Unveiling Korea's Cinematic Renaissance: Journey through the Golden Decade of the 1960s [EXCLUSIVE TRAILER & INSIGHTS]

Summary

A comprehensive exhibition of 1960s Korean Cinema, presented by Film at Lincoln Center and Subway Cinema, will bring to light the remarkable progress and varied film genres that emerged in South Korea during that period.

The screenings offer English subtitles and occasional 35mm archival prints, allowing audiences to explore the innovations and stylistic choices of celebrated directors from this remarkable decade.

Featuring a blend of genres, ranging from melodramas to monster movies, some screenings will also include discussions that delve deeper into the development of Korea's film industry and the artistic brilliance of renowned filmmakers. Sponsored by MUBI GO, tickets can be purchased on Film at Lincoln Center's website.

The Hallyu wave has greatly increased the exposure of Korean entertainment and culture in the Western world, thanks to the global success of Kpop and Kdramas. Film at Lincoln Center, in collaboration with Subway Cinema, is now shining a spotlight on a significant era in Korean cinema history. Korean Cinema's Golden Decade: The 1960s promises to be one of the most extensive retrospectives of 1960s Korean Cinema outside of Korea.

Featuring English subtitles and often showcased on 35mm archival prints, the films presented at Korean Cinema's Golden Decade: The 1960s encapsulate the rapid growth of Korea in the aftermath of the Korean War. The diverse range of genres and cinematic styles from renowned directors resulted in a surge of melodramas, monster movies, and other cinematic creations. The influences of this era continue to resonate in both Korean and global cinema. In select screenings, discussions will be held, providing audiences with an opportunity to delve deeper into the development of Korea's film industry and the artistic choices of acclaimed directors such as Yu Hyun-mok and Lee Man-hee. Sponsored by MUBI GO, tickets for Korean Cinema's Golden Decade: The 1960s can be purchased through Film at Lincoln Center's website.

Complete List Of Films Screening For Korean Cinema's Golden Decade: The 1960s

The Housemaid, a part of the Korean Cinema's Golden Decade series, will be shown at the Walter Reade Theater in New York City. For a glimpse, check out Screen Rant's exclusive posters designed by Jee-Woong Choi from the PROPAGANDA design agency in Seoul. Alongside the posters, you will find detailed descriptions and screening times for each movie. The main series poster highlights the golden era of Korean cinema with a vibrant splash of color from the projector light.

Kim Ki-young, 1960, South Korea, 108m

Korean with English subtitles

The Housemaid, an undeniable masterpiece of Korean cinema, follows the life of Dong-sik, a married music teacher residing in a working-class neighborhood. Upon the arrangement of one of his students, a young woman is employed as their housemaid. In the meantime, the student expresses her physical attraction towards Dong-sik, but he turns her down. However, the housemaid witnesses the entire incident and initiates her own, eventually successful, attempt to seduce Dong-sik. As a result, a peculiar love triangle forms between Dong-sik, his wife, and the increasingly assertive housemaid. The Housemaid takes viewers on an emotional roller coaster, as the characters' spoken desires often contradict their actions, leading to constant shifts in roles and positions. The film was restored in 2008 by the Korean Film Archive (KOFA) and the World Cinema Foundation at HFR-Digital Film laboratory, with additional funding from Armani, Cartier, Qatar Airways, and Qatar Museum Authority. Catch The Housemaid on Saturday, September 2 at 9:00 pm.

Saturday, September 9 at 6:00pm

Thursday, September 14 at 4:00pm

Aimless Bullet / Obaltan

Yu Hyun-mok, 1961, South Korea, 107m

Yu Hyun-mok's breakout feature, "Aimless Bullet," was banned in 1961 due to its scathing critique of postwar reconstruction. However, it is now widely recognized as one of the greatest Korean films ever made. This unrelentingly bleak, noir-tinged melodrama is set in the aftermath of the Korean War and tells the tragic story of two brothers living in a Seoul slum called Liberation Village. Cheol-ho, an accountant suffering from an untreated toothache, struggles to make ends meet while the devastating consequences of the war gradually tear apart his family. His younger brother, Young-Ho, driven to desperation, resorts to extreme measures. "Aimless Bullet" takes viewers on a tour of the traumatized atmosphere of Korea's capital, skillfully blending expressionist and neorealist styles. It offers a grimly introspective portrait of a nation shattered by hatred and fear, addressing issues such as military prostitution, economic inequality, and the exploitative nature of the film industry. The film was restored in 2015 by the Korean Film Archive and is now available with English subtitles.

