ChungMuRo Express: Bitter and Sweet (Namja-Neun Gwero-Wa)
Thursday, September 25, 2008 at 6:30 PM
Anthology Film Archives
(2nd St. and 2nd Ave., NYC)
LEE Myung-Se, 110 minutes
Classic Korean Cinema presents Bitter and Sweet (Namja-Neun Gwero-Wa)
A brilliant satire about salarymen toiling their lives away in their office. It was filmed in a narrative style and the life style of these men is narrated in the chronological order - from Monday to Friday. During the five years ever since he was promoted as a manager at Oh-Sung Electronics, (AHN Sung-ki) has contributed not a single innovative idea to the company. Meanwhile, (PARK Sang-Min) is a newcomer, who is a mama's boy and interested in KIM Hye-soo, an elegant and sharp lady. Then there is the chief supervisor, YOON, who delights in tormenting his employees.
This film shows the best of LEE Myung-Se introducing uncanny rhythm and scenery, which made a skillful use of pop music and cultural references. Riding a subway during rush hour is like being in a battlefield. However, LEE sheds a light upon the gloomy life of salarymen as these men break into song and dance turning a dreary walk to home in the rain into joy.
This film is presented in Korean with English subtitles.
Film Curator Ms. Hyun-Ock Im will give an introductory remark of the program and lead a discussion after the screening.
Anthology Film Archives (2nd St. and 2nd Ave., NYC, Tel: 212-505-5181)
Free Admission: RSVP at 212-759-9550