Movie Review: Chunyang

Story: What a wonderful treat it is to have a new culture revealed right up on that glorious big silver screen. I searched my mental data bank and could not remember ever having seen a Korean film. I've been to a whole lot of bad war movies about Korea, and of course the wonderful original M*A*S*H*, but that's not the same thing, is it? I was transported and thoroughly entertained by the 97th film of director Im Kwon Taek. Can you imagine? 97 films... Yikes! The story is a classic lover's tale presented in the tradition called Pansori (a solo performer/narrator accompanied by a drummer). This particular Pansori performer reminded me of a combination of Screamin' Jay Hawkins and Tom Waits. The Pansori was being presented to a live, modern, sometime participatory Korean audience while the 13th century fable was unfolding simultaneously on screen. The tale involves the secret marriage of the Governor's young son to the daughter of a courtesan. Class conflict, passion, love, fidelity, Government brutality, revenge and justice are all part of the tale. It is presented in a rich tapestry of images which delights the eye. Nothing I can say would probably get you to go see this film (even if it were playing in your town), but if you do get a chance to see it, I think you would be as transported and entertained as I was.

Acting: Everyone was wonderful.

Pets: Chickens and an animal that they kept referring to as a horse, but it looked like a donkey to me.

Food: Lots and lots of rice and small dishes of unidentifiable stuff.

Visual Art: Beautiful narrative paintings and calligraphy.

Soundtrack: The Pansori was the soundtrack.

Titles: It opens with a black stage with just the Pansori performing as narrator.

Theater Audience: Three Asian men and me.

Quirky Meter: 4

Oscar Worthy: Yes - but I don't think it will be nominated. There were a lot of wonderful foreign films this year. My Best of 2000 included three foreign films.

Nit Picking: I have no nits to pick with this one.

Big Screen or Rental: I don't think you will have a choice. It will probably not be released in many places so rental will probably be your only option.

Length: 2 hours (my favorite length for a film).

LOBO HOWLS: 8