Saturday, September 2 at 6:00pm (post-screening discussion on the growth of the Korean film industry and major trends and filmmakers in 1960s Korean cinema)

Wednesday, September 6 at 6:15pm

Tuesday, September 12 at 4:00pm

The Coachman / Mabu

Kang Dae-jin, 1961, South Korea, 98m

Korean with English subtitles

An elderly widower, with two sons and two daughters, relies on operating a horse-drawn cart for a living. However, in a city that is modernizing after the destructive Korean War, the prevalence of automobiles is quickly making such carts obsolete. The Coachman is a heartfelt and sympathetic drama that explores a family's efforts to escape poverty and join the middle class. The father, portrayed by the legendary actor Kim Seung-ho, represents the struggles of many older residents during a time of rapid social change. The Coachman was a groundbreaking Korean film, winning the prestigious Silver Bear (Special Jury Prize) at the 1961 Berlin Film Festival. While it may now be overshadowed by its contemporaries, such as The Housemaid and Aimless Bullet, The Coachman continues to captivate audiences and provide a revealing glimpse into a society in transition. Recently restored in 2021 by the Korean Film Archive.

Showing on Tuesday, September 5th at 8:30pm.

Saturday, September 16 at 2:15pm

A Woman Judge / Yeopansa

Hong Eun-won, 1962, South Korea, 86m

Korean with English subtitles

A Woman Judge, the second Korean film directed by a woman, marks the revelatory directorial debut of Hong Eun-won. Loosely based on true events, the film follows the story of Jin-sook, a newly appointed judge who is faced with increasing pressure from her jealous husband and his family to conform to traditional gender roles. While the family melodrama is compelling on its own, the film takes a sudden turn in the third act, seamlessly transitioning into a detective story before culminating in a thrilling courtroom climax. For over 50 years, the film was considered lost, along with Hong's two subsequent directorial efforts. However, in 2015, the Korean Film Archive recovered a 16mm print. Despite severe deterioration and missing footage, the powerful narrative of a courageous woman defying societal norms, as portrayed by a boundary-breaking director of her time, still resonates strongly. Digitally remastered in 2015 by the Korean Film Archive. Don't miss the screening on Tuesday, September 5 at 6:30pm.

Monday, September 11 at 8:45pm

Goryeojang

Kim Ki-young, 1963, South Korea, 89m (Film Festival Version)

Korean with English subtitles

Taking place in a famine-stricken village that follows the cruel custom of abandoning the elderly in the mountains once they turn 70, this story delves into the challenges faced by Guryong (played by Kim Jin-kyu), who lives with a disability caused by a childhood incident. Amidst an environment of fear, greed, and superstition, Guryong strives to maintain his humanity. Drawing inspiration from Keisuke Kinoshita's The Ballad of Narayama (1958), Goryeojang, another brilliant creation from Kim Ki-young (director of The Housemaid), serves as both a dark fairy tale and a poignant reflection of South Korea's April 1960 Revolution, which saw widespread protests leading to the resignation of President Syngman Rhee. With impeccable mise-en-scène, intricate sets, and atmospheric black-and-white cinematography, the film effectively exposes the inherent corruption of human society and the catastrophic consequences of fear-driven politics. Restored in 2019 by the Korean Film Archive, the film incorporates the original screenplay to provide on-screen descriptions of the missing scenes from the third and sixth reels, which have only survived in audio form.

Showing on Sunday, September 3 at 6:00pm.

