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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
85 of 86 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely Gorgeous,
By
This review is from: Chihwaseon (Painted Fire) (DVD)
This is the fascinating and exquisitely filmed story of a Korean painter struggling with his cultural, political, and artistic identity during tumultuous political upheavals of late 19th Century Korea. Being a painter myself, I have seen dozens of films about artists, most of which were unsatisfying because they failed to depict enough of the artwork or the painting process. This film masterfully and generously accomplishes both, and the cinematography beautifully captures lush, gorgeous images of nature throughout the film. I enjoyed everything about this film -- the acting was excellent, the sets were lovely, it was erotic but tasteful, the dialogue about art was intelligent, and visually it was a feast. The first DVD I've wanted to own.
31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Can I put My Seed in your Furrow?,
By
This review is from: Chihwaseon (Painted Fire) (DVD)
Directed by the man who is considered by many to be the father of South Korean cinema, Painted Fire, Chihwaeson, is the filmic biography of Jang Seung-up, professional name Ohwon, who despite his humble beginnings and the war torn times in which he lived became one of Korea's most respected artists.
His artistic talent discovered at a very young age, Seung-ub was both snubbed by other Korean artists, who not only tended to be well read in the Confucian classics, but also were of high class, because he was "unlearned" in the ways of art. However, with his photographic memory and ability to reproduce, and some ways improve, the works of Korean and Chinese masters, Seung-ub quickly rose in the ranks and was asked to produce paintings for nobles and even the king's family. Seung-ub, played by the incomparable Choi Min-sik, however, cannot escape his plebian roots. Already tormented by the thought that his work is nothing but copies of the masters, Seung-ub drinks himself into stupors daily and sleeps around with numerous kisaengs, courtesans, who he is not hesitant to beat if he feels them to be disloyal. However, despite these vices, Seung-ub is able to surpass his "betters" and create art that fuels the soul of the Korean people while they withstand the inner fighting of the Conservatives and the Revisionists, the former supported by China and the latter supported by Japan both of which had eyes on the Korean peninsula. Having been immersed in the violent, flamboyant world of Chan Park-wook, the violent but silent films of Kim-Ki-duk, and several fluffy romantic comedy films, Im Kwon-taek's film was quite a different experience for me. Set in 19th century Korea, Im is able to display the beauty of traditional Korean dress and architecture, but unlike the vibrancy displayed in The Duelist, the setting is quite subdued and one can sense the feeling of helplessness people feel when confronted with deep conflicts within the environs of their own county. Revolutionists being marched off to be executed by Chinese soldiers, Korean soldiers gunning down peasants, one can see why the fantasy-laden artwork struck a chord with the Korean populace because it transported them away from their reality. A somewhat disjointed film because of the way it jumps around between scenes and periods within Seung-ub's life, Painted Fire, however, is still an enjoyable and quiet film that tells the history of not only a great artist, but the country in which he lived.
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Masterpiece Of Storytelling And Cinematography,
By
This review is from: Chihwaseon (Painted Fire) (DVD)
For those who have seen actor Min-sik Choi in the film "OLDBOY," I would highly recommend this beautiful work of drama and cinematography from Korea. I liked everything about "Painted Fire" [CHIHWAESON] when I first viewed it a few years ago. The story is about the life of one of the most celebrated and gifted artists in Korean history. Coming from humble and poor origins, the artist Jang Seung-ub (Min-sik Choi) had to go to great lengths to prove how good he was as an artist. He was living in a time period when only the 'learned' were considered talented. Since he comes from a poor and humble background, he is not taken seriously. That is, however, until other artisans see just how great his artwork is. He is talented, and his skills cannot be ignored.
But it is his own failings that he must conquer. He is self-destructive by nature, with a low self-esteem that has been rooted in his own origins. And yet his talent as an artist cannot be overlooked, no matter what his shortcomings may be. The fact that much of his artwork, as well as the beautiful paintings that he painted in true life were depicted in the film, only enhanced the film in my opinion. His gift of having a photographic memory to detail helped him to not only remember the paintings of the masters, but he actually improved upon their techniques. There are so many beautiful, and yet sad moments in the film, you want to just jump into the screen and make Jang Seung-ub come to his senses. However, as the viewer you come to realize that Jang Seung-ub is only living for the moment. There is no past, and the future is uncertain. He must live for the present--as the moment is all he has. As the viewer you see his ups and downs, and you cannot but help empathize with him. This is a truly beautiful, and yet sad film as well. As for the cinematography, it is exceptional. Moreover, I really like the way the director and cinematographers depicted the time period. It feels as if you have been transported to the past. And the use of color in the film is breathtaking. This film was hardly marketed here in the USA, which is a shame. And actor Min-sik Choi gave an incredibly terrific acting job in the film. Too many great Asian films fall below the radar in this country, and this is one of them. This film ranks right up on the top 5 Korean dramas that I have ever seen. It is a magnificent film that comes highly, highly recommended. It belongs in your cinema library. At least rent it. Highest recommendation. [Stars: 5+]
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