Kim Hye Ja 김혜자 55th Baeksang Grand Prize Winner 2019

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December 22, 2009

Mother, Thirst take home Director’s Cut Awards

December 22nd, 2009 // by javabeans

This year’s 12th Director’s Cut Awards were given out on December 21, and the top winners this year were Thirst, Park Chan-wook’s stylish vampire-horror film starring Song Kang-ho as a vampire priest, as well as Bong Joon-ho’s Mother, whose Kim Hye-ja is earning a number of accolades as the titular mother who goes all-out to protect her dimwitted son (Won Bin) from a false charge.

Also honored was Jeon Do-yeon, who didn’t win an acting award but was given a plaque of appreciation as part of the Cinema Angel Project, which promotes the development of independent films. In addition, a commemorative plaque was issued in memory of Jang Jin-young, who recently passed away of stomach cancer at the age of 35.

Winners List

Best Director: Park Chan-wook (Thirst)

Best Actor/Actress: Song Kang-ho (Thirst), Kim Hye-ja (Mother)

Best New Director: Ounie Lecomte (A Brand New Life)

Best New Actor/Actress: Kim Dong-wook (Take Off), Park Bo-young (Speed Scandal)

Best Producer: Yoon Je-kyun (Haeundae, JK Films)

Best Indie Film Director: Yang Ik-joon (Breathless)

Via Newsen, thanks to dramabeans.com

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December 29, 2009

Local films fare better than expected

The year 2009 will be remembered as a fresh start for the Korean film industry as local movies fared better than expected, with talented filmmakers producing one notable work after another, in a way that staved off attacks from big-budget Hollywood blockbusters.

The first and foremost winner of the 2009 domestic film market is "Haeundae," a disaster film that sold a whopping 11.5 million tickets, topping the box-office chart. The film, released on 534 screens on July 22, portrays a fictional tsunami that virtually destroys the country's biggest beach in the southeastern port city of Busan.

Director Youn Je-kyoon signed on top-rated actors Sul Kyung-gu, Ha Ji-won, Park Joong-hoon and Uhm Jung-hwa for his film rich in computer-generated graphics, outsmarting many Hollywood blockbusters, proving the potential of a local film in the intensifying box office competition. "Haeundae" also became the fifth Korean movie ever to reach the 10 million milestone, following in the footsteps of "The Host," "The King and the Clown," "Taegukgi," "Silmido."

In fact, seven of the top 10 grossing films this year were locally made, leading to a significant increase in the number of moviegoers who opted to watch Korean movies to 70.59 million, or 51.2 percent of the total viewership. The figure for the market share of Korean movies marks a jump from 41.6 percent in 2008.

Another high-profile box-office star was "Take-Off," an inspirational and heart-warming tale about a rag-tag group of misfits who form the Korean National Ski-Jump team. Director Kim Yong-hwa's film, loosely based on the true story of local ski jumpers who struggle amid national indifference toward the sport, sold 8.44 million tickets.

Independent films also attracted keen attention this year, particularly due to the success of the moving documentary "Old Partner (Weonangsori)." The film, directed by Lee Chung-ryul, focuses on a decades-long relationship between an ox and an old farmer. It was first released in just seven theaters, but the number shot up to 250 in the following months, responding to an enthusiastic reception from local audiences. It eventually earned 19 billion won ($16,000), a 95-fold return on production costs -- a record that inspired many indie filmmakers. The documentary also won several honors including an award at the annual Silverdocs Documentary Festival in Washington D.C., becoming the first Korean indie film to be honored at the event.

Another noticeable trend was more Hollywood stars visiting Korea and more Korean actors attempting to break into the world stage. Back in January, Tom Cruise visited Seoul and participated in a hand printing and red carpet event ahead of the release of his latest flick, "Valkyrie." In April, Hugh Jackman promoted "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" to Korean fans along with co-star Daniel Henney.

Several Korean stars played roles for Hollywood films this year. "My Sassy Girl" heroine Jun Ji-hyun came back to the silver screen, playing the title character for "Blood: The Last Vampire." Jun is an A-list actress in Korea has a high profile throughout Asia thanks to the enormous success of "My Sassy Girl," a romantic comedy that helped fuel the "Korean Wave." As with her previous roles, however, "Blood" did not produce satisfactory results at the box office at home or overseas.

