By Honorary Reporter Zofia Pacholczyk from Poland

Photo = Zofia Pacholczyk

The seventh Warsaw Korean Film Festival from Nov. 5-10 was jointly held by the Korean Culture Center and the Korean Embassy in Poland and Korean Film Council. The online and offline event had three sections: "New Discoveries," "Youn Yuh-jung Retrospective" and "Korean Blockbusters."

The following are my favorites from the festival.

'Introduction' (2021)
Director Hong Sang-soo's "Introduction" won this year's Silver Bear for Best Screenplay at the Berlin International Film Festival. Opening the Warsaw festival, this work depicts a family in a nearly documentary manner, quite different from what the director normally does. Shot in black and white, it creates an atmosphere of loneliness and apathy and questions the role of family in modern society.

What also stands out is the audio. Everyday sounds from behind the camera create a strong impression of presence, making the audience more than just spectators. Unusual close-ups and objects that partially cover the foreground create a personal and closed space in which all characters exist.

'Minari' (2020) and 'Three Sisters' (2020)
"Three Sisters" depicts women raised by an abusive father who inherit part of his traits but avoid following his example. Finding a good husband and falling into alcohol addiction is one way and another is a strict upbringing and religious lifestyle. Forgetting the past isn't easy, and the inner demons of the sisters get louder as their father's birthday approaches. Impressive acting and a humorous touch make "Three Sisters" easy to relate to.

"Minari" is an acclaimed indie film about Korean immigrants in the U.S. with beautiful cinematography and subtle humor. It also questions the role of family, religion and national identity. Youn Yuh-jung, who earned the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her performance, plays an eccentric granny who impacts the story and makes the film memorable.

'The Bacchus Lady' (2016) and 'Aloners' (2021)

"The Bacchus Lady" was one of the best works shown at the Warsaw festival, covering many themes like getting old, alienation and loneliness. An older prostitute (played by Youn) still works despite health issues and befriends other outcasts like a transgender and a disabled person. With its surprising plot twists and great acting, this work portrays people longing for the past who refuse to accept life as is.

"Aloners" is about a woman who tries to defeat her demons by being a recluse at home and work, even eating lunch alone. Her fear of losing her loved ones is why she chooses to be alone. The unexpected death of a neighbor and meeting a new colleague, however, slowly start changing her attitude. "Aloners," however, is not a sad film unlike "The Bacchus Lady," containing humor with elements of drama, comedy and even horror.

'Lucky Chan-Sil' (2019) and 'Snowball' (2020)
In "Lucky Chan-sil," a film producer suddenly loses her job after the director with whom she had worked with dies. With no demand for her services, she begins work as a housekeeper. She discovers a new life through heartwarming talks with people she meets and her first dates in over a decade. 

"Snowball" is about three teenage best friends whose friendship is tested after they run away from home to Seoul. Their lives go from a fabulous adventure in the capital to a harsh reality after they run out of money. Another reason "Snowball" is so memorable is its relatability through the feeling of being confused and unsure about the future. As director Lee Woo-jung said, the film seeks to help the audience bring up hidden emotions, and it does just that.

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.