Info about a few Korean films wanted...

[Yi-Long]

I was just in the local store, and noticed there's a new asian label which has released a bunch of recent Korean movies.

I've looked at Cityonfire.com and KFCcinema.com for reviews, but for most of the movies they didnt have any reviews up yet... so I thought I'd ask here...

The movies are:

- Arahan
- City of Violence
- Typhoon
- Running Wild
- Princess Aurora
- Mr. Socrates


I know about Arahan and will probably pick it up if it's uncut and good quality.
But about the other movies I know very little, especially if they are any good or not. So I was hoping you guys could fill me in. Not just on the quality of the movies, but also, if possible, what the running time would be for the uncut version.

Also, have these movies been released in France, and could this Dutch label just have bought the french versions and made them suitable for the dutch market?

I'm thinking about picking these movies up and reviewing them for my soon to be released website... (if their good quality and uncut, obviously)

edit: Just did some researching and found out that these are probably german release, which are now being released for the Dutch market.
The label is called Amazia.
So maybe LD can fill me in on some more info regarding these releases.

[tom2681]

Seen all of them.

Strongly disliked Mr Socrates and Princess Aurora.
Thought Running Wild and Typhoon were disappointing.
City of Violence was OK.
Arahan was extremely good.

Re: City of Violence:
It's an OK film with lots of well-choregraphed fights.
+ There's a lot of charisma emanating from all the actors.
The editing and cinematography are Park Chan-Wook-esque (only not as good) and downright silly for an action film.

Can't say much about the other films.
I usually don't give my opinion on films I don't like.

have these movies been released in France

CoV will be released over here on May 21st.
Typhoon on May 10th by TF1.
Arahan has been released by Studio Canal.

could this Dutch label just have bought the french versions and made them suitable for the dutch market?

Maybe Typhoon (I know TF1 have a tendency to sell their DVDs outside of France).

[Yi-Long]

Thanks Tommy.
Maybe I'll just buy Arahan than. Although I heard City of Violence has some good action, so maybe I'll pick that one up as well. Not sure yet. Also depends on pricing.

Hopefully A Dirty Carnival will get a release.

[romerojpg]

Or use one of the hundreds of massive review places to find reviews.

Like IMDB.com or http://www.moviereviewindex.com/

Arhan is good, City of Violence is good too.

[bradavon]

So is Typhoon any good? I see Premier Asia are releasing it.

Why didn't you like Typhoon Tom?

[tom2681]

It's just a load of poorly recycled rubbish IMO.

You've got the super-duper-patriotic hero, you've got the bad guy who's really bad (with the automatic "here's-why-I'm-so-bad" flashback thrown in) and you've got a lot of annoying korean flag-waving going on.

Nothing we haven't seen before. Useless film. :x

[bradavon]

I see. It sounds pants. Too many Korean film makers try to mimic Hollywood crap. I guess it's what sells.

[EvaUnit02]

Too many Korean film makers try to mimic Hollywood crap.

...or Japanese crap. I.e. the zillion Ringu-clones released over there.

[romerojpg]

Typhooon is in UK cinemas this month. Not that I will be bothering.

[thelostdragon]

- Arahan - Great!
- City of Violence - If you're into Doo-Hong action and nice visuals it's also good.
- Typhoon - Very promising premise with all the actors and nice settings, but out of some reason it was a disappointment.
- Running Wild - Very good, although some find it too long.
- Princess Aurora - The better "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance"

[bradavon]

Is Yellow Sea any good? It's playing in UK cinemas now.

[gasteropod]

I'll be buying the UK Blu-ray when it comes out in February, The Chaser was excellent.

[bradavon]

Same director I presume?

[gasteropod]

Uh huh.

[romerojpg]

I Saw The Devils much better