'Parasite' Is Not Everything... Brilliant Korean Films Shine on London Screens

Screening of Thirty Films by the Korean Film Archive and British Film Institute
'Echo: The Golden Age and New Cinema of Korean Film'

A large number of films representing Korea will be introduced in London, UK.

The Korean Film Archive announced on the 11th that it will hold "Echo: The Golden Age and New Cinema of Korean Film" at the BFI Southbank in the UK from November 28 to December 31 in collaboration with the British Film Institute (BFI).

This exhibition focuses on two periods of innovation in Korean film history. One is the golden age of the 1960s, and the other is the New Korean Cinema (1996?2003). Many filmmakers combined the thrill of genre with artistic sensibility to produce impressive works.

The Film Archive stated, "Korean cinema has attracted global attention with the 'Parasite (2019)' craze, but even before that, remarkable films were consistently produced," adding, "We hope this reappraisal will serve as a new starting point for British audiences to experience the rich heritage of Korean cinema."

There are thirteen films from the golden age of the 1960s. These include director Yu Hyun-mok’s Obaltan (Aimless Bullet) (1961) and Chunmong (Spring Dream) (1965), director Hong Eun-won’s Yeopansa (Female Judge) (1961), director Lee Man-hee’s Dolaoji Anhneun Haebyeong (The Marines Who Never Returned) (1963), director Han Hyung-mo’s Wokeohileseo Mannapsida (Let's Meet at Walkerhill) (1966), director Kim Soo-yong’s Angae (Mist) (1967), and director Jeong Chang-hwa’s Hwanghonui Geomgaek (Twilight Sword) (1967).

For New Korean Cinema, seventeen films will be screened, including director Jang Yoon-hyung’s Jeopsok (The Contact) (1997), director Lee Myung-se’s Injeong Sajeong Bol Geot Eopda (No Mercy for the Rude) (1999), director Kang Je-gyu’s Shiri (1999), director Park Chan-wook’s Gongdong Gyeongbiguyeok JSA (Joint Security Area) (2000), director Jeong Jae-eun’s Goyangireul Butakhae (Take Care of My Cat) (2001), director Im Soon-rye’s Waikiki Beuradeoseu (Waikiki Brothers) (2001), and director Jang Joon-hwan’s Jigureul Jikyeora (Save the Green Planet!) (2003).

Among these, twelve films including Obaltan and Injeong Sajeong Bol Geot Eopda have been digitally restored. Five films, including Wokeohileseo Mannapsida, are also available as digitally remastered versions.

The Film Archive will facilitate audience understanding through various side events such as talks and Q&A sessions. Director Jang Joon-hwan and programmer Choi Young-jin are expected to appear on stage.