Breathless

Having been to Korea on numerous occasions I went out of my way to ensure I saw this film at the 2009 Vancouver International Film Festival and I am very happy that I did.

As this is Yang Ik-Joon's first full-length picture here is a presentation that is shown in true raw passion and with emotion. I found the movie and it's engaging story-line to be very powerful. The audience and I laughed at the dark humour contained within then cried as the eventuality of the plot is brought to bear.

For those that can stomach the violence I highly recommend finding this film to view. The movie takes place in a world that most of us are simply not willing to face however the issues presented therein relating to abuse are very important and very relevant.

Every action has consequence and truly each of our lives glow so bright before we fade.

I hope that one day Breathless (Ddongpari) can be given a Region 1 DVD release so that I may purchase and watch again.

Sang Hoon is the protagonist of this film, he is deeply affected by his past due to his fathers domestic abuse which in turn lead to his mother and sisters death. The film, at first, has a dark comedy feel to it, mainly due to Sang Hoons constant cursing and random outbursts of violence. Sang Hoon literally beats people up to live, in more than one sense. Sang Hoon meets Yeon-Hue, a high schooler, when he spits on her uniform, Sang Hoon was surprised when Yeon-Hue called him back and stood up for herself, likely due to his experiences with domestic abuse.

Sang Hoon and Yeon-Hue spend more and more time with each other, as she gets to know Sang Hoon she grows to think of him as a father, her desire for a father figure likely comes from her own father being mentally ill and you guessed it, violent.

I really don't want write more about this wonderful film, I really encourage you to watch it for yourselves. If i could compare it to another film it would be American History X as the story lines are very similar, so much so that i got a little deja vu.

'Breathless' revolves around the life of an abusive debt-collector named Sang-Hoon, an isolated and hateful person. Having lost his sister and mother at a very young age, due to accidents relating to domestic abuse, he is eternally angry on his father and fate. His despise for the people who can't stand up for themselves (stemming from witnessing his helpless mother) makes him even more violent towards his debtors. His attitude towards people and life starts changing after he bumps into a high school girl named Yeon-Hue. Being a father figure to his divorced half-sister's nephew Yeong-in, and his affection for Yeon-Hue brings out the compassionate side in him. But, as most times, cruelty has a price to pay...

This inspiring film marks the Writing & Directorial debut of talented actor Yang Ik-Joon, who stars as the lead as well. The passionate camera-work by Yun Jong-ho follows the characters in an intriguing way, using which the Director tells a compelling story about violence and abuse, interspersed with moments of humour and warmth. All the main characters are developed quite well, and are given proper depth and screen presence. All the actors involved give commendable performances.

The movie is as visceral as the punches thrown by the characters in this hard-hitting drama; it's a thought-provoking tale on the cycle of violence.

Ik-Joon Yang is the director, writer, and main actor in this movie. He produced this movie using his private money.

The home of Yeon-Hue, the main actress, is Ik-Joon's renting house. After recording all scene in the house, he moved out from his home because his money run out and he needed his deposit in the house.

He spent his every money to this movie, and fortunately this movie hits the 5rd best in the Korea indie movie history. Many Japanese also watched this movie in the theater.

I really appreciate his marble art; Breathless and King of the pigs

For more information, please refer to this wiki. https://mirror.enha.kr/wiki/%EB%98%A5%ED%8C%8C%EB%A6%AC This is written in Korean but Google translator might help you.

Breathless will probably garner comparisons to early Scorsese, considering the subject matter. It is not that good, but neither is it that derivative. If anything, it favorably reminded me of the later TV work of Alan Clarke. Despite the summary above, it is not about characters seeking redemption, but family and solace from a cycle of criminal abuse fueled by misplaced ancestral reverence. Without giving away the end, it is more about insight gained by sacrifice that plays upon cyclical reincarnation themes than a solitary quest towards forgiveness.

The multi-talented Yang Ik-Joon does a great job portraying a man so damaged that he expresses affection for a child by repeatedly shoving his head and calling him a bastard. Whether you find it disturbing or funny, the gradual manner in which the characters' darker and more intimate aspects are revealed is excellent.

Instead of credulous explication, back-story or flashbacks, the relationships emerge out of frankly rude and often violent interactions which also advance the plot. I might have had a few gripes about the cinematography, especially in relation to scenes of violence. I kind of expected a bit more from Yang Ik-Joon in this regard. But for a film by an actor as first-time director/writer/editor/star, this is incredibly good.