Wednesday, September 6 at 4:15pm

Saturday, September 9 at 8:30pm

The Marines Who Never Returned / Dora-oji Anneun Haebyeong

Lee Man-hee, 1963, South Korea, 110m

Korean with English subtitles

International Premiere: 4K Restoration of Lee Man-hee's Acclaimed Korean War Film

Lee Man-hee's groundbreaking film, The Marines Who Never Returned, holds a special place in Korean cinema history. Released just a decade after the armistice, the movie follows a group of marines who discover a young orphan named Young-hui amidst the ravages of war. In their efforts to protect and care for her, the soldiers find solace and inspiration, even in the face of increasing danger.

This epic production, supported by the Korean military, utilized live ammunition and explosives to create remarkably realistic combat scenes. However, it is the genuine camaraderie and affection between the soldiers and their adopted daughter that truly makes this film a classic. Notably, The Marines Who Never Returned became the first Korean film to achieve a nationwide commercial release in the United States.

Now, for the first time outside of Korea, audiences can experience this extraordinary film in a stunning 4K restoration. Restored in 2022 by the Korean Film Archive, this version presents the movie in all its heartfelt warmth and humor, capturing the essence of Lee Man-hee's cinematic masterpiece.

(post-screening discussion on the significance of Lee Man-hee's pioneering film, which marked the first Korean movie to achieve widespread theatrical release in the United States.)

Friday, September 15 at 4:00pm

The Devil’s Stairway / Ma-ui Gyue-dan

Lee Man-hee, 1964, South Korea, 110m

Korean with English subtitles

Lee Man-hee's The Devil's Stairway, with its Diabolique-inspired elements, showcases a stunning setting and immaculately executed black-and-white cinematography. This psychological thriller adds itself to the list of Korea's most accomplished films. The story unfolds in a gothic-style two-story hospital and centers around an ambitious doctor who is on the brink of becoming the chief surgeon through a marriage with the hospital owner's daughter. However, his clandestine affair with one of the nurses threatens his carefully planned future. As jealousy consumes his lover and events spiral out of control, the doctor takes drastic measures to conceal the affair. Kim Jin-gyu delivers a compelling performance as the doctor, while Moon Jeong-sook, one of Lee Man-hee's favored actresses, captivates as the nurse. Their portrayal of betrayal, revenge, and guilt-induced paranoia is completely convincing. The film was restored by the Korean Film Archive in 2015. Catch it on Friday, September 8 at 6:30pm.

Friday, September 15 at 8:45pm

The Red Muffler / Ppalgan Mahura

Shin Sang-ok, 1964, South Korea, 105m

Korean with English subtitles

Shin Sang-ok, a prominent figure in the South Korean film industry, was not only a highly productive director and producer, but also the head of Shin Films, a major studio. One of his most successful works was The Red Muffler, which achieved great success at the box office. Set towards the end of the Korean War, the story revolves around a tough yet compassionate air force major who takes a young pilot under his wing, while also exploring his complicated relationship with a local bar hostess (played by star Choi Eun-hee, who also happens to be director Shin's wife). The film boasts thrilling aerial battles, groundbreaking for their use of aerial cinematography in Korean cinema, alongside a heart-wrenching romance and even a musical number. Seen as a precursor to Top Gun, The Red Muffler pays tribute to South Korea's jet-fighter pilots in an exciting and romanticized manner, capturing the spirit of its time as a truly captivating entertainment experience. This cinematic gem was restored in 2012 by the Korean Film Archive. Catch it on Tuesday, September 5 at 4:00pm.

Sunday, September 10 at 8:00pm

Wednesday, September 13 at 4:15pm

The Barefooted Young / Maenbal-ui Cheongchun

Kim Kee-duk, 1964, South Korea, 116m

Korean with English subtitles

In the 1960s, a new genre emerged in South Korea. It was during this decade that the youth culture, heavily influenced by the West, clearly set itself apart from the values and lifestyle of older generations. One of the most popular "youth films" that emerged during this time was The Barefooted Young, directed by Kim Kee-duk. This film seamlessly blends humor and social critique as it tells the story of a poor young troublemaker who falls in love with the daughter of a wealthy ambassador. The film not only highlights the stark class divisions in Korea but also showcases the widening generation gap, with increasingly rebellious youth and increasingly worried parents. Despite facing potential censorship, the film was a massive commercial success, propelling lead actors Shin Sung-il and Eom Aeng-ran into becoming the most famous couple both on and off the screen of that decade. The film was digitally remastered in 2011 under the supervision of the Korean Film Archive.

