Korean cinema is well known at home and abroad for producing films in a variety of styles
that appeal to many different viewers.
However, perhaps more than anything else, the local industry has made a name for itself
by putting out some of the most famous revenge thrillers in recent years.
In 2004, PARK Chan-wook's Oldboy won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival.
Ten years later...
revenge films are still a big part of what makes the Korean film industry tick.
As we head into spring, a new batch of revenge thrillers is getting ready to enter theaters.
Here to talk about the enduring popularity of revenge films in Korean cinema and the
latest examples that are about to hit screens is, of course, our film critic Pierce Conran.
Hello there, Pierce.
How have you been?
So, revenge is the keyword today.
Do you think revenge is still a big part of Korean cinema today?
Yes.
Part of what attracted me in the first place and definitely a staple of the local industry,
at least for its genre output.
Why do think revenge is such a big part of Korean films?
History, lack of freedom.
Timing of revenge as theme comes after democracy.
Also reflection of personal loss Lack of trust in authority.
Government unable or unwilling to help.
What are
some of the most important examples that have stood the test of time?
Vengeance Trilogy A Bittersweet Life
Save the Green Planet Bedevilled
Have any recent revenge thrillers stood out
for you?
The Fives Pluto
26 Years
Has the theme of vengeance evolved over the years?
Yes, more direct and less concerned with metaphor.
Thus films like 26 Years come out.
Also much more female driven now.
From Bedevilled to Azooma and Don't Cry Mommy.
If the industry keeps making revenge films, there must be a market for them.
So why have they remained so appealing?
Vicarious thrill of seeing someone carry out justified revenge
Connection with local history Theme demands heavy genre treatment, always
appealing
So
what are the new Korean thrillers that are heading to local theaters?
Monster Broken
A Hard Day
Do you see the fascination with revenge going away any time soon?
Absolutely not.
I may roll my eyes when a new one's announced but despite the many I've seen , I'm always
eager to watch a new Korean revenge thr
Pierce Conran, our very own film critic here on Arirang News - we'll see you back here
next week with more updates from the realm of cinema.