Xiayu

The story is simple but never simplistic. The two Koreas are separated by the narrowest of bridges, on either side of which is a command post each manned by two soldiers. There is a neutral investigation in progress over an 'incident' at the border patrol that left three men dead and two men injured. Neither North or South wants the situation to escalate, but the investigators are having trouble getting the surviving soldiers to talk.

Therein lies the drama. Why, when both armies have been indoctrinated to hate the other, is nobody willing to point the finger? What really happened out there to cause such a bloodbath? So many issues are broached - the absurdity of war, the futility of war deaths, loyalty, friendship, trust, suspicion, and love - and all of them treated in a fresh and quite original way.

It's a thriller, a drama, a black comedy at times, and ultimately a plea. If you stick it out for the first twenty minutes or so, burdened as they are by some rather stilted acting and dubious accents, you're in for a treat. This movie is a real surprise - beautifully scripted, wonderfully acted and clearly a labour of love for all concerned. SEE IT.