se7en45
11-01-2006, 04:01 PM
Red Shoes (aka Bunhongsin) (2005 / Kim Yong-Gyun)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/se7en45/redshoes.jpg
This film has great atmosphere and stunning performances (how does Korea keep producing such committed performers?). The story needs no description except that it is a modern re-working of the Hans Christian Anderson short fairy tale given a macabre Asian twist. Director Kim Yong-Gyun uses the story to unfold a tragic tapestry of obsession, loss and psychological menace on a Gothic scale.
At long last, we have a film that dares to pick up the baton left by the likes of Ringu and Dark Water and manages the act with finesse and heaps of sophisticated style.
The film has a delicate pacing that allows us to feel emotionally connected with the protagonists. The sets and designs of the film manage to convey unease and dread, the soundtrack helps to generate a sense of vertigo and the tight filming really packs a punch.
The Woo Sung Entertainment DVD showcases a solid 2:35 (Anamorphic) image that occasionally shows grain in some of the night shots. However, I think this was a deliberate ploy by the cinematographer to add an unnerving atmosphere to the night scenes. The lighting is absolutely gorgeous in this film. Some of the dance sequences are worthy of being choreographed for the ballet stage.
Apart from a few grammatical errors, the place where the DVD loses major points is in the climax of the film where the English subtitles completely disappear. Fortunately, by this stage, even if you're unfamiliar with the Korean language, you will grasp the main thrust of the story.
The audio is superlative and richly orchestrated. The disc offers fabulous audio choices of DD 5.1 Surround, DD 2.0 Stereo and DTS / DD 5.1 Surround.
The Ultra Deluxe DVD contains the following features:
DISC 1:
- Theatrical Version (Rated 15 + English Subtitle)
- Commentary by Director & Kim Hye-Su
DISC 2:
- Unrated Version (Rated Version 18 + No English Subtitle)
- Commentary by Director & Staff
- Making of
- Visual Effects
- Poster Scenes
- Promotional Materials
- Music Video
- TV Spot
- Trailer
As noted above, the DVD contains the Theatrical Version of the film on Disc 1 and an Unrated Version on Disc 2. Before you jump for joy just remember that this longer edition does not contain any English subtitles at all. Personally speaking, I believe that the Theatrical Version has just the right balance whilst the Unrated Version reveals too much of the unsavoury material which is best left to the imagination.
This film is well worth tracking down. The prologue alone merits a purchase! Maybe ABUK could issue this title in the near future?
* * * * / * * * * *
Recommended.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/se7en45/redshoes.jpg
This film has great atmosphere and stunning performances (how does Korea keep producing such committed performers?). The story needs no description except that it is a modern re-working of the Hans Christian Anderson short fairy tale given a macabre Asian twist. Director Kim Yong-Gyun uses the story to unfold a tragic tapestry of obsession, loss and psychological menace on a Gothic scale.
At long last, we have a film that dares to pick up the baton left by the likes of Ringu and Dark Water and manages the act with finesse and heaps of sophisticated style.
The film has a delicate pacing that allows us to feel emotionally connected with the protagonists. The sets and designs of the film manage to convey unease and dread, the soundtrack helps to generate a sense of vertigo and the tight filming really packs a punch.
The Woo Sung Entertainment DVD showcases a solid 2:35 (Anamorphic) image that occasionally shows grain in some of the night shots. However, I think this was a deliberate ploy by the cinematographer to add an unnerving atmosphere to the night scenes. The lighting is absolutely gorgeous in this film. Some of the dance sequences are worthy of being choreographed for the ballet stage.
Apart from a few grammatical errors, the place where the DVD loses major points is in the climax of the film where the English subtitles completely disappear. Fortunately, by this stage, even if you're unfamiliar with the Korean language, you will grasp the main thrust of the story.
The audio is superlative and richly orchestrated. The disc offers fabulous audio choices of DD 5.1 Surround, DD 2.0 Stereo and DTS / DD 5.1 Surround.
The Ultra Deluxe DVD contains the following features:
DISC 1:
- Theatrical Version (Rated 15 + English Subtitle)
- Commentary by Director & Kim Hye-Su
DISC 2:
- Unrated Version (Rated Version 18 + No English Subtitle)
- Commentary by Director & Staff
- Making of
- Visual Effects
- Poster Scenes
- Promotional Materials
- Music Video
- TV Spot
- Trailer
As noted above, the DVD contains the Theatrical Version of the film on Disc 1 and an Unrated Version on Disc 2. Before you jump for joy just remember that this longer edition does not contain any English subtitles at all. Personally speaking, I believe that the Theatrical Version has just the right balance whilst the Unrated Version reveals too much of the unsavoury material which is best left to the imagination.
This film is well worth tracking down. The prologue alone merits a purchase! Maybe ABUK could issue this title in the near future?
* * * * / * * * * *
Recommended.