Friday, September 1 at 6:15pm

Tuesday, September 12 at 8:30pm

The Empty Dream / Chunmong

Yu Hyun-mok, 1965, South Korea, 71m

Korean with English subtitles

In a shared dream induced by oral surgery anesthesia, a young man and woman cross paths and find themselves entangled in a peculiar and increasingly bizarre love triangle with their dentist. This marks the beginning of Yu Hyun-mok's provocative and sinister film, a surreal journey inspired by Tetsuji Takechi's pink film Daydream and filled with playful references to Yu's own toothaches-ridden protagonist in Aimless Bullet. Although defying classification, The Empty Dream captivates with its visually stunning sets and nearly wordless exploration of Freudian concepts. The film's offbeat soundtrack, ranging from Johann Strauss's "On the Blue Danube" to the theme song of René Clément's Joy House, adds to its unconventional nature. Originally released in the past, this imaginative gem has been digitally remastered in 2022 by the Korean Film Archive, presenting an opportunity for a renewed appreciation.

Wednesday, September 6 at 8:30pm

Sunday, September 10 at 6:00pm

Wednesday, September 13 at 8:30pm

A Bloodthirsty Killer / Sal-inma

Lee Yong-min, 1965, South Korea, 94m

The Korean horror film, "A Bloodthirsty Killer," follows a traditional storyline where a woman is deceived, betrayed, and ultimately killed, only to return as a vengeful ghost. However, what sets this film apart from others is director Lee Yong-min's unique and exaggerated style, where characters behave in bizarre and unpredictable ways, and the plot quickly takes unexpected supernatural turns. Despite the challenging filming conditions, Lee showcases his talent for creating visually striking imagery. Although the film was originally released in the 1960s for a possibly more susceptible audience, even contemporary viewers will be caught off guard by its elements. Recently restored in 2021 by the Korean Film Archive.

Friday, September 8 at 9:00pm

Sunday, September 17 at 5:30pm

The Seashore Village / Gaenma-eul

Kim Soo-yong, 1965, South Korea, 35mm, 94m

Korean with English subtitles

Directed by the prolific Kim Soo-yong, known for his extensive filmography of 109 films spanning from 1958 to 2000, this screen adaptation of Oh Yeong-su’s novel explores the lives of women on a remote fishing island. Widowed by the treacherous sea, one newlywed woman loses her husband during a fishing expedition and finds herself in a new relationship with a predatory suitor. As a result, they are forced into exile in the mountains. The Seashore Village delves deep into the dynamics of community, subtly exploring sapphic desires, while also offering a captivating exploration of postwar Korea's fragmented sense of identity. The film features breathtaking on-location black-and-white cinematography and has been restored by the Korean Film Archive in 2011.

Monday, September 4 at 4:15pm

Friday, September 8 at 4:15pm

Sunday, September 17 at 8:00pm

Let’s Meet at Walkerhill / Wokeohileseo Mannapsida

Han Hyeong-mo, 1966, South Korea, 96m

Korean with English subtitles

Two rural individuals, Twist Kim and Seo Yeong-chun, meet on a train headed for Seoul. One of them hopes to find his daughter who he has lost touch with, while the other is in search of a former lover rumored to have become a successful nightclub singer. As they navigate their unfamiliar surroundings, they find themselves in amusing situations that blend musical and dance performances at various clubs and dance halls in Seoul. These venues showcase the talents of popular artists of that time, including the Park Chun-seok Orchestra, Hyeon Mi, Lee Geum-hee, and Lee Mi-ja. Han Hyeong-mo, a prominent filmmaker in 1950s Korea known for his work in "women's pictures" like "Madame Freedom," directs this delightful musical comedy towards the end of his career. Ultimately, this film serves as a nostalgic time capsule, offering a firsthand experience of South Korea's music scene in the mid-1960s, long before K-pop became a global sensation. Digitally remastered in 2013 by the Korean Film Archive.

Showing on Sunday, September 3 at 12:45pm.

