.
Lee Byun-hoon: The Korean movie star looks back on his career with us, from Landing Graduation, I Met the Devil to a bittersweet life.
The weight of fate
“Certain facial expressions make me fall in love with cinema. When faces betray mystery, gravity or mystery, I wonder what causes those expressions and facial expressions. For me, film noir is the genre that provides the widest range of expressions.”The director analyzes.
A dark thriller, A Bittersweet Life presents particularly violent scenes. However, the director did not want to present it crudely and gratuitously:
“I didn’t try to take this violence seriously and treat it realistically but out of the ordinary. The world is too absurd to be taken seriously in cinema. The world is cruel, chaotic and funny.”Supports Kim Ji-won.
A Bittersweet Life hits theaters on November 15.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
