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Secret Sunshine (Criterion Collection) (2007)

Do-yeon Jeon , Kang-ho Song , Lee Chang-Dong  |  Unrated |  DVD
4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)

List Price: $29.95
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Secret Sunshine (English Subtitled)   -- --

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Blu-ray The Criterion Collection $19.99  
DVD 1-Disc Version $19.85  
  1-Disc Version $14.99  

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Product Details

  • Actors: Do-yeon Jeon, Kang-ho Song
  • Directors: Lee Chang-Dong
  • Format: Anamorphic, Color, Dolby, NTSC, Special Edition, Subtitled, Widescreen
  • Language: Korean
  • Subtitles: English
  • Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  • Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1
  • Number of discs: 1
  • Rated: Unrated
  • Studio: Criterion Collection
  • DVD Release Date: August 23, 2011
  • Run Time: 142 minutes
  • Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
  • ASIN: B005152C9Q
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #153,695 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Special Features

New digital transfer, supervised and approved by director Lee Chang-dong and cinematographer Cho Yong-kyu

New interview with Lee

On the Set of “Secret Sunshine,” a video piece featuring interviews with actors Jeon Do-yeon and Song Kang-ho, as well as behind-the-scenes footage

U.S. theatrical trailer

New and improved English subtitle translation

PLUS: A booklet featuring an essay by film critic Dennis Lim


Editorial Reviews

A master of intensely emotional human dramas, director Lee Chang-dong (Poetry) is a leading light of contemporary Korean cinema, and his place on the international stage was cemented by this stirring and unpredictable work examining grief and deliverance. An effortless mix of light and uncompromising darkness, Secret Sunshine (Miryang) stars Cannes best actress winner Jeon Do-yeon (The Housemaid) as a widowed piano teacher who moves with her young son from Seoul to her late husband’s provincial hometown for a fresh start. Quietly expressive, supple filmmaking and sublime, subtle performances distinguish this remarkable portrayal of the search for grace amid tragedy.

Customer Reviews

The acting was great from the entire cast, and the music was amazing. Jonathan  |  3 reviewers made a similar statement
This is one of the best female performances I have seen in recent films. Christopher Barrett  |  3 reviewers made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
29 of 32 people found the following review helpful
Format:Blu-ray
Criterion has scored another winner with the acquisition of the intense Korean drama "Secret Sunshine." Director Lee Chang-dong has assembled a multi-layered film propelled by a stunning lead performance by Cannes Best Actress Jeon Do-yeon. In an age where few films explore religion from a contemporary standpoint, this is a critical and thoughtful examination of faith, tragedy, grief, forgiveness and perseverance. What starts as a rather pleasant and joyful film morphs into a thriller before it changes tone once again to searing human drama. The director shows a deft hand transforming lightness into the heart of darkness and delivering the viewer to the other side. Complex, challenging, and emotionally devastating--I hope the Criterion release will raise awareness of this remarkably adult entertainment.

A young widow (Do-yeon) and her son relocate to her late husband's hometown Miryang (Secret Sunshine). Starting fresh, she starts to tutor piano and is assisted by a potential new suitor. The details of her new world are expertly showcased and there is a realistic flavor to the scenes of every day life in this small town. But just as she has settled into a daily routine, tragedy strikes. After an intense sequence of events, she is left devastated and bereft. I know many people will reveal more of the plot than I will, but I think it's best to let the narrative unravel without expectation. Seeking solace, she throws herself into spirituality and uses the church to fill the emptiness of her life. The need to forgive and the need to hate do battle within her soul and the last hour of the picture is a war of emotion. Is there a way to reconcile these divergent feelings and is the church a help or a hindrance?
... Read more ›
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14 of 16 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars lies, lies, lies December 24, 2007
Format:DVD
This is truly extraordinary and wonderful film, profound and profoundly depressing, and a perfect antidote to the delusions and falsehood of Hollywood. It exemplifies what makes contemporary Korean cinema so compelling: a willingness to explore human suffering without the promise of redemption --- political, spiritual, or aesthetic. The last shot of the film says it all. And the lead actresses performance was amazing: she seemed so fully consumed by her role that she became a new person as her character changed.
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A Complex And Challenging Cannes Champion August 9, 2011
Format:Amazon Instant Video
Korean films have scored another winner with the addition of the intense drama "Secret Sunshine." Director Lee Chang-dong has assembled a multi-layered film propelled by a stunning lead performance by Cannes Best Actress Jeon Do-yeon. In an age where few films explore religion from a contemporary standpoint, this is a critical and thoughtful examination of faith, tragedy, grief, forgiveness and perseverance. What starts as a rather pleasant and joyful film morphs into a thriller before it changes tone once again to searing human drama. The director shows a deft hand transforming lightness into the heart of darkness and propeling the viewer to the other side. Complex, challenging, and emotionally devastating--I hope that Video-on-demand and the new Criterion release will raise awareness of this remarkably adult entertainment.

