Reviews

Having been to Korea on numerous occasions I went out of my way to ensure I saw this film at the 2009 Vancouver International Film Festival and I am very happy that I did.

As this is Yang Ik-Joon's first full-length picture here is a presentation that is shown in true raw passion and with emotion. I found the movie and it's engaging story-line to be very powerful. The audience and I laughed at the dark humour contained within then cried as the eventuality of the plot is brought to bear.

For those that can stomach the violence I highly recommend finding this film to view. The movie takes place in a world that most of us are simply not willing to face however the issues presented therein relating to abuse are very important and very relevant.

Every action has consequence and truly each of our lives glow so bright before we fade.

I hope that one day Breathless (Ddongpari) can be given a Region 1 DVD release so that I may purchase and watch again.

Precious finally made her way to the Vancouver International Film Festival last night as did one Mr. Lee Daniels.

Overall I am left with a feeling of a movie that at it's heart is simply pandering to give a typical film festival audience what the script writer / director thinks it wants. After last night's presentation a standing ovation followed and the director applied his impressive charm on the audience to gain, what I am certain will be, another award for the trophy case.

It was observed that the usual Exit signs to the theatre to street were turned OFF (though they are left ON for other showings at the film festival) as the sold-out theatre was encouraged to pass by voting boxes.

This movie adaptation touches on various dark elements but rather than exploring them takes the mass-appeal route and simply dances around them with fantastical scenes in the manner of an African-American version of Pan's Labyrinth with a side of rape and AIDS. Personally I find the stereotypes reinforced within this movie somewhat insulting rather than endearing and found the majority of characters were presented as quite shallow and lacking any true depth.

Though a good movie this should never be mistaken for a great one.