Korean pop sensation Rain starred in "Ninja Assassin," a film written specifically for the 28-year-old Asian superstar and produced by the Wachowski Brothers. Directed by James McTiegue, the film stars Rain as Raizo, one of the world's deadliest assassins. But its box-office performance did not meet expectations.

In contrast, Lee Byung-hun, solidified his position as an actor who could team up with Hollywood cast members. He played one of the main characters in "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" together with Channing Tatum and Sienna Miller. Directed by Stephen Sommers and produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura, the film earned $150 million in the U.S. market alone, helping highlight the charm of Lee as an emerging Asian actor who can play other major roles in Hollywood flicks, including the sequel to "G.I. Joe."

Meanwhile, veteran Korean actress Kim Hye-ja showcased her seasoned performance in "Mother," directed by Bong Joon-ho. Kim was named best actress of the year at the third Asia Pacific Screen Awards for her role in the mystery thriller that was invited to the Cannes International Film Festival. The film, which centers around a murder case and obsessive maternal love, has been sold to 12 countries including Japan and the United States.

Director Park Chan-wook also strengthened his international reputation again by grabbing the jury prize at the Cannes International Film Festival for vampire thriller "Thirst." Despite the conflicting opinions, Park went on to become the first Korean filmmaker to receive two awards in Cannes. Park previously won the festival's second-place honor with "Oldboy" in 2004.

By Yang Sung-jin (insight@heraldm.com) via koreaherald.co.kr

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December 30, 2009

'Mother' named best foreign picture in Japan

SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- South Korean thriller "Mother" was selected best foreign picture by the 22nd Nikkan Sports Film Awards in Japan, the film's Japanese distributor said Wednesday.

"Mother," the fourth feature by director Bong Joon-ho, won best foreign picture award along with "Dear Doctor," which was named the best movie of the year by the Japanese film contest, said Bitters End.

"This award is very meaningful as the first honor in Japan," said Yuji Sadai, head of the Japanese distributor.

The Nikkan Sports Film Award was established in 1988 by Nikkan Sports, one of Japan's largest sports newspapers.

"Mother," revolving around a murder case and obsessive maternal love, was invited to this year's Cannes Film Festival and received four local best picture awards.

Sold to 12 countries including Japan, the film will be released throughout Asia and Europe early next year.

Credits: hayney@yna.co.kr via yonhapnews.co.kr

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January 22, 2010

"Mother" nominated in 6 categories at Asian Film Awards

Reporter.Lim Hye-seon Editor.Lucia Hong

"Mother" movie poster [CJ Entertainment]

Director Bong Joon-ho's film "Mother" has been nominated in six categories for the Asian Film Awards in March.

A representative from the Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF) announced that the film has been nominated for best picture, best director, best actress, best supporting actor, best screenplay and best editor. It will be competing up against Hong Kong film "Bodyguards and Assassins" in some of the categories.

Other nominees include Korean film "Thirst" by world-renowned director Park Chan-wook which was selected for four awards including best actor, best cinematographer, best production designer and best visual effects. Japanese movie "Air Doll" starring Korean actress Bae Doona has been nominated for 'Best Actress'.

The Asian Film Awards, created in 2007, will take place on March 22.

Reporter : Lim Hye-seon lhsro@asiae.co.kr Editor : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved> 10.asiae.co.kr

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January 22, 2010

8 Korean films invited to the Rotterdam film fest

Reporter.Lim Hye-seon Editor.Lucia Hong

Eight Korean films have been invited to the 39th annual International Rotterdam Film Festival, according to the Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF) committee on Friday.

Film "Moscow" directed by Whang Cheol-mean and "Mother" by director Bong Joon-ho were chosen for the Spectrum section of the festival which highlights movies that contribute to the international film culture.

Several other films including "Cafe Noir" by Jung Sung-il, "Eighteen" by Jang Kun-jae, "Possessed" by Lee Yong-ju, "Elbowroom" by Ham Kyoung-rock and "Running Turtle" by Lee Yeon-woo were chosen to be featured under the Bright Future category that spotlights new directors.

Director Park Chan-ok's second movie "Paju" will open the film fest considered one of the biggest film festivals in Europe, alongside Cannes, Venice and Berlin, and nicknamed the "Sundance of Europe." The film focuses on the forbidden love between Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun and actress Seo Woo.

