Hyeolmaek

This is a little gem of a film and sadly one that is rather unknown. Thanks to the efforts of The Korean Film Archive many classic Korean movies are being remastered and put online for anyone to view.

The film follows the exploits of a group of refugees who have crossed over from North Korea and are trying to make ends meet whilst enduring extremely difficult conditions in their new surroundings. The classic theme of the old against the new is particularly engaging in this film. The shift from the traditional, conservative views and imposed hierarchy to the new post war optimism: a new state is emerging where there is still talk of the possibility of reunification, new industrialization and the opportunities to benefit, the Korean people's relationship with it's main ally, America and the changing attitudes of youth. The sophisticated direction and effective acting means the film manages to balance laugh out loud comedic moments with harrowing scenes of families in turmoil. A film ripe for rediscovery.