The Truth Beneath review: The second feature from Lee Kyoung Mi, whose 2008 debut also played at the LKFF. Park Chan Wook co-wrote the screenplay.
The Truth Beneath review, Luke Ryan Baldock at the London Korean Film Festival.
The Truth Beneath review
This year’s London Korean Film Festival focuses on the contribution of female filmmakers to the country’s historical and contemporary features. Opening the festival was The Truth Beneath the second feature from Lee Kyoung Mi, whose 2008 debut also plays at the festival. Lee made a strong impression, and was guided by producer Park Chan Wook, who serves as co-writer here. The female perspective is important in any film, but especially in Korean cinema, which despite having a female president, is still a place of many traditional roles. The Truth beneath combines the selfish male dominated world of politics, with a maternal drive in a deeply confrontational manner.
Yeon Hong (Son Ye Jin) is a devoted wife to TV personality turned politician Jong Chan (Kim Ju Hyeok). Running to be elected to the National Assembly, Jong Chan is a surprise favourite in the district, but who faces stiff competition and the unpredictability of his once rebellious daughter Min Jin (Shin Ji Hoon). However, on the first day of campaigning, Min Jin goes missing. When Jong Chan decides to continue campaigning, it is up to Yeon Hong to investigate Min Jin’s disappearance. Has she just run away like in the past, is it a political rival, or perhaps someone within Jong Chan’s own camp aiming for a sympathy vote? During her investigation Yeon Hong discovers secrets surrounding her daughter and those she was closest too.
The Truth Beneath review
The Truth Beneath is an exceptionally well told mystery. Questions arise, but answers come just as quickly allowing, allowing for the plot to move forward. This also means that exposition dumps are avoided, as revelations squeeze through like a leaky tap. Just as we’re shown new information, we still don’t get the whole picture, meaning our predictions and feelings constantly shift gears. Lee also makes these plot-twists artistically unique, with creative flashbacks, dream sequences, and imagination. As Yeon Hong imagines what she’s being told, there is a slight fairytale aspect to the lighting, and most definitely the whimsical but unsettling score.
Elsewhere the story is used to comment on many aspects of society, from a woman’s place in the home, to the ruthless ambition of men. Politics is of course at the forefront though, as Min Jin’s absence at times hampers her father’s campaign, before public opinion shifts and it becomes a boost. Throughout it is Son’s relatable and moving role as a desperate mother that really captivates. She still sees a vulnerable young girl and must face-up against suspects, the police, and political rivals.
The Truth Beneath review
With layered characters that all earn their screen time, beautifully shot segments with striking imagery, and revelations that truly shock, The Truth Beneath is a fascinatingly punchy commentary and entertaining enigma. It’s a film that absolutely had to be directed by a woman, showing us events through a character that almost seems lost in a cruel and male dominated world. The story may move too quickly at times, and twists can change perception before the previous one could make a truly lasting impact, but these are small gripes in what is an expertly constructed thriller.
The Truth Beneath review by Luke Ryan Baldock. The film screened as part of the London Korean Film Festival 2016.
The Truth Beneath will also screen on Sunday 27th November at Queen’s Film Theatre, Belfast.
Check out more coverage from The London Korean Film Festival 2016 here!
