Romances end in blood and the frail hopes of individuals are torn apart in a vile karmic continuity of colonialism, civil war and occupation. After surviving Japanese colonization, Korea became the first war zone of the Cold War. The legacy of war remains today in this divided country.
Direction
Kim Ki-duk's signature wordless storytelling at its most punishing.
Cinematography
Desolate landscapes that mirror internal devastation.
Acting
Yang Dong-geun's wordless rage is terrifying.
Director
Kim Ki-duk
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Set in 1970s border town near US military base, capturing Korea's fractured identity between Japanese colonial hangover and American occupation.
Kim Ki-duk grew up near such bases; the film's raw hostility toward US military presence got it limited distribution in America despite festival success.
KR