A young widow (Do-yeon) and her son relocate to her late husband's hometown Miryang (Secret Sunshine). Starting fresh, she starts to tutor piano and is assisted by a potential new suitor. The details of her new world are expertly showcased and there is a realistic flavor to the scenes of every day life in this small town. But just as she has settled into a daily routine, tragedy strikes. After an intense sequence of events, she is left devastated and bereft. I know many people will reveal more of the plot than I will, but I think it's best to let the narrative unravel without expectation. Seeking solace, she throws herself into spirituality and uses the church to fill the emptiness of her life. The need to forgive and the need to hate do battle within her soul and the last hour of the picture is a war of emotion. Is there a way to reconcile these divergent feelings and is the church a help or a hindrance?
... Read more ›
Was this review helpful to you?
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars The best film I've seen that deals with Religion May 23, 2013
By Colby
Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase
I enjoy psychological films. I like seeing characters undergo psychological changes. Those types of films entertain me, even change my views of the world sometimes.

Secret Sunshine is one such film. In it a woman experiences a set of major events that send her spiraling into a psychological downfall, then up through enlightenment, then, finally, she falls deeper and deeper until true enlightenment is possible.

I don't want to spoil anything for those of you who haven't seen this yet, so I'll keep it brief. The woman loses her husband and then moves to his hometown with her son, hoping to start over. Once there she is greeted by a local neighbor who tells her that the only way to be truly happy is to find God, join the church, and become a religious citizen. She is hesitant, explaining that she doesn't believe in such things.

A few more things happen (I'm refraining from saying for spoilers sake) and she decides to join the church, finding God and weeping in an emotional scene (the actress does a wonderful job here, as well as throughout the entire film) which leads to her apparent happiness.

But not everything is as it seems...and when the woman decides to apply one of God's teachings to her daily life, the results aren't what she had expected. She falls into darkness once again, this time at a frightening speed.

What happens after this can only be witnessed by watching the film, since I don't want to give away any more.

Secret Sunshine is a masterpiece of psychological cinema. It takes a step back and examines how Religion can affect a human life, both positively and negatively, and the film isn't afraid of pulling punches. This is an emotionally draining film, but I found the ending to be truly enlightening.
... Read more ›
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars The product does not play on my DVD Player - it says that it is not...
The product does not play on my DVD Player - it says that it is not compatible with this Country or territory. Read more
Published 17 days ago by Jonathan Helmbold
1.0 out of 5 stars Secret Sunshine DVD unplayable
The DVD disc of this movie was unplayble. Completely deteriorated. Luckily I had the earlier Korean version which played just fine. Shame on you Criterion.
Published 2 months ago by Fredericka
4.0 out of 5 stars Secret Sunshine is an amazing drama complimented by its superb...
Secret Sunshine follows Shin-Ae (Jeon Do-yeon) as she moves into the small town of Milyang, South Korea, with her child to start a new life; her new journey starts off well, but is... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Jonathan
4.0 out of 5 stars Secret Sunshine
This film was difficult to watch and suitable for mature audiences. It deals honestly with human pain and issues of Christian faith. Really thought provoking.
Published 10 months ago by WB
4.0 out of 5 stars Criterion's first Korean film since the 1990's
This film, "Secret Sunshine" known in South Korea is "Milyang" or "Miryang" is the first Korean film Criterion has released since its laserdisc releases from 1984 to 1998. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Ted
4.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional (amazing, wonderful) acting in an above average, but not...
I agree with the judges at Cannes for awarding Jeon Do-yeon the best actress award. She delivers a terrific and believable performance. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Christopher Barrett
4.0 out of 5 stars Blu-ray: Thought-provoking, devastating...but within this film, there...
Powerful, thought-provoking and fantastic film by director Lee Chang-dong ("Oasis", "Poetry", "Peppermint Candy"). Read more
Published 18 months ago by Dennis A. Amith (kndy)
2.0 out of 5 stars Cartoonish
The entire script has a fabricated make believe, unreal feel to it. Starting with a stereotypic scenario of a female piano teacher (Shin-ae) with a misbehaving child and recently... Read more
Published 19 months ago by G. Teslovich
5.0 out of 5 stars Superbly Subtitled and Wonderful Acting
This film is my new favorite. The interview with the director reveals further meaning behind several important scenes. Finally, the subtitles are very well done. Five out of five!
Published 19 months ago by Ding Wuen Liw
3.0 out of 5 stars "A Mixed Bag"
This subtitled film begins as a touching light drama that slowly morphs into a dark tragedy with overtly religious themes. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Cary B. Barad
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