The International Rotterdam Film Festival, known for recognizing independent experimental movies on an international level, will be held from January 27 to February 7.

Reporter : Lim Hye-seon lhsro@asiae.co.kr Editor : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved> 10.asiae.co.kr

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January 22, 2010

Bong’s 'Mother' Leads AFA Nominations

Director Bong Joon-ho

Director Bong Joon-ho's "Mother'' scored six nominations, including best film and director, for the fourth Asian Film Awards, the organizer said Friday.

The thriller about maternal love was also nominated for best actress for Kim Hye-ja, best supporting actor for Won Bin, best screenwriter and best editor for Moon Sae-kyoung. It led the nominations along with Teddy Chan's Hong Kong-China co-production film "Bodyguards and Assassins.''

Chinese-language films from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan were led the pack with 32 nominations in 14 categories, followed by South Korea with 17 and Japan with 13. Director Park Chan-wook's Cannes winner "Thirst'' was also nominated for best actor for Song Kang-ho. Bae Doo-na was nominated for best actress for her leading role in "Air Doll.''

This year's nominations saw a diverse mix of films from over nine countries across Asia, including Iran, India, Vietnam and the Philippines. "The diversity shows that there are distinctive Asian films that can withstand Hollywood hegemony,'' Wilfred Wong, chairman of the AFA board of directors, told The Hollywood Reporter. "For example, films from South Korea and Japan stand out with their delicate portrayals of humanity.''

Organized by the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society, the awards will be handed out March 22.

Credits: chojh@koreatimes.co.kr

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January 27, 2010

Film reporters name 'Mother' best movie of 2009

SEOUL, Jan. 27 (Yonhap) -- The Korea Film Reporters Association selected Bong Joon-ho's "Mother," a thriller revolving around a murder case and one woman's obsessive maternal love, as the best picture of 2009 during a meeting held in Seoul on Wednesday.

The association also named Kim Hye-ja, who plays the lead role in the film, for the Best Actress award. Mother, the fourth feature by Bong, is set to be released throughout Asia and Europe early this year.

news.nate.com

The reporters' association, launched last year, selected the seven most outstanding movies, actors and directors of the year in its inaugural ceremony with voting by 54 film reporters from 31 news organizations.

news.nate.com

Song Gang-ho, who played a Catholic priest-turned-vampire in Park Chan-wook's "Thirst," won the Best Actor award, while the Discovery award for an outstanding debut went to Yang Ik-joon, director of the internationally acclaimed "Breathless."

Jeong Seung-hye, the late head of Achim Pictures who died of cancer last year, posthumously received the Filmmaker of the Year award. Jeong's last horror picture "Faith" drew critical acclaim for its sensitive juxtaposition of shamanism and Christianity in Korea.

Chae Yun-hee, chief of All That Cinema, took the Publicity award, while Lee Jae-seong, a reporter with the Hankyoreh newspaper who exposed CJ Entertainment's market monopoly, was chosen by a jury of five movie industry leaders as outstanding reporter of the year.

Credits: hkim@yna.co.kr via yonhapnews.co.kr

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January 28, 2010

Film journalists pick Song Kang-ho, Kim Hye-ja top actors

Reporter.Ko Kyoung-seok Editor.Lucia Hong

Song Kang-ho and Kim Hye-ja have been recognized last year's top film actors by Korean film journalists.

The Korea Film Reporters Association (KOFRA) held the 1st Korean Film Award on Wednesday, naming Song best actor for his role in film "Thirst" and Kim as best actress for her role in "Mother."

Song, 43, is considered one of Korea's most successful actors who has starred in a handful of hit films including "Memories of Murder", "The Host" and "Thirst", which won the Jury Prize at Cannes earlier last year.

Kim, 68, is a veteran actress who has received more than a few appraisals for her performance in "Mother" helmed by director Bong Joon-ho. The pic also took the prize for best picture at the event last night.

Other awards were handed to director Yang Ik-joon for "Breathless" and the ceremony also honored the late Jung Seung-hye, former chief of movie production company Achim. She was well-known for producing hit movies "King and the Clown" and "Radiostar".

KOFRA, established last February, is composed of 31 different media outlets including daily newspapers, news agencies, economic magazines, sports newspapers and broadcasting companies. A total of 54 film reporters participated in the vote for the awards ceremony.

