Failan: Special Edition (2-Disc Set) - (Korean Release)

[slasher13]

Review Written By Nadeem Rasool
Film Director(s): Song Hae-Sung
Actor: Cecilia Cheung, Choi Min-Sik
Released: 2001
Distributor: Premier Entertainment

Synopsis:
Starring Choi Min Shik from Korea and Cecilia Cheung from Hong Kong, "Failan" is the story about a Chinese illegal immigrant (Cheung) in Korea. In order to get a resident permit, she reluctantly married a small-time crook (Choi), but ended up falling in love with him.

This film is simply heartbreaking. I admit that when i saw this movie, i cried. The best way to describe this movie as slows but very, very emotional.
After watching Cecilia Cheung in Fly me to Polaris, she plays a completely different role in this movie and again handle it perfectly.
From when she comes to Korea from China, to the end, her every scene is simply.... heartbreaking.

I remember seeing Choi Min Shik in Shiri and remember a scene where he says

"Have you ever seen a parent eat the flesh of their child”

This was a harrowing scene and in my mind, he was simply excellent. He is such a great actor.
In this movie, he surpasses himself, you feel for the guy, he plays a 'gangster' who is weak in the heart, but tries to be hard. Just watch the scene were he reads Cecilia last letter, and what her last words were; then you will know the power of Failan.


[DVD REVIEW]

Image:
The korean version is anamorphic 1:85, there are no colour bleeds at all, and is simply beautiful. I really love korean dvds, as they take special care in their dvds.

Sound:
Provided in this special edition is:
Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround, DTS
I cannot hear the DTS track, because i simply do not have it, but the 5.1 was very excellent. But this movie does not rely on as it mainly dialog based

Extra:
The extras are all in korean but very nice to see. I really liked the menus for this dvd. Like i said with the image, Korea really know how to take care of their dvd and give it the special treatment.

Disc 1: Movie "Failan"; Producer, Director, Director of Music and Actor's Commentary
Disc 2: Interview with Cast & Crew (40 min), The Making of Failan (30 min), Critic's Comment, Film Review, Visiting "Fasamo" (Failan club), Promotion Film (30 min), Music Video (2), Trailers (2)


Subtitle:
English and Korean subtitles are provided, the subtitles themselves are very easy to read, the grammer of english is excellent, and i only found little spelling mistakes, but it did'nt bother me at all

Summary:
Simply saying... WATCH this movie. After watching this movie and not having a simple tear from it, then you simply do not have a heart. This movie is a love story with a differences.

Equipment:
Toshiba 32" WideScreen Tv,
Dolby Surround 5.1 Speakers
Whalfdale multiregion dvd player