“CROCODILE” and “ARIRANG” set for Double DVD Release on November 12th
AN INSIGHT ON KIM KI-DUK’S LIFE AND WORK
From the worldwide acclaimed and controversial director that has given us films such as “Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter..and Spring” and “3-Iron” we get now this double DVD Release for our analysis, amusement, and entertainment.
This 2 disc DVD set will include: CROCODILE, Kim Ki Duk’s 1996 directorial debut which had not been released in DVD yet; experimental work from which the director’s universe would evolve into being what is in the present.
And ARIRANG, long anticipated documentary about his three year self-imposed exile, Winner of “Un Certain Regard” Award at Cannes Festival 2011.
Crocodile: South Korea / 1996 / 102 Mins / Drama / In Korean with English subtitles
Arirang: South Korea / 2010 / 100 minutes / Documentary / In Korean with English subtitles
DVD RELEASE DATE: 12th November 2012
KIM KI-DUK: A peculiar director both in style and formation, unlike the majority of filmmakers, he was initiated into it without any prior experience nor practice.
Born in 1960 in South Korea, after finishing art studies in Paris he returned to his homeland and launched his career as a screenwriter.
Made his directional debut with the low-budget movie, CROCODILE, in 1996. Ever since, he has been hailed both by worlwide critics and audiences for his multiple-layered characters, stunning visuals, and unique messages. His internationally-acclaimed trajectory continued with films such as SAMARITAN GIRL which won the Silver Bear Award (Best Director Award) at the 54th Berlin International Film Festival.
Kim Ki-Duk’s latest film PIETA just won the top award Golden Lion at the 69th Venice Film Festival this year.
CROCODILE: Kim Ki-Duk’s 1996 debut on the world of cinema. What happens when misery, sadness, decadence, and love combine? “Crocodile” lives on the water’s edge around Han River with an aging homeless man and a boy. Crocodile is a thug who catches the bodies of the suicides from the river and extorts money from their families.
One day, betrayed by her lover, Hyun-Jung jumps in the river. Crocodile saves her from death, but merely for satisfying his sexual desire. Nevertheless, the sad-faced Hyun-Jung stays with Crocodile since she has nowhere to go to and he gradually falls in love with her. He presents paints to her and she draws his face with the paints. He gets absorbed into her pain.
Just as their relationship develops into one of true love, Hyun-Jung attempts to suicide again. Observing her misery, Crocodile makes no attempt to save her. Instead, he follows the same fate. The two head towards the water depths, never to return again.
Through the experimental glass of the director we get invited into a world where the absurdities of two minds unfold, and dance together a melody of life and death. A rare opportunity has come for those that had not watched this film yet, produced more than 16 years ago, many doubted if there would ever be a DVD release.
ARIRANG:
Marking Kim Ki-Duk’s triumphant return after three years of self-imposed exile. ARIRANG invites the viewer to witness a peculiar and unique look at the man regarded as one of Korea’s top living directors.
The film offers an insight on Kim Ki-Duk’s creative and emotional breakdown, triggered by the near death experience suffered by the lead actress of DREAM, in 2008, while shooting a suicide attempt scene. Even though it didnt prove to be fatal, it ended up leading to Kim Ki-Duk’s temporal retirement as some way of self-administered therapy. ARIRANG escapes from the chains of the strict documentary form as Kim Ki-duk recalls the experiences and inner labyrinths he was having during this period of crisis.
The name adopted for this documentary belongs to a folk song and, according to some sources, Korea’s unofficial national anthem.
Even though Arigang is supposedly a love song, its theme of parting and sorrow fits as metaphor for Korea’s fate as a nation and its division at the end of the Korean War.
