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Han Gong-Ju
[Blu-ray]
Blu-ray B - United Kingdom - Third Window Films Review written by and copyright: Samuel Scott (24th March 2015). |
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The Film
 ***This is an A/V and Extras review only. For reviews on the movie from various critics, we recommend visiting HERE.*** One of the most talked about Korean films of 2014, the acclaimed indie teen drama Han Gong-ju is based on a devastating real-life case of sexual violence that shocked Korea in 2004. The first feature from writer-director Lee Su Jin, Han Gong-ju broke Korea's opening day box office records for independent films and has picked up numerous accolades on the festival circuit including the Tiger Award at the 43rd International Film Festival Rotterdam, the Grand Prix at the Marrakech Int. Film Festival and many more. In a breakout role that garnered her Best Actress at the Blue Dragon Film Awards, Chun Woo Hee plays the eponymous heroine, a glum high school girl who has been forced to transfer to a school in another city. With her own family nowhere to be found, Gong-ju is placed into the care of a teacher's mother while matters are being sorted out. She quietly starts up school again, only hoping to keep to herself and not stand out. When Gong-ju's new classmates discover her singing talent, they try their best to recruit her into the choir. Just as Gong-ju begins to smile again and open up to new friends, the past catches up and the harrowing reason for her transfer gradually comes to light.
Video
Independent British-based distributor Third Window Films have released the award-winning Korean feature "Han Gong-Ju" on to Blu-ray in the United Kingdom, using the original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The transfer receives an AVC MPEG-4 encode, and is 1080p. Filmed on digital with cinematography by Jae-sik Hong (who also worked on the director's short included with this release "Enemy's Apple"), "Han Gong-Ju" is a good looking film, but the transfer does have a couple of small issues worth noting. The biggest problem here is that there are several instances of digital break-up and compression issues, most notably at 91:45 where it comes and goes reasonably noticeably for almost a minute. Some black crush can also be seen in some of the more darkened scenes, mainly in the backgrounds, and some light banding is also present on rare occasion. Details are often exemplary, with close-ups showing some immaculate and flawless details in faces. Early on there is a scene in a washroom, where reflections of the natural light, and small scratches on the small mirror look great. The palette used suits the tone of the film perfectly, and apart from the aforementioned crush, there are no issues with skin tones looking fine. Overall this is a good transfer, and the minor issues shouldn't affect one's consideration of purchase. The feature is uncut, and runs 112:34.
Audio
Third Window have provided a single DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track in the feature's original language of Korean. The track is quite front heavy, and at times I was a little disappointed with how the dialogue sounded flat. However, the flat dialogue I initially heard was almost instantly forgotten when we hear our main character singing a song and playing the guitar as her classmates hide behind a wall. This scene sounds excellent, and you feel as blown away by the passion in the song as the classmates. The surrounds are generally used for the score by Tae-sung Kim (Innocent Thing) but every now and again a small effect can be heard. Channel separation could definitely be better, but the track is certainly adequate, with no issues such as drop outs, pops, or background hiss. English subtitles are option, and clear and easy to read.
Extras
The extras start with a short film entitled "Enemy's Apple", which clocks in at 21:07. Directed by Lee Su-Jin and starring Seung-mok Yoo, Jong-pil Lee, and Ki-chun Kim, it won the best film and cinematography awards at the Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival in the City of Sadness section. It is about a copper and a construction worker confronting each other as they are both left behind by their colleagues during a riot. It's littered with dark humour and is certainly worth a watch. We also get a theatrical trailer (1:03).
Overall
Another strong independent Asian film makes its way to British shores from specialists Third Window Films. The A/V might have a couple of small issues, but nothing that should stop a potential purchase.
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