Eungyo

A vibrant tale that blends the poetry of language and visual beauty in a way that elevates both. It tells the most exquisite familiar tale of beauty and emotion in the skilled eye of the knowing beholder who has the depth, empathy, years and adoration only a long lived human can embrace and channel into prose.

Yes, it is that special and must be felt deep in the viewers heart to know weight of its impact. In her debut performance by one of the most gifted dramatic actresses of her generation Kim Go-eun is mesmerizing and natural in her perfect portrayal of eager appreciative and wiser than her years of youth. On the other side of this wonder is Park Hae-il who is masterful in his realistic portrayal and his breathless ardor that desires nothing more than the ability to take in the glory that is the shining Eungyo from the most wondering and calm center that is the creator to the muse!

In the midst of this perfection the cruel world will interrupt and twist at the end that is this story of humanity, creating not the perfect ending but an ending perfectly realized. Korean filmmakers and show runners have reinvigorated the dramatic tale and even among such creative brilliance this is a film that rises higher still and makes it viewers thankful to be a part of it which is something Hollywood lost so long ago.

Perfection is stil attainable and A Muse paves the way.

What to say about this movie?First let me say that there are not enough reviews for Korean cinema in my opinion.I an a HUGE fan of Asian cinema,and I wish everyone could see just how good it is!The main aspect I noticed in this movie was "Humanity"in all it's beauty.And this is Korean Cinema in it's finest!The fragility of youth,age,and love is portrayed so artfully is what makes this movie so strong!There were scenes that were so real,even in dreaminess that they took my breath away.The main character"Eungyo"was beautiful without even knowing it.When the movie ended,after a while of silence,and wiping my tears I felt this movie deserved a review,and that I had to honour the creation of it.It's a movie I will never forget,and I was deeply touched.

This movie is a masterpiece. Nothing less. I believe everyone should watch this film, but it takes a mature and an open minded person to understand the underlying messages. I think that is beautiful. Deep movies, those you don't fully understand at first are the ones the world needs more.

Based on the novel by Park Bum-shin, Eungyo looks at the different types of relationships between the young and the old. We have the philosophical teacher, the devoted student and the foolish schoolgirl. The movie explores the author's personal thoughts on ageing, human psychology and desire in a remarkable down to earth fashion allowing us to empathise and relate to each of the three main characters on their own level.

Student's often tend to admire, love and look up to their teachers but is that admiration and love reflected back by the teacher onto their student? What happens when the relationship between the student and the teacher eventually becomes a one way love regardless of the events which unfold?

Romantic relationships between the old and the young are usually despised, looked down upon and pitied. Yet those individuals who are so quick to judge never truly understand the truth of the matter. This movie captures that truth perfectly for all to understand, far from biased but will almost certainly alter opinions on the subject both negative and positive.

There is only so much that can be said about Eungyo in one review, especially when the film explores so many strong emotions as themes. In the end, who was wrong if any? Was it the student, teacher or the schoolgirl? Perhaps all had their own faults? That is for you and you alone to decide. All that can really be said is that this is NOT your average drama.

On a side note, the score for the film is absolutely beautiful and truly reflects the different emotions occurring in crucial scenes.

You may be left with tears, you may be left with a frown, you may be left cross or you may just be left emotionless...

If only things could have been different.

This was a very tricky script to film whilst retaining plausible performances.

Yet the result clearly is delicately, sensitively and authentically acted out, with immaculate pacing, intelligence and passion, carried by splendid camera work (especially the closeups), and astonishingly perfect music. At times the score felt more appropriate than anyone could ever have dreamed of.

It is not without its flaws, but it is brilliant nonetheless.

I am an instant fan of Korean cinema, pushing as it does so very much Hollywood material into the bin of mediocrity.