Reporter : Ko Kyoung-seok kave@asiae.co.kr Editor : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr <ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved> 10.asiae.co.kr

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February 10, 2010

[PHOTO] Kim Hye-ja wins Max Movie best actress award

Photographer.Park Sung-Ki Editor.Jessica Kim

Actress Kim Hye-ja [Park Sung-ki/Asia Economic Daily]

Actress Kim Hye-ja gives her acceptance speech at the 7th Max Movie Awards held at the COEX Auditorium in Seoul, South Korea on February 9, 2010. She won the title of best actress at the event for her role in 2009 film "MOTHER."

Photographer : Park Sung-Ki musictok@asiae.co.kr Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved> 10.asiae.co.kr

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Clip & capture copied from innolife.net

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February 10, 2010

The 7th Max Movie Best Film Awards

Submitted by sarah on February 10, 2010

Seoul , Korea – The 7th Max Movie Best Film Award held on February 9th at COEX Auditorium.

Broadcaster Kim Bum Soo and Han Seong Ju were the main MCs of the night, and idol group f(x) and group 2AM made the congratulatory stage. The Max Movie Best Film Award is decided based on the netizen’s survey. The survey had proceeded from January 5th to February 2nd and approximately 750,000 people had participated.

Congratulation to all winners!

Here is the list of the winner

Best Movie: Wo Nang So Ri (Old Partner)

Best Director: Yoon Jae Gyeun (Hae Woon Dae)

Best Actor: Ha Jeong Woo (Take Off)

Best Actress: Kim Hye Ja (Mother)

Best Supporting Actor: Seong Dong Gil (Take Off)

Best Supporting Actress: Kim Young Ae (Ae Ja)

Best Newcomer Actor: Kim Dong Wook (Take Off)

Best Newcomer Actress: Lee Si Young (Descendant of Hong Gil Dong)

Source: trends.korea.com

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February 18, 2010

Korean film "Mother" wins award at Santa Barbara film fest

Reporter.Ko Kyoung-seok Editor.Lucia Hong

Poster for film "Mother" [CJ Entertainment]

South Korean director Bong Joon-ho's film "Mother" received the Best East Meets West Cinema Award at the annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival held in California over the weekend.

The movie, about a mother's search for a killer who framed her disabled son for a murder, was first screened at the Cannes Film Festival last year. The pic stars veteran actress Kim Hye-ja and Hallyu star Won Bin.

"Mother" has created much buzz in the film industry ever since, winning nods at several film fests including the title for best screenplay at the Dubai International Film Festival and the SIGNIS Award at the Mar del Plata International Film Festival in Argentina.

The veteran actress Kim Hye-ja and Hallyu star Won Bin starrer is currently up for nomination in six categories -- best film, best director, best screenplay, best actress, best supporting actor and best editing -- at the Asian Film Awards to be held in Hong Kong next month.

Other films recognized at the Santa Barbara fest on Sunday were American film "Exam," which was awarded the Panavision Spirit Award for Independent Cinema, Best International Film Award went to Finnish movie "Letters to Father Jaakob" and the Nueva Vision Award for best Spanish/Latin American film went to American production "The Wind Journeys."

Reporter : Ko Kyoung-seok kave@asiae.co.kr Editor : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr <ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved> 10.asiae.co.kr

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February 24, 2010

Portland Film Fest Review Mother

by Eric D. Snider Feb 24th 2010 // 7:03PM

Is there a sweeter word than "mother"? It (or a simplified version of it) is usually one of the first words a baby learns to say. In every language it suggests love and nurturing, as well as fierce protection. You do not get between a mother and her young. You do not threaten a mother's children, nor do you threaten a child's mother. You have no problem identifying your dad as something of a bastard if that's the case, but your mom -- she is revered and honored, no matter what faults she may have.

This natural respect for motherhood is at the root of Mother (Madeo), a fantastically unsettling mystery-thriller by Korean filmmaker Bong Joon-ho (whose The Host, from 2006, was one of the more entertaining monster movies of the decade). Bong starts with the basic premise that a mother will do anything to protect her child, then takes that premise to its logical -- yet somehow also completely insane -- conclusion.

The mother in question is Yoon Hye-ja (Kim Hye-ja), an herbalist and unlicensed acupuncturist who lives in a small South Korean town with her son, Do-joon (Won Bin), as her only companion. Do-joon, in his mid 20s, is somewhat developmentally disabled, probably about 7 years old in terms of emotional maturity. He's able to get along OK, though, requiring just a little extra attention from his vigilant mother.

