Director: Lee Su Jin.

Starring: Chun Woo Hee, Jung In Sun, Kim So Young, Lee Young Ran.

Running Time: 112 Minutes

Synopsis: Han Gong Ju (Chun) is inexplicably left in the care of a teacher in a brand new school, although mysterious at first, we begin to learn about Han Gong Ju’s past.

One of the independent films hand picked by Busan International Film Festival programmer Nam Dong Chul screening at the London Korean Film Festival is HAN GONG-JU, a film from first time director Lee Su Jin. It’s a film that, along with the likes of this year’s earlier release THREAD OF LIES, tackles societies view on specific events which affect young people. HAN GONG-JU is both delightful and heart-stampingly devastating. But it is hard to say too much without giving away certain plot details, that’s if you believe there are plot details to give away.

The film begins as a mystery, as Han Gong Ju (Chun) is sent away from her family to live with the mother of an old teacher. All we know is that something has happened and that it is not Gong Ju’s fault, despite her being seemingly punished. Now, for anyone familiar with other Korean films or Korean news, the actual reason is no surprise at all, despite the film playing it as one. Although at first it made the film seem predictable, it is probably more to do with the fact that you are supposed to know exactly what has happened, but nobody’s talking about it. The structure leads to frustration which plays well into the experience of the film.

The tragic characters are all brought to life magnificently by a young cast. Chun Woo Hee, in the lead role, is a true star in the making. She conveys so much pain but not to the point where she is past other emotions. Seeing her smile and gradually make new friends is incredibly satisfying, but as her friends become too kind and fail to understand her, the rejection is incredibly painful. Elsewhere in the cast are a group of real teenagers that will speak to all languages. The majority of the characters aren’t a single trope, but instead are rich mixtures of many personalities. Every character clearly has a life off screen, which is allowed to happen in part due to the script, but also the nuanced acting.

Lee Su Jin keeps her first film mostly grounded in reality as we jump back and forth in time in order to piece together Han Gong Ju’s mental state. This reality is still littered with beautiful quaint metaphors, such as Han Gong Ju’s dream to be able to swim the length of the pool. It shows her determination, but also illustrates how fragile she truly is, while her failure to listen to her swimming coach’s advice reflects her refusal to open up to new friends (although very understandably). But it’s not all doom and gloom, as the tragedy is brought up by wonderful flourishes of humour and humanity.

HAN GONG-JU works so beautifully as a harsh and important comment on Korean society, but elements also translate to other countries too. It also works as a strong companion film to the likes of THREAD OF LIES and Lee Chang Dong’s POETRY. There’s a harsh reality that Korean cinema seems intent on tackling, and although it may come across as embellished and exaggerated to certain audiences, the issues raised and challenged are very real and very important. Fascinating and difficult to watch, HAN GONG-JU will certainly play on your mind for days and weeks to come.

[usr=4]HAN GONG-JU will also screen at Norwich Cinema City at 20:30 on Monday 17th November.

Follow our LKFF 2014 Coverage HERE!