Third Window Films are all set to release the Korean film Han Gong-Ju on April 13th and I am excited because the reviews I have seen are positively glowing! I must admit that I have been in a bit of a slump when it comes to Korean films but I am anticipating this one being great and have watched a few recent releases so expect a review or two!
Here’s the info on the DVD/Blu-Ray release of Han Gong-Ju:
HAN GONG-JU
The debut film of Lee Sujin
South Korea / 2014 / 112 Mins / In Korean with English subtitles / Colour
Featuring an award-winning breakthrough performance by Chun Woo-hee
On DVD & BLU-RAY April 13th
DVD/BLU-RAY Special Features:
Enemy’s Apple: Lee Sujin’s award-winning 20 minute short film
Synopsis
One of the most talked about Korean films of 2014, the acclaimed indie teen drama Han Gong-ju is based on a devastating real-life case that shocked Korea in 2004. The first feature from writer-director Lee Su Jin, Han Gong-ju broke Korea’s opening day box office records for independent films and has picked up numerous accolades on the festival circuit including the Tiger Award at the 43rd International Film Festival Rotterdam, the Grand Prix at the Marrakech Int. Film Festival and many more.
In a breakout role that garnered her Best Actress at the Blue Dragon Film Awards, Chun Woo Hee plays the eponymous heroine, a glum high school girl who has been forced to transfer to a school in another city. With her own family nowhere to be found, Gong-ju is placed into the care of a teacher’s mother while matters are being sorted out. She quietly starts up school again, only hoping to keep to herself and not stand out. When Gong-ju’s new classmates discover her singing talent, they try their best to recruit her into the choir. Just as Gong-ju begins to smile again and open up to new friends, the past catches up and the harrowing reason for her transfer gradually comes to light.
Marrakech Int. Film Festival – WINNER – Grand Prix
Rotterdam Int. Film Festival – WINNER – Tiger Award
Fribourg Int. Film Festival: WINNER – Grand Prix
Busan Int. Film Festival: WINNER 2 Awards – Movie Collage Award & Citizen Reviewers Award
Deauville Film Festival: WINNER 3 Awards – Jury Prize, Critics Prize & Audience Award
Blue Dragon Awards: WINNER – Best Actress, Best New Director
Fantasia Film Festival: Audience Award 2nd Place
Korean Film Reporters Association: Best Film and Best Actress
Martin Scorsese praises the film, saying “”Han Gong-ju” is outstanding in Mise-en scene, image, sound, editing and performance. I have a lot to learn from this movie and I can’t wait to see Lee Su-jin’s next film”.
I’m looking forward to this one too. Unfortunately there does seem to be a few films coming from Korea of late about bullying in the classroom (Pluto, Compassion et al) so this one really needs to stand out.
But if Scorsese is adding his voice to the praise that should mean something…. 🙂
I did make some minor alterations to the synopsis so as not to ruin anything. I get the sense that it’s the type of film that will work better when you don’t know what’s going to come.
Wow, I love the sound of this one – totally intriguing and such great accolades!
Will wait for your review and see if it really shines.
Lynn 😀
I’ll try and get the review up the week after next. I have a few days off work right now so plenty of time to watch it! I’ve got quite a few other films to watch as well.