Mrs. Yoon is only too happy to provide it, too. Protective by nature, she has a worried, Meryl Streep-y face, and expresses concern about Do-joon's friend, Jin-tae (Jin Goo), whom she considers a bad influence. Do-joon and Jin-tae get into a bit of trouble with some local rich dudes at the town's country club after a minor hit-and-run accident ... and then the movie kicks in to high gear.

A teenage girl is found murdered. The evidence points to Do-joon, who we know saw the girl before her death. A police detective, Je-moon (Yoon Je-moon), already acquainted with the Yoon family -- it's a small town -- knows Do-joon is harmless. But facts are facts, and these facts are incriminating. Has Do-joon been framed? The cops can't do much about that, not when whoever did the framing has done such a thoroughly convincing job of it. It's up to Mom to find the real killer.

Yes, it's Middle-Aged Korean Mother: Amateur Detective! What a kitschy premise, and what a bang-up job Bong does with it. (He wrote the screenplay with Park Eun-kyo.) The whodunit elements are superb, with just the right mixture of red herrings, twists, and unforeseen resolutions. As more facts about the murder victim come to light -- think Laura Palmer in Twin Peaks -- Mrs. Yoon is taken down a thorny path of clues and misdirections, searching for a missing cell phone, dealing with the girl's lunatic grandmother. Through it all, her only goal is to clear her son's name. She is single-minded about it. I recommend you do not get in her way.

I don't know much about Kim Hye-ja, the actress who plays Mrs. Yoon. Asian Media Wiki reports that she was born in 1941, earned an award for her 1982 feature film debut, and has a "warm and kind image" that has been represented in a long career in Korean TV. What I know is that if Mother were an American film, Kim Hye-ja would be nominated for an Oscar. Her performance is almost perfect: controlled, subtle, emotionally powerful, completely convincing. No matter what odd things the film requires her to do -- and Bong starts the movie with her in a field, dancing sadly to a gentle strain of elevator music -- Kim is up for it.

Bong's direction is equally impressive. He surprises us without resorting to cheap tricks, reveals shocking information without cheating. As with most great mysteries, the outcome, when it is discovered, turns out to have been inevitable: Now that we know the facts, of course this is how it had to end. That un-gimmicky structure is what makes the delightfully dark and twisted journey so enjoyably satisfying.

Screened at the Portland International Film Festival. The film opens theatrically in the U.S. on March 12 and is already available as an import Blu-ray.

Source: cinematical.com

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March 2, 2010

Ethiopian Child Welfare Center Named for Kim Hye-ja

Kim Hye-ja

A welfare center named after the actress Kim Hye-ja opened on Saturday in Ethiopia. The Baekhak Village OBS Kim Hae-ja Center provides meals, accommodation, medication, and early child education to 230 orphans and children from poor families between four and six.

The project was made possible with a donation of US$150,000 from Baik Sung-hak, the chairman of Young An Hat Company, who promised it when Kim hosted a program on OBS, a regional terrestrial channel in Gyeonggi Province and Incheon. Kim expressed hope that Ethiopia can eventually overcome poverty and show the world what it can do.

Source: englishnews@chosun.com

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March 2, 2010

The Baekhak Village OBS Kim Hae-ja Center

Source: news.nate.com

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March 12, 2010

Bong Joon-ho wins praise from L.A. Times for "Mother"

Reporter.Ko Kyoung-seok Editor.Lynn Kim

news.nate.com

Famed Korean filmmaker Bong Joon-ho has won praise from U.S. daily newspaper L.A. Times for his film "Mother", which opens today in Los Angeles.

In his March 10 movie review, Times' film critic Andy Klein called Bong "one of the best South Korean directors and arguably the most accessible to U.S. audiences". The article compared "Mother" with his previous work including the "The Host" (2006), the most-watched film in Korean box office history, and "Memories of Murder" (2003), adding that Bong's latest thriller "resembles a subplot" from the latter pic.

Klein also likened the Korean director to legendary filmmakers Alfred Hitchcock and Claude Chabrol, saying "Bong certainly knows how to generate suspense", referring, in particular, to the first scene in the movie where actress Kim Hye-ja is chopping herbs with a guillotine cutter while keeping an eye on her mentally disabled son, played by Won Bin.

