Thirst

[valondar]

I can't really recommend this to anyone who doesn't like arthouse films, as it's a tad slow and low-key in places, but generally I found it a fun, dark, amusing and altogether worthwhile vampire romance film.

Quite probably because it isn't romantic in the slightest. It's by the same director as Old Boy, but it's not quite as accessible as that film.

Anyone see this/wanted to see it?

[alexander]

I've been to a festival where Bakjwi ran in August, but didn't want to stay that late. Another film by Chan-wook Park that I can recommend is I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK.

I don't like the term "art house". Why should we categorise movies that way? To show contempt for Hollywood?

[valondar]

Originally Posted by alexander

I don't like the term "art house". Why should we categorise movies that way? To show contempt for Hollywood?

No, just to acknowledge it's rather different than popcorn fare. If someone went to Thirst because of my recommendation and expected a more fast paced, plot-driven narrative film... they'd be mislead, no?

[alexander]

Berlin is pretty much the only city in this country with a diverse cultural infrastructure, and 500km from here. So I'll have to wait for the US (this month) or UK (next year) DVD.

Originally Posted by valondar

and expected a more fast paced, plot-driven narrative film... they'd be mislead,

But you already said it was slow. Americans call French popcorn blockbusters art films, so what's the informational value of the term? I feel it's patronising when we use it.

[valondar]

Originally Posted by alexander

But you already said it was slow. Americans call French popcorn blockbusters art films,

Alright, let me put it this way:

It's not a tag I'd use when describing Old Boy. Basically, any audience which likes Tarantino-type films and is willing to put up with subtitles can definitely enjoy that movie. Is it an artistic film? Most definitely, but it has an appeal which is something broader than an arthouse audience.

While Thirst may be a film others can enjoy, you would have to be a trifle patient. It's not as full-cocked comic book absurdity and melodrama like Old Boy was, but there are some nice moments of that stuff too.

[KiraRin]

Originally Posted by alexander

Another film by Chan-wook Park that I can recommend is I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK.

I adored this film! So romantic and amusing, and Rain is drop dead gorgeous in it ^^

I will keep an eye out for Thirst though, as it sounds like my kind of thing ^^

H.