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Film Nights occur approximately every 2-3 weeks and are an informal gathering to watch various genres of films coming out of the Korean film industry. It's a great way to experience Korean language in context and also an introduction to Korean pop culture.
Where, when and how
Film Nights will typically occur in BPB W 121, from 5pm - 7pm unless otherwise stated.
North Korean Film Week (6 - 8 May)
All films are in Korean and there are NO English subtitles, though an English synopsis will be made before the commencement of each film.
The films will be played in Room G051, Melville Hall at the ANU with a start time of 6pm and will end at approximately 8pm.
Look forward to seeing you there!
Tuesday May 6, 2008
“The Destiny of Keum-hee and Eun-hee” [Keumhee-wa Eunhee-ui unmyong]
(1974, Directors: Pak Hak and Eom Kil-seon, 101 min. No subtitles, explanatory synopsis English)
Room G051, Melville Hall: 18:00 - 20:00
One of the classics of North Korean cinematography, this film emulates the best examples of Soviet and Chinese filmmaking traditions. The story is based on the famous novel by Paek In-jun about twins separated by the Korean War.
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Never heard about each other again, the twin-sisters live in the very different societies separated by the civil and ideological conflict. Keum-hee lives a happy and comfortable life in North Korea, where she can see her talent for singing and dancing fulfilled. Her sister, Eun-hee, on the contrary, is destined to suffer in the South, surrounded by social evils and class inequality.
This film laments the national division and claims the superiority of Socialist system. Life in post-war Korea is masterfully portraying the grim reality of that difficult time.
A complete synopsis of the movie is available for download. |
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Wednesday May 7, 2008
“Our Fragrance” [Uri-e Hyang-gi]
(2003, Director: Cheon Jong-pal, 85 min. No subtitles, Explanatory synopsis in English)
Room G051, Melville Hall: 18:00 - 20:00
This film reflects the early changes and nascent conflicts which began emerging in the North Korean society after the introduction of market-oriented reforms in July 2002. Foreign cultural influences, growing materialism and consumerism are believed to create obstacles for the advancement of Korean-style Socialism.
| Pyeong-ho, a researcher-scientist who develops the new types of Korean traditional dish, Kimch'i, comes from a conservative family. He tries to preserve and incorporate the traditional values into modern life. A young guide-interpreter, Sae-byeol, who works for International Travel Company, is overly accustomed to the lifestyle influenced by foreign traditions. Destiny makes Pyeong-ho and Sae-byeol meet at the fashion show in Pyongyang. Participation in this competition turns into a tough examine for both of them and their families. |
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A complete synopsis of the movie is available for download.
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Thursday May 8, 2008
“The Schoolgirl’s Diary” [Han nyohaksaeng-ui ilgi]
(2006, Director: Jang In-hak, 93 min. No subtitles, Explanatory synopsis in English)
Room G051, Melville Hall: 18:00 - 20:00
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One of the most recent films produced in North Korea, “The Schoolgirl’s Diary” immediately hit the box-office record locally, won a prize at the 2006 International Pyongyang Film Festival, and even found its way overseas. The film chronicles a girl's life through her school years, full of peer pressure and family problems, much the same as it is everywhere in the world. |
| The main character, Suryon, is preparing to make a major decision on what to do with her life after school. She analyses her childhood and questions her parents’ difficult life. Suryon’s family lives in a rundown country house, her mother is suffering from cancer, and her father is a workaholic who spends days and nights at the factory working on a scientific project. Tensions at home and school translates into depression and disenchantment with her parents. However, one day Suryon realises how selfish and immature she was. |
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A complete synopsis of the movie is available for download.
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