The film, which premiered at Cannes in May 2009, received much critical acclaim at numerous international film festivals in Stockholm, Thessaloniki and Mar del Plata. The film's lead actress Kim Hye-ja also racked up acting awards at several film events as well. "Mother" opens today in five U.S. cities including L.A. and New York, and will be released in other cities afterwards.

Reporter: Ko Kyoung-seok kave@asiae.co.kr Editor: Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr <ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved> 10.asiae.co.kr

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March 13, 2010

Korean films, stars nominated for U.S. Green Globe Awards

Reporter.Lucia Hong Editor.Jessica Kim

Korean movie "Thirst" and "Mother" [CJ Entertainment]

Some of the biggest names in the South Korean film industry, as well as its most noted productions, have been nominated in multiple categories at this year's Hollywood-based Green Globe Film Awards.

According to the event’s official webpage, a number of Korea's top movie stars and films will compete in this year's "International Film Awards Theme: Asia" segment of the event which recognizes movies, actors and directors in the Eastern region of the globe.

Noteworthy nominees include Song Kang-ho for film “Thirst,” Ha Jung-woo for “Take Off” and Kim Myeong-min for “Closer to Heaven” in the category for best international actor. Actress Ha Ji-won from "Closer to Heaven," Kim Ok-vin from "Thirst" and Kim Hae-ja from "Mother" are in the running for best international actress.

Films by Korea's two most critically acclaimed directors are also in competition -- "Thirst" by Park Chan-wook and "Mother" by Bong Joon-ho, the latter also a nominee for best international director -- to own the title of best international film.

Director Kim Yong-hwa's sports flick "Take Off" and Yoon Jae-kyun's disaster pic "Haeundae" have been nominated for best international action film and "Good Morning President" and "Speedy Scandal" for best international comedy. "Mother" took another nomination, alongside films "Thirst" and "Private Eye," in the category of best international thriller.

Meanwhile, Asian pop sensation Rain and Hallyu star Bae Yong-joon are up for vote as best international entertainer while Bae is also competing for Asian cultural ambassador of the year alongside top Korean actor Lee Byung-hun.

Winner will be chosen by 100 viewers who will submit their votes on the official Green Globe Film Awards website. The award ceremony will be held March 23 at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in California.

Source: Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr Editor: Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr <ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved> 10.asiae.co.kr

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March 18, 2010

S. Korea's 'Mother' up for best picture at Asian Film Awards

By Kim Young-gyo

HONG KONG, March 18 (Yonhap) -- "Mother," a critically acclaimed South Korean thriller, is in the running for the best film award at the fourth Asian Film Awards in Hong Kong, event organizers said Thursday.

The movie by director Bong Joon-ho, whose works are touted in South Korea as both commercial and aesthetic successes, is one of six movies from different Asian countries nominated for best film, according to the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS). The fourth feature by the creator of "The Host" was applauded as a "strong Hitchcockian thriller" and "worth acceptance to the official competition selection" at the Cannes International Film Festival held last year.

Director Bong will also compete for the category of best director. Actress Kim Hye-ja, who plays the lead role in the film, has been nominated for the best actress award, while South Korea heartthrob Won Bin will contend for best supporting actor. The film also has won nominations for best screenwriter and best editor.

"Thirst" by Park Chan-wook, one of South Korea's most appreciated directors and producers, is a contestant for best actor, best cinematographer, best production designer and best visual effects. The organizers plan to hold a ceremony at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center next Monday to present the annual awards.

Credits: ygkim@yna.co.kr via yonhapnews.co.kr

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March 14th, 2010

Theatrical Review: MOTHER by: James Oster

Rating: 9/10

Director: Joon-ho Bong

Writers: Eun-kyo Park, Joon-ho Bong, Wun-kyo Park

Studio: Magnolia Pictures

There is a suitably dark song on the classic Kate Bush record Hounds of Love. “Mother Stands For Comfort” is told from the eyes of a possible psychotic that “mother stands for comfort… mother hides the madman…” Well, what would a mother do for a man who is clearly mentally unbalanced? That is what is behind the latest film from Bong Joon-ho, the director who recently brought us the ferociously entertaining, THE HOST. While both films focus on family, MOTHER deals with a more realistic tone (no mutant creatures here). Yet it all begins with a dance. Kim Hye-ja as Mother is in an open field, she begins to sway and move in a strange and lonesome dance. There seems to be a sense of whimsy and joy, even though you know that something is just not right. It is a fascinating way to open the film, but it is also quite odd. And I can’t think of a better way to begin her story.