Tuesday, September 12 at 6:15pm

Special Agent X-7 / Sunganeun yeongwonhi

Chung Chang-wha, 1966, Hong Kong/South Korea, 106m

No sound, with English subtitles

Legendary action filmmaker Chung Chang-wha brings his unique perspective to the spy genre in his electrifying film, Special Agent X-7. The Korean Intelligence Agency enlists their top agent, X-7 (Nam Koong-won), to halt a gold-smuggling operation led by North Korean spies in Hong Kong. During his mission, X-7 encounters a mysterious woman (Jang Jung-moon) who proposes a deal: North Korean secret documents in exchange for $50,000. This thrilling film takes viewers on a visually stunning journey through Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, filled with high-speed car chases, ingenious spy gadgets, hidden hideouts, and unexpected twists, all impeccably crafted by Chung. Notably, Sir Run Run Shaw, founder of the Shaw Brothers Studio, was so impressed by Special Agent X-7 that he immediately signed an exclusive contract with Chung. Previously thought lost, the 35mm print of Special Agent X-7 was rediscovered in 2013 in Hong Kong, albeit without sound. It was digitally remastered in 2014 by the Korean Film Archive. Don't miss the chance to see this iconic film on Sunday, September 3 at 8:00pm.

Thursday, September 14 at 8:30pm

The Goddess of Mercy aka The Great Tyrant / Daepokgun

Lim Won-sik, 1966, Hong Kong/South Korea, 97m

Korean with English subtitles

A reimagination of the princess Miao Shan's tale, who is regarded as the incarnation of Bodhisattva Guanyin in Chinese Buddhist teachings, this collaborative project between Shaw Brothers Studio and Shin Films showcased the apex of Hong Kong-Korea co-productions. With grand battles, divine miracles, and even captivating song-and-dance sequences, the film spared no expense in delivering pure spectacle. The movie was simultaneously shot in two separate versions, featuring Hong Kong actress Li Li-hua and Korean actress Choi Eun-hee in the leading role. Until 2017, only the Hong Kong version was known to exist, but the Korean Film Archive discovered the Korean version, titled The Great Tyrant, within the Shaw Brothers collection. This will be the first time the Choi Eun-hee version has ever been screened outside of Korea. Digitally remastered in 2017 by the Korean Film Archive. However, due to incomplete sound elements, 10 minutes of audio is missing from the feature.

Showing on Monday, September 4 at 8:30pm.

Monday, September 11, at 6:30pm

The Great Monster Yonggary aka Yongary, Monster from the Deep / Daegoesu Yonggari

Kim Kee-duk, 1967, South Korea, 35mm, 79m

Yonggary, a misunderstood monster created by a nuclear explosion, wreaks havoc on Inwangsan mountain and sends the city of Seoul into a state of panic! With the authorities unable to stop Yonggary, can anyone put an end to its destruction? Director Kim Kee-duk, inspired by kaiju films, embarked on creating the first Korean monster movie. To bring his vision to life, he collaborated with technical experts from Japan, marking a historic partnership between South Korea and Japan. In 1969, the film was released in the United States by American International Pictures under the title "Yongary, Monster from the Deep." It later gained attention through the Mystery Science Theater 3K treatment, which described it as a "monster film filled with rampages and lacking sensible behavior." Don't miss the chance to witness this significant milestone in Korean kaiju cinema on the big screen, showcased through the only surviving 35mm print of Yonggary.

Friday, September 1 at 4:15pm

Saturday, September 9 at 2:15pm

Saturday, September 16 at 8:30pm

Space Monster Wangmagwi / Ujugoein Wangmagwi

Gwon Hyeok-jin, 1967, South Korea, 82m

Korean with English subtitles

On Saturday, September 9 at 4:00pm, a group of devious extraterrestrials launch an invasion of Earth. Their method involves unleashing a colossal creature named Wangmagwi right in the heart of Seoul. As the monster wreaks havoc and destroys everything in its path, the wedding plans of a brave air force pilot named Nam Kung-won are rudely interrupted. His beloved fiancée, Kim Hye-kyeong, patiently waits for him at the wedding hall, only to be unexpectedly abducted and carried off by Wangmagwi, much like the iconic King Kong.

