Scroll down and watch these clips of our great discussion! Sorry it took me so long to post them, but definitely worth the wait! If you look at the clips, you'll know that there's a reason why we have continued to meet -- there's tremendous value in learning about other cultures and sharing our experiences, especially our passion for Korea, its culture -- including music, dramas, and films -- and, of course, the Korean language. It's been great not only to go to events and see films together, but also to have a chance to discuss them with wonderful friends as we enjoy good (Korean!) food! A few of the people that met at Jeon Ju had seen the film Lifting King Kong at MPark4 (www.mpark4.com), and then came to dinner. I wasn't able to see the film, so can't really comment; however, the dinner and conversation were great -- documented in the clips that follow!
Again, do scroll down to view the other clips. Now here's the last clip -- starring Antionne! Saved the best for last? Actually, everyone's comments were great that night! I'm just sorry that it took me so long to realize that I could capture our discussion with my flip camera, so I missed out on half the group!!! SOOOO sorry!! Well, here's Antionne! (Don't look at the weird lady sitting next to him! Wish I were a better editor and knew how to edit myself out and just capture his comments!)
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Dinner @ Jeon Ju: Sharing the importance of cultural understanding within families
Thanks to Aryf for inviting more friends from Korean class at KCC!! Stella, a professor at Golden West College, her mom, and her sister, Jacqueline, joined us and shared the importance of cross-cultural understanding and communication within their family.
Besides her interest in Korean language and culture, inspired by her love for her nephew, Jacqueline has also spent time in Morocco --small world! I was in the Peace Corps in Morocco -- my first teaching position was in a small village called Souk Sebt, halfway between Fes and Marrakech. But that's a different story... (Gotta talk to Jacqueline sometime!)
Stella and Jacqueline's mom had the best story to tell -- family is about reaching out to all and supporting those we care about! Great message for this holiday season! (Now I don't feel so guilty taking so long to post these clips!!)
Besides her interest in Korean language and culture, inspired by her love for her nephew, Jacqueline has also spent time in Morocco --small world! I was in the Peace Corps in Morocco -- my first teaching position was in a small village called Souk Sebt, halfway between Fes and Marrakech. But that's a different story... (Gotta talk to Jacqueline sometime!)
Stella and Jacqueline's mom had the best story to tell -- family is about reaching out to all and supporting those we care about! Great message for this holiday season! (Now I don't feel so guilty taking so long to post these clips!!)
Surf Club Dinner @ Jeon Ju: Aryf shares his story and insights...
Dinner at Jeon Ju - a chance to share how we got into studying Korean and developed a passion for Korean culture. Aryf's story is particularly moving -- also check out his essay in the archives of this blog. (Nov. 5, 2007)
around the table at Jeon Ju...
Except for the blonde with the blank stare (who's she!?!?!) towards the end of the clip (!!!), everyone in our group is gorgeous and brilliant!! Great place - great food - great company - and great insights into the importance of ongoing cross-cultural experiences at a very personal level. (See people's comments in my next few posts --videoclips still to be uploaded.)
Friday, December 11, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Lee Yoon-Ki's "My Dear Enemy" - Q&A Notes
In the Q&A after the screening of My Dear Enemy on Saturday, Director Lee Yoon-Ki explained that he'd been in a bookstore in Korea, scanning the display of best-sellers, and a lonely little stack of the Japanese novella One Fine Day caught his eye. Drawn to the lonesome stack, like one quiet, lonely person drawn to another, he picked up a copy. He said he found the story heartwarming and thought he'd like to make a film that would touch people's hearts the way the book had touched his.
The title was a problem: there are lots of films with the title One Fine Day, for example, the one starring George Clooney. Director Lee thought of the term "enemy" because it can be used in Korean to refer to lovers, friends, even children. Thus, he thought the title My Dear Enemy might work. (I can understand that. Isn't it the people closest to us who can cause us the greatest heartache?) Director Lee mentioned that in adapting the story for the screen, he also had to adapt it to the Korean culture. He discussed how he had to expand on the novella, adding to the number of people the ex-lovers encounter as the two spend the day trying to borrow enough money to pay the woman back. Some other changes were made in bringing the story to the screen, including the scene toward the end, when the woman smiles, which is very different from the end of the Japanese story, in which the woman laughs out loud and claps her hands. In his adaptation of the story, Lee brings us subtle images of two people, played by Jeon Do-Yeon and Ha Jung-Woo, caught between closure and a new beginning. Like Ad Lib Night, the story line and the characters' emotions and relationship are subtle, somewhat hidden from us, and thus, a little hard to figure out -- like people can be. However, as Director Lee said in response to a question from a confused viewer, "It's all there in the film." Although he apologized to that viewer for not being clear and promised to do better next time, it seems that he has mastered the skill of withholding the immediate so that viewers can engage more deeply with the characters and their emotions.
Director Lee did say that he's working on a new project with a cinematographer from the same team and that the male lead, Ha Jung Woo, will be in it. The new project will have slightly more melodrama and more comedic features. My Dear Enemy is funny in spots, and charming, but also frustrating as the characters proceed through a long, difficult day. As such, though not a comedy in the typical sense, My Dear Enemy captures a slice of the human comedy we're all in - as we try to fill in the blanks and understand what happened as we go back - literally or just in reflection - to people we've known and choices we've made.
The atmosphere Director Lee has created in the film is greatly enhanced by the wonderful jazz film score -- with influences from the 20s and 30s as well as Latin/Brazilian jazz. Director Lee said he'd insisted on using this type of music despite disapproval from many on the production team.
