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Secret Sunshine (Criterion Collection) (2007)

Do-yeon Jeon , Kang-ho Song , Lee Chang-Dong  |  Unrated |  DVD
4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)

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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: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
  • ASIN: B005152C9Q
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #118,350 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
28 of 31 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? This is a serious examination of important issues and a heartfelt and in-depth exploration of character. It doesn't shy away from a woman descending to the very edges of madness as it commingles with morality.

In less subtle hands, "Secret Sunshine" might have turned into a weepy melodrama. With emotions this raw, it would be easy to overplay many aspects of the film--from grief to fervor. But Do-yeon is a revelation, a natural and grounded presence that connects the film to a realness that is remarkable and refreshing. Seriously, this is work that will blow you away! The film doesn't offer tidy answers and is as messy as life itself. So many horrific things may happen to us, and in some way--we all do what we must to persevere. The character in "Secret Sunshine" deals with more than her share of adversity. Each step she has made a conscious decision to move forward. Eventually we all reach our breaking point--whether or not we break is the question. This is a simple and powerful character study that may get under your skin. It did mine! KGHarris, 6/11.

DVD/Blu-Ray Features:
New digital transfer, supervised and approved by director Lee Chang-dong and cinematographer Cho Yong-kyu (with DTS-HD Master Audio on the Blu-ray edition)
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
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12 of 14 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.
Was this review helpful to you?
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I agree with the judges at Cannes for awarding Jeon Do-yeon the best actress award. She delivers a terrific and believable performance. She is quite adept at portraying her character's fragile emotional state. This is one of the best female performances I have seen in recent films. I liken her performance to many of the classic and understated Japanese actresses of the 50s and 60s such as Setsuko Hara (huge praise coming from me).

I wanted to give it five stars because of the riveting performances in this film (including a wonderful performance by Kang-ho Song... you know him as Mr. Vengeance most likely). All in all the acting is a delight. The supporting casts' performances are as entertaining as they are baffling and cynical.

The actual film is a mixed bag though. Mainly because of the middle, where the film really drags a bit. It seems that with a little extra editing and a few cuts, the director could have kept the pace. But it takes a sudden and obvious lull, one that I think it out of character with the rest of the film. Without giving away anything major, this is the point where she is involved with the religious group. There is a bit of a spark during the prison scenes, then more lull. It picks up again around the time she plays the CD at the prayer meeting.

If the film had spent a little less time on the religious aspect in the middle, I might have given it five stars. But it's a collection of scenes that I think were too long to get the point across and slowed the plot progression too much.

Extras were sparse on the DVD release (not sure about the Blu-Ray). The booklet was nice with an essay, but was just a few pages. Nothing like some of the more notable Criterion releases. And being a new film, there probably wasn't need for any restoration. It's a Criterion distributed film though, and they tend to distribute only high quality newer (and usually independent or foreign) films (Like Fear and Loathing, Still Walking, and Royal Tenenbaums). This is a worthy addition to their list.

I watch a lot of old Japanese film, including films by Ozu, but have no problem with the pace (it's slow the entire time!). But something about the film just didn't feel right, and that is why four stars overall. But 5 solid stars for the acting. I checked this out from my local library, so luckily I didn't have to purchase it. I would recommend it for renting, streaming (if offered from a streaming site), or checking out at the library before purchasing.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars The best film I've seen that deals with Religion
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. Read more
Published 1 day ago by Colby
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 1 month 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 5 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 9 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 14 months ago by Ted
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 17 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 18 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 18 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 19 months ago by Cary B. Barad
5.0 out of 5 stars The performance of a lifetime...
Many things have been said about Jeon Do-Yeon's performance in `Secret Sunshine'. In fact, many have hailed it as one of the finest turns in the past decade. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Andrew Ellington
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