The peculiar film titled Space Monster Wangmagwi, which was actually released before The Great Monster Yonggary, faced accusations of plagiarizing the latter's production company. It is a quirky mishmash, combining elements of an allegory about the Korean War, a children's movie, and a comedic adventure. Throughout the film, popular comedians engage in humorous skits while encountering the monstrous creature. Despite its historical significance, the film's remarkably unconvincing rubber suit design adds to its enjoyable and campy charm. Ultimately, Space Monster Wangmagwi is a lighthearted and enjoyable low-budget genre flick.

Wednesday, September 13 at 6:30pm

Saturday, September 16 at 6:30pm

The Story of Hong Gil-dong / Hong Gil-dongjeon

Shin Dong-hun, 1967, South Korea, 70m

Hong Gil-dong, a prominent character in Korean literature and pop culture, made his debut in the mid-19th century as the main character of an exciting novel called The Story of Hong Gil-dong. As a result, it is not surprising that South Korea's very first animated feature film would focus on Gil-dong. In this case, director Shin Dong-hun adapted his younger brother Shin Dong-woo's popular manhwa (comic) called Lucky Adventurer, Hong Gil-dong, which was serialized from 1965 to 1969 in Children's Chosun Ilbo. Gil-dong, who is the illegitimate son of a government official, faces social exclusion and decides to leave home. He undergoes martial arts training under Master Baekwun and eventually becomes the leader of a bandit group. Their purpose is to steal from corrupt officials in order to bring them to justice and assist the underprivileged. Initially believed to be lost, the film was fortunately rediscovered in Japan in 2008 as a 16mm print. It was then blown up to 35mm and underwent digital restoration. The Korean Film Archive completed the restoration process in 2021.

Saturday, September 2 at 2:15pm

Sunday, September 17 at 2:15pm

Hopi and Chadol-Bawi / Hopiwa Chadolbawi

Shin Dong-hun, 1967, South Korea, 70m

Korean with English subtitles

Following the immense success of Shin Dong-hun's The Story of Hong Gil-dong, a sequel was initially planned. However, due to creative disagreements, the director ultimately decided to part ways with the original production company. As a result, for his second animated feature, Shin took a different direction and focused on Hopi and Chadol-Bawi, two supporting characters from the Hong Gil-dong manhwa. Serving as both a companion piece to The Story of Hong Gil-dong and a captivating standalone adventure, the film centers around Hopi, a reformed thief donning a tiger-skin disguise. After receiving martial arts training from Master Sakpung, Hopi rises to the occasion and defends the country against an attack led by a Jurchen general. Drawing from the valuable learning experience gained during the production of The Story of Hong Gil-dong, Shin and his animation team let their creativity run wild with Hopi and Chadol-Bawi. The result is a visually stunning blend of various hand-drawn art styles, showcasing a newfound confidence and experimentation. However, despite its innovation, the film remains just as humorous and packed with sword-and-magic excitement as its predecessor. Restored in 2021 by the Korean Film Archive and the Image Power Station.

Saturday, September 2 at 4:00pm

Sunday, September 17 at 3:45pm

Mist / Angae

Kim Soo-yong, 1967, South Korea, 78m

Mist, a Korean film with English subtitles, is an atmospheric masterpiece by a highly skilled filmmaker. It has become one of the standout films of South Korean cinema in the 1960s. Adapted from a renowned modernist novel titled Journey to Mujin by Kim Seung-ok in 1964, the movie directed by Kim Soo-yong portrays the journey of a middle-class office worker from Seoul to his rural hometown. As he revisits his past, the familiar surroundings and people trigger memories of his troubled history. During his trip, he encounters a young schoolteacher who longs to break free from her everyday life. The film features captivating performances by Shin Sung-il, the most prolific actor in Korean film history, and Yoon Jeong-hee, who later played the lead in Lee Chang-dong's Poetry. Mist experiments with blurring the boundaries between past and present, capturing the restlessness and disillusionment experienced by an entire generation of dreamers. Restored in 2011 by the Korean Film Archive.

