Korean Cinema

Body of Light

JANG Gun-ho
Korea 2024 105min DCP Color/B&W Fiction 15World Premiere

Schedule

CGV Jeonjugosa 4

Date

2024. 05. 02

Time

21:00

Code

158
KE
KE
15
GV
CGV Jeonjugosa 4

Date

2024. 05. 04

Time

10:30

Code

305
KE
KE
15
GV
MEGABOX Jeonju Gaeksa 1

Date

2024. 05. 08

Time

17:30

Code

728
KE
KE
15

Overview

Hanna, a Korean-American adoptee, wakes up disoriented in Chuncheon. After discovering a missing person flyer, she begins to uncover the secrets of a mysterious death. As the events unfold, Hanna faces her lost past, transcending life's karma. The reunion between life and death leads to another dilemma, ironically ending Hanna's long journey of self-discovery.

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Review

Karma, a fundamental concept in Buddhism, refers to the consequences of thoughts, words, and actions. As defined by a dictionary, it specifically involves retribution in one’s current life for deeds performed in previous lifetimes. Director Jang Gun-ho’s latest film, Body of Light, delves into this theme, employing his distinctive style. The film tells the story of an adoptee who comes to Korea in response to a call resonating within, trying to find herself, and a man who reunites with someone he has waited for five decades, unfolding through the methodologies of the mystery thriller genre. Individuals who surrender to spiritual guidance are on one side, while those who pursue desires are on the other, and their confrontation sustains tension throughout the running time. Consistent with the director’s signature style, known for films like Mimist (2021) and Shit Can (2023), the film skillfully blends various art forms such as music, dance, visual arts, and photography. It vividly illustrates the scenic backdrops of Chuncheon, including Cheongpyeongsa Temple. This film also features Yu Jin-gyu’s acting and mime performances; he made an impressive appearance in Mimist and is a leading figure in mime. Comparing it with Past Lives (2023) would reveal the differences in Eastern and Western perspectives on karma. (MOON Seok)

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Credit

  • DirectorJANG Gun-ho
  • ProducerLEE Hyungsuk
  • ScreenplayJANG Gun-ho
  • CinematographyJANG Gun-ho
  • GafferLEE Jisung
  • Production DesignJANG Gun-ho
  • MusicKANG Haejin, YOO Sanghoon
  • EditorJANG Gun-ho
  • SoundHAN Sewon
  • CastCHA Liz, YU Jingyu, KO Kwanjae, CHOI Byounghwa

Film Source

RUN AND GUN⎜film@paran.com

Director

JANG Gun-ho

Born in Busan, he directed 4 feature films. With Mimist (2021), he won the Best Feature Film award at the Jecheon International Music & Film Festival. Born in Busan, Korea. He received the Best Film Award for MIMIST (2021) at Jecheon Int. Music&Film Festival.