ACF 110: North Korean Film Series @ The Korea Society

The Korea Society's Classic Movie Night, held the third Thursday of every month, is one of the treats among myriad offerings of Asian films in New York. Next week, in addition to the regular screening (more of that at the end of this post), a special presentation of three North Korean films will be held from May 12th to 14th at 6:30 each night.

While South Korean films have garnered international support and recognition in recent years, little attention has been given to the admittedly lesser cinema from the other half of the peninsula. This mini-series offers a rare opportunity to see these North Korean movies.

Schedule:

Monday, May 12

6:00 PM Opening Reception, with talk by Prof. Charles Armstrong, Columbia University

6:30 PM Hong Kil Dong (1986, 104 min.)

A mix of Hong Kong-style kung fu and a socialist ethos, the Robin Hood-esque Hong Kil Dong helps farmers fend off feudal exploitation. When Korea is invaded by Japanese ninja, he must unite with his perennial enemies to defend the fatherland.

Reportedly a big hit in Bulgaria in the late 1980's!

I am so going to be there for this one!

Tuesday, May 13

6:30 PM Bellflower / Dorajee ggot (1987, 83 min.)

In this very popular North Korean production of the 1980s, Jin Son Rim (O Mi-ran, the "People's Actor") endeavors to transform her humble mountain hometown into a model socialist village. Released as the economy of the DPKR tanked, Bellflower "praises the spirit of workers who accept their roles and work for the greater good of the nation."

Wednesday, May 14

6:30 PM My Look in the Distant Future (1997, 102 min.)

As North Korea was ravaged by famine in the mid-1990s, tens of thousands of urban residents were mobilized for emergency agricultural work in the countryside. My Look in the Distant Future depicts that dire period with an optimistic gloss. One transplanted young, urban loafer is inspired by a stalwart village leader to become a model worker himself.

These three special presentation Classic Movie Night screenings will be at The Korea Society, 950 Third Avenue, 8th Floor (entrance on 57th Street). Price: $7 each (members), $12 each for $30 for all three movies (non-members).

To order tickets at The Korea Society's website, click here.

Also, on Thursday, May 15th at 6;30 PM, the regular Classic Movie Night series will present The Ball Shot By A Midget (1981, 100 min). Directed by Lee Won-se and based on a best-selling novel by Jo Se-hee, it's about a family struggling to get by in the ironically named neighborhood of Haengbok-dong (happy street).

For info about The Ball Shot By A Midget or to order tickets, click here.