Friday, September 1 at 8:45pm

Sunday, September 10 at 4:00pm

Burning Mountain / Sanbul

Kim Soo-yong, 1967, South Korea, 80m

Set during the Korean War in the 1950s, Burning Mountain takes place in a rural village in southwest Korea. Partisan soldiers fighting for North Korea seek refuge in the mountains while the village is inhabited by widows and single women who have lost their husbands due to war or conscription. In a nearby bamboo forest, a deserter from the North Korean People's Army seeks shelter and is provided with food by Jeom-rye, a widow whose husband fought for the South. They engage in a clandestine sexual relationship until their secret is discovered by Sawol, another widow whose husband fought for the North. Director Kim Soo-yong skillfully captures the tense drama and stunning visuals of this 80-minute film, despite limited resources. Offering a distinct perspective on the Korean War, as well as a timeless exploration of human instinct and desire, Burning Mountain was restored by the Korean Film Archive in 2021.

Sunday, September 10 at 2:00pm

Saturday, September 16 at 4:30pm

A Swordsman in the Twilight / Hwanghonui Geomgaek

Chung Chang-wha, 1967, South Korea, 35mm, 80m

Korean with English subtitles

Chung Chang-wha, prior to his prolific career at the Shaw Brothers Studio, was instrumental in establishing the groundwork for action and genre filmmaking in South Korea. A Swordsman in the Twilight, set in the Joseon Dynasty era, follows the journey of a lone swordsman (Nam Koong-won) adorned in a bamboo hat, who emerges in a lawless village. While it presents a familiar tale of vengeance, Chung's distinctive touch is evident in his utilization of long shots to capture elegant and controlled swordplay between individuals in traditional hanbok attire. The action unfolds against the backdrop of stunning Korean landscapes and palace architecture, with encounters between swordsmen brief yet perilous. With confident direction and precise editing, this film stands as a rare example of a uniquely Korean-style sword-fighting film that bears the unmistakable signature of Chung's craftsmanship.

Mark your calendars for Monday, September 4 at 6:30pm.

Thursday, September 14 at 6:30pm

A Day Off / Hyuil

Lee Man-hee, 1968, South Korea, 74m

Korean with English subtitles

Heo-wook and Ji-youn, a young impoverished couple, can only meet on Sundays due to their financial constraints. Unable to afford a cafe, they spend their time wandering the streets and parks of Seoul. Their future looks grim and their relationship strained. However, they find themselves facing a crisis when Ji-youn discovers she is pregnant. Realizing they cannot support a child, Ji-youn expresses her desire for an abortion to Heo-wook. A Day Off, a film by Lee Man-hee that had been overlooked for 37 years due to censorship, is now recognized as a masterpiece of the decade. Clearly influenced by European directors like Antonioni and Resnais, the film's spare and lyrical images convey the unspoken emotions of its physically and spiritually exhausted protagonists. In all its bitter pessimism, A Day Off serves as a poetic and profound homage to the expressive power of cinema. The film was restored in 2017 by the Korean Film Archive. Catch it on Monday, September 4 at 2:30pm.

Thursday, September 7 at 6:30pm

Monday, September 11 at 4:30pm

Eunuch / Naesi

Shin Sang-ok, 1968, South Korea, 35mm, 93m

Korean with English subtitles

Eunuch is a captivating tale of forbidden love and the power struggles within the palace. The film follows two star-crossed lovers who find themselves in the service of the king. One is forcibly made into a eunuch, while the other is sent to the royal harem by her father. Set in the Joseon Dynasty, Eunuch stands out as a visually stunning and vibrant spectacle. It blends elements of sensuality and violence, stepping into the realm of exploitation cinema. However, amidst its allure, the film also offers a critique of the oppressive social structure of the past, particularly the limited roles women were confined to. Within the suffocating boundaries of the royal palace, the queen and court ladies face a choice between suppressing their desires or facing punishment for defying Confucian social norms.

Thursday, September 7 at 8:15pm

Friday, September 15 at 6:30pm

Korean Cinema's Golden Decade: The 1960s will run from September 1 - 17, and tickets are now on sale through Film at Lincoln Center.