I Saw the Devil (South-Korea, 2010) into censorship problems

[gasteropod]

Kim Jee-woon made seven cuts totaling 80 to 90 seconds in order to receive a Korean over 18 restricted rating. Cuts were made to a scene of body parts being eaten by a dog and humans, and a human body being mutilated. Before the censorship, the Korean censors twice gave it a rating that would have prevented a video and mainstream theatrical release.

[grim_tales]

Hey,
Sorry to bring this topic back up but was thinking of ordering this.

Is the US BD the totally uncut version and the UK BD in fact a censored version (which is what Korea got?)

[HungFist]

Hey,
Sorry to bring this topic back up but was thinking of ordering this.

Is the US BD the totally uncut version and the UK BD in fact a censored version (which is what Korea got?)

The US BD is the International Version aka the original version aka the version that couldn't be passed uncut for Korean cinemas.

The UK BD is the Korean version aka the version missing the most brutal bits of violence. However, when the director did this version, he also made other changes, such as editing and music differences that had nothing to do with censorship, and even inserted new scenes, including a rape scene (<-- not really a spoiler, just tagged for the most sensitive ones)

So, you can't necessarily say one version is superior to the other, as both have exclusive scenes etc. The Korean BD should have both versions.

[grim_tales]

Is this the one with both versions?

http://www.yesasia.com/global/i-saw-the ... /info.html - Will probably order that next month

[HungFist]

-Disc1 Theatrical Edition
-Disc2 International Edition

[grim_tales]

Thanks Hung Yes Asia have so many different versions and there was "Normal Edition" in brackets.

[gasteropod]

The US BD is the International Version aka the original version aka the version that couldn't be passed uncut for Korean cinemas.

The UK BD is the Korean version aka the version missing the most brutal bits of violence. However, when the director did this version, he also made other changes, such as editing and music differences that had nothing to do with censorship, and even inserted new scenes, including a rape scene (<-- not really a spoiler, just tagged for the most sensitive ones)

That's not what I read, I thought the International Cut (US BD) had parts taken out of it by the director because he felt they were unnecessary and spoilt the pacing. And that this is the director's preferred version.

[HungFist]

The US BD is the International Version aka the original version aka the version that couldn't be passed uncut for Korean cinemas.

The UK BD is the Korean version aka the version missing the most brutal bits of violence. However, when the director did this version, he also made other changes, such as editing and music differences that had nothing to do with censorship, and even inserted new scenes, including a rape scene (<-- not really a spoiler, just tagged for the most sensitive ones)

That's not what I read, I thought the International Cut (US BD) had parts taken out of it by the director because he felt they were unnecessary and spoilt the pacing. And that this is the director's preferred version.

You're probably right. Thanks for the correction.

Anyway, my point was that both versions have exclusive stuff and I know both versions have their fans...

edit:

Comparison 1: http://www.movie-censorship.com/report.php?ID=847718
Comparison 2: http://wildgrounds.com/2011/04/12/i-saw ... ional-cut/
(with all the spoilers, natutally)

I love the ending music of the Int. Version. Been playing that wildgrounds file a 100 times.

[gasteropod]

I still can't be arsed to check out the film because of the two distinct cuts

[HungFist]

Just go for the US BD if you wanna buy the film affordably. Or The Korean BD with both versions if you wanna pay more to have both cuts. Or rent the UK BD if you just wanna see the film.

Having seen just the Int. Cut, and read the comparisons, I was left with the feeling that the difference isn't that big really. Even the violence... the Int. Version has tons of it, and I think even if you cut a few seconds here and there the impact would essentially be the same.

As for the film, I think it was good, though not quite excellent. A well made brutal thriller, but we've seen these kind of films before, especially from Korea. It's not really that exceptionally violent despite the controversy, nor is it exceptionally stylish or deep. It's just a well made revenge drama with some good performances, a very pessimistic look at (the lack of) humanity, and an all around solid technical execution. 3.5/5

[Yi-Long]

I still can't be arsed to check out the film because of the two distinct cuts

Same here. Whenever a movies gets multiple cuts and it's unclear about what's the preferred version, I just can't be bothered anymore.

It's also the reason why it's so hard to impuls-buy asian movies these days when you're in the store and come across a nice deal: there's always the risk it's an incomplete release.

[grim_tales]

I've seen the UK/Korean cut but not the international cut, I'll go with the Korean BD (both editions) I think - I think I gave the film 4/5, a very well made revenge thriller.

[gasteropod]

Or The Korean BD with both versions if you wanna pay more to have both cuts.

Aside from price, my faith in Korean BDs has plummeted after seeing the way the BD of 'Thirst' looks - apart from a washed-out look missing the blue tint which may or may not be the director's choice, the contrast/black level is rubbish and the whole thing just doesn't look right.

[oldeschool17]

I saw whatever version is up on Netflix. Great movie.

[grim_tales]

I ordered both the UK and USA BDs just to be on the safe side (also I'd probably be nabbed by customs if I ordered the Korean BD).