Early on, we find that mother is very watchful of a young man in his twenties who happens to be her son. She barely pays attention to her own activities, which include the use of a very sharp cutting machine. She watches as her son, Yoon Do-joon (Bin Won), plays with a dog on the street. And when a car seemingly hits Do-joon, she runs to him screaming desperately. Although he is mostly unharmed, she grabs him and barely notices a cut on her own finger. So terrified at anything happening to her pride and joy, she mistakes her blood for his.

This sequence is so sad and strange. I truly felt for this mother, but as I learned more of their relationship, I found myself a little disturbed. The two sleep together, she watches him as closely and as often as she can, and not surprisingly he is frustrated by her over-protective nature. And yes, there is more to it. This boy of hers is not quite all together mentally. While it is never really stated what his affliction is, it is clear that he has lived a very troubled life.

The beauty of MOTHER lies within Bong Joon-ho’s very skilled eye. He slowly unravels a mystery that involves Yoon and his possible involvement in a young girl’s murder. There is certainly a nod to Alfred Hitchcock as the story unravels. But it is not simply Hitchcock lite. Joon-ho is able to inject his own style which makes this a fascinating and sometimes heartbreaking thriller. Most importantly, there is the element of surprise. Much like the strangely sublime dance number that opens the film, you are surprised as to where the story takes you. And MOTHER doesn’t simply settle for one genre, it is comedic, it is horrific and it is absolutely elegant. Each relationship feels dynamic and truthful. Even the friendship between Do-joon and Jin tae (Ku Jin), one that mother is not happy with, feels very real. This is a film that looks absolutely beautiful even when something ugly is on display.

Let’s talk about Mother herself. Kim Hye-ja is brilliant. Whether she is feeding soup to her son while he urinates, or taking desperate measures to clear his name, she gives MOTHER its very heart and soul. As unnerving as their relationship is, you believe every second of it. Her performance was a perfect balance of unconditional love and down right insanity. I was almost moved to tears as her grasp on reality began to fade. I was also quite pleased at how the mystery seeped into this story. And thankfully, Hye-ja is fully invested in her take on Mother, and quite frankly, she is pretty right on when it comes to many over-protective mothers. Even Bin Won is terrific as a son who does not appreciate being called a “retard.” Like I said, some of these characters are people who we all know… well, with out the murder subplot.

I loved MOTHER. It is a surprising and eccentric film that manages to work on so many levels. Whether you are looking at the idea of dealing with a special needs child, or the socio-economic issues that seem to be raised, this film has a lot to say. If you go in expecting an action-packed thriller with tons of twists and turns, well at least you’ll get a few twists. But if you are looking for a beautifully shot, superbly acted film about the complexities of a mother’s relationship to her son, this is the movie for you.

Source: gordonandthewhale.com

http://www.altfg.com/blog/movies-431/mothe...on-ho-interview

http://iamkoream.com/bong-joon-ho-on-mother

http://aapress.com/community/mother-an-int...om-bong-joon-ho

http://www.nicksflickpicks.com/movies09wp.html

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http://filmjourney.weblogger.com/2010/03/1...th-bong-joon-ho

[rubie]

March 22, 2010

South Korean film ‘Mother’ named best picture at Asian Film Awards in Hong Kong

By AP

HONG KONG — A South Korean drama about a mother’s quest to exonerate her mentally handicapped son from murder allegations won best picture at the Asian Film Awards.

Bong Joon-ho’s “Mother” also picked up the best actress prize for Kim Hye-ja at Monday’s awards.

Chinese filmmaker Lu Chuan clinched directing honors for “City of Life and Death,” which tackles Japanese atrocities during World War II. China’s Wang Xueqi was named best actor for portraying a businessman in imperial China sympathetic to the revolutionary cause in “Bodyguards and Assassins.” The movie earned best supporting actor honors for Hong Kong pop star Nicholas Tse.

Best supporting actress was Hong Kong’s Wai Ying-hung, who played a single mother in “At the End of Daybreak.”

Source: blog.taragana.com