Thus, I'd recommend that you try to see My Dear Enemy for the great performances as well as for that great music! Tomorrow, Monday, June 22, My Dear Enemy will be showing at the Regent at 1:30pm. Not sure of the plans for distribution -- hopefully, it will be at MPark 4 in the near future, too. For a great summary/review of the film, see http://jbspins.blogspot.com/.
The title was a problem: there are lots of films with the title One Fine Day, for example, the one starring George Clooney. Director Lee thought of the term "enemy" because it can be used in Korean to refer to lovers, friends, even children. Thus, he thought the title My Dear Enemy might work. (I can understand that. Isn't it the people closest to us who can cause us the greatest heartache?) Director Lee mentioned that in adapting the story for the screen, he also had to adapt it to the Korean culture. He discussed how he had to expand on the novella, adding to the number of people the ex-lovers encounter as the two spend the day trying to borrow enough money to pay the woman back. Some other changes were made in bringing the story to the screen, including the scene toward the end, when the woman smiles, which is very different from the end of the Japanese story, in which the woman laughs out loud and claps her hands. In his adaptation of the story, Lee brings us subtle images of two people, played by Jeon Do-Yeon and Ha Jung-Woo, caught between closure and a new beginning. Like Ad Lib Night, the story line and the characters' emotions and relationship are subtle, somewhat hidden from us, and thus, a little hard to figure out -- like people can be. However, as Director Lee said in response to a question from a confused viewer, "It's all there in the film." Although he apologized to that viewer for not being clear and promised to do better next time, it seems that he has mastered the skill of withholding the immediate so that viewers can engage more deeply with the characters and their emotions.
Director Lee did say that he's working on a new project with a cinematographer from the same team and that the male lead, Ha Jung Woo, will be in it. The new project will have slightly more melodrama and more comedic features. My Dear Enemy is funny in spots, and charming, but also frustrating as the characters proceed through a long, difficult day. As such, though not a comedy in the typical sense, My Dear Enemy captures a slice of the human comedy we're all in - as we try to fill in the blanks and understand what happened as we go back - literally or just in reflection - to people we've known and choices we've made.
The atmosphere Director Lee has created in the film is greatly enhanced by the wonderful jazz film score -- with influences from the 20s and 30s as well as Latin/Brazilian jazz. Director Lee said he'd insisted on using this type of music despite disapproval from many on the production team.
Thus, I'd recommend that you try to see My Dear Enemy for the great performances as well as for that great music! Tomorrow, Monday, June 22, My Dear Enemy will be showing at the Regent at 1:30pm. Not sure of the plans for distribution -- hopefully, it will be at MPark 4 in the near future, too. For a great summary/review of the film, see http://jbspins.blogspot.com/.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Manhwa 100 - Exciting New Exhibit at the Korean Cultural Center L.A.
Thursday's opening of "Manhwa 100" at the Korean Cultural Center (5505 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles, CA) was a great event! Hyung Min Woo, creator of "Priest", a popular manhwa being made into a live action film in Hollywood, was the guest of honor and patiently autographed beautifully matted prints from "Priest" for the crowd. (I swear the face he drew into his signature really looked like me -- including the heart for how much I love Korean entertainment!) The striking orange Artist Wall highlights some of the artist's most popular work.
Turning the corner, the east wall of the exhibit presents a dynamic timeline of the 100 year history of manhwa. Especially distinctive were the manhwa created in the 50s, immediately following the Korean War. The accompanying text explains that few examples of manhwa from that time have survived due to poor quality paper and printing. However, for people exhausted by war, the manhwa published at that time were extremely important! The exhibit continues through the mid- and late 20th century, finally taking a leap into the future as it focuses on the exciting films and other projects currently being developed from popular manhwa series.
Further along that wall (past the delicious food provided for the opening) is the "reading room" where many young people sat comfortably reading, waiting for their parents.
This is really a great exhibit -- you should check it out if you can! The historical overview is as informative as the selected artwork is colorful, dramatic, enchanting, and inspiring. The whole experience created by this thoughtful exhibit -- thanks to Hee Seon Choi, curator, and her team! -- makes you want to see and read more! For hours and other info, call KCC at (323) 936-7141.
Also, you should stop at your local Borders or go online (www.borders.com) to pick up "Priest" -- several volumes (#11-15) are available. Others could probably be ordered. I plan to find out more about "Priest" as well as Hyung Min Woo's other work, some based on Chinese literature and legends. I'll share what I learn in future posts.
Turning the corner, the east wall of the exhibit presents a dynamic timeline of the 100 year history of manhwa. Especially distinctive were the manhwa created in the 50s, immediately following the Korean War. The accompanying text explains that few examples of manhwa from that time have survived due to poor quality paper and printing. However, for people exhausted by war, the manhwa published at that time were extremely important! The exhibit continues through the mid- and late 20th century, finally taking a leap into the future as it focuses on the exciting films and other projects currently being developed from popular manhwa series.
Further along that wall (past the delicious food provided for the opening) is the "reading room" where many young people sat comfortably reading, waiting for their parents.
This is really a great exhibit -- you should check it out if you can! The historical overview is as informative as the selected artwork is colorful, dramatic, enchanting, and inspiring. The whole experience created by this thoughtful exhibit -- thanks to Hee Seon Choi, curator, and her team! -- makes you want to see and read more! For hours and other info, call KCC at (323) 936-7141.
Also, you should stop at your local Borders or go online (www.borders.com) to pick up "Priest" -- several volumes (#11-15) are available. Others could probably be ordered. I plan to find out more about "Priest" as well as Hyung Min Woo's other work, some based on Chinese literature and legends. I'll share what I learn in future posts.
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