His films have had a lasting legacy on Korean cinema from his use of realism – this later became a characteristic of the Korean New Wave movement in the late 80s to the early 90s and is still evident in the more recent work of Im Kwon-taek and Lee Chang-dong – to his approach to modernization, which can also be seen in other Korean films of the Golden Age (late 50s to mid 60s) and in films more recently, such as Memories of Murder. This retrospective, therefore, is a rare opportunity to indulge in the work of one of Korea’s finest directors.
Kim's Daughters (Gimyakguk-ui Ttaldeul)
This film showed at:
London Barbican Centre
Director: Yu Hyun-mok
Year: 1963
Cast: Choi Ji-hee, Um Aing-ran, Hwang Jung-seun, Gang Mi-ae
Kim has been running an herb shop for 20 years in Tongyeong. He has four daughters. The oldest daughter is selfish, the second is intelligent and rational, the third is a sensual hussy, and the fourth is a modest and honest Christian. All four of them suffer from unhappy marriages.
The Martyrs (Sungyoja)
This film showed at:
London Barbican Centre
Director: Yu Hyun-mok
Year: 1965
Cast: Kim Jin-kyu, Nam Koong Won, Jang Dong-he
During the Korean War (1950-1953), twelve church ministers have been abducted and killed in the occupied territory. But two ministers survive and return to their place, while becoming to doubt the existence of God. The story is composed of various incidents that happen while hiding the truth about those dying ministers. In the course of investigation, the intelligence officer comes to realization of what is real martyrdom and what is the true value of the age.
Aimless Bullet (Obalton)
This film showed at:
London Barbican Centre
Director: Yoo Hyun Mok
Year: 1961
Cast: Kim Jin-kyu, Choi Moo-ryong, Seo Ae-ja
In a shantytown, a man is distraught by his family's situation. His mother went insane, his ill wife suffers from malnutrition, his brother always causes problems, his sister is a prostitute serving American soldiers and his child wants a pair of new rubber shoes. Supporting all of them with his meager salary, he is so full of worries that he has no time to spare to have his decayed tooth treated. While his family goes deeper and deeper into extreme misery, his mind wanders aimlessly not knowing what to do.
We can announce three new films for the LKFF, all UK Premières, with Moss, Harmony and The Servant all coming in November!!
2nd Sep - Korean big hits SECRET REUNION and BESTSELLER have just confirmed for the 2010 London Korean Film Festival
26th Aug - Breaking news, the ICA has just signed on to be one of the key venues for this year's London Korean Film Festival!
26th Aug - We have five fantastic films already confirmed, BLADES OF BLOOD, 71- INTO THE FIRE, PAJU, HOUSEMAID and A LITTLE POND.
Keep an eye on this space for more updates about films being added!





