Because it is an international film festival, one of the most important along with Cannes and Berlin, just to stay in Europe, and because the film is in competition for awards....
Up until a few years ago, the coverage of the Venice Film Festival was enormous, practically total; The last Korean film in competition “Pieta” by the late Kim Ki Dook won the Golden Lion a dozen years ago...
There were real specials on generalist TV and Pay TV (which often broadcast free to air) and I can guarantee you that Korean films always make it to the cinema, as well as appearing on television, even dubbed (hearing Jun Ji Hyun speak in Italian is rather funny), PCW's “Revenge Trilogy”, for example, was a great success in its time, we are always talking about non-multiplex or blockbuster audiences, but the response was also there with Bong Jon Hoo's “Parasite”.
And there are several festivals every year, such as the Far East Festival, which for almost 30 years has been promoting Asian cinema (everything!). ) and then there is the Florence Korea Film Festival in Firenze, which every year promotes all things Korean...
Italy loves Korea, music, cinema, etc., but there is a “political” discourse - too long to go into here - that in the mass media pushes to talk -PRINCIPALLY- about Italian productions (regardless of quality) and showbiz made in the U.S.A. P.S. 50,000 people at the BLACKPINK show in Milan are another fine response to the love of many passionate Italians for Korea
Unfortunely it was almost ignored on Italian generalist TV channels, with just a few mentions and that was it, partly because Julia Roberts (an actress I have NEVER liked, and who I think is vastly overrated) was appearing on the same day with Luca Guadagnino (whose film was pretty much panned by specialist critics). Reading more specific film review websites, the film was very well received (over 8 minutes of applause), with Lee Byung Hun receiving particular praise, but the whole cast is considered highly talented. The criticism is for the perhaps slightly excessive length (which seems to me to be a fairly common feature in Korean cinema, but never mind...). The average rating is 4 out of 5 stars, so if it's meant to be, it will be...
Gossip note: There was a large attendance at the red carpet event at the Lido, with many fans and lots of photos. Son Ye Jin looked stunning in all black!
Here too, as with the previous episode on Song Hye Kyo, kudos to Jae Suk for having brought another totem of Korean cinematography to open up and present previously unseen traits of herself; She is truly a fantastic actress, but the notes on her family life are pure joy, like any couple in love with their daily commitments to the good of their children... In addition to the mention of her university career, we must not forget how fluent she is in acting in English and Japanese... Truly delightful the closure on the time that, inevitably, passes for everyone, with annexed wrinkles; From a figure of reference like her I hope it is supportive for many women who perhaps get sad about the passing of time. .. Beautiful interview, thank you!
Thanks Lili Alice I was already delighted with the news of the film's inclusion in competition at the Festival reported last month, but knowing that the entire cast will be present is really fantastic, let's hope for proper distribution here too and, of course, a prize for the movie... or for someone from the cast!
Many, many best wishes to you and your bride! You are one of the most likeable personalities in Korean showbiz. This summer, curiously, I'm rewatching several episodes of ‘Running Man’ and you're always so much fun. I'm very happy for you. By the way, Cha Tae-hyun will be the best man!?
This religion thing is curious. If what I found online is correct, he should be Protestant... I don't know, maybe it's because I don't give much importance to religion in general. I often joke that if I go into a church, I'll burn up like a vampire! My brother and his family are devout Catholics, with all that that entails in terms of moral reasoning and discussion. Personally, I have great respect for believers of all faiths, but with the Vatican in the house, and the not exactly “modern” or “progressive” worldview that this state promotes, it's quite difficult to find common ground... Dear Yoon Eun Hye, I hope you don't worry too much during the day. You're probably stressed about your upcoming concerts, and it's nice that you have a close relationship with your fans. Worries are common even among non-celebrities (including your fans), and I know something about that myself. Of course, your inner restlessness ties in well with faith and a certain spiritual quest that could give you some answers... Unfortunately, there are no simple solutions for sleep, but a certain (boring) regularity helps, as well as quiet music and a good book... Let us know when you get married! P.S. Love You so much! 💖
Unfortunately it won't qualify for Cannes because it's a Netflix film 😢 but Venice is good too
A few years ago, Alfonso Cuarón's "Roma", a Netflix production, was brought to Venice and even won the top prize, the Golden Lion. I remember there was a lot of discussion and controversy with the “purists” who did not approve of the Festival opening up to television productions. I believe that Scorsese's ‘The Irishman’ received similar treatment (also distributed by Netflix), but surely seeing an extraordinary director like Lee Chang Dong and that fantastic quartet deserves a theatrical release, truly!
Incredible both for its actors and director, absolutely unmissable, nothing else to add, it would be material for some international festivals such as Cannes, Berlin or Venice. I can't wait!
Oh, Go Hyun Jung! I love her! I had read elsewhere that the past few months she had been unwell, so it's double the joy to see her again, especially in a drama that is definitely worth adding to my list for future viewing. Let's hope it gets good coverage.
I am so sorry... In the context of his extensive filmography i have fresh memories of him because i recently saw him in the excellent drama ‘The Lady In Dignity’, where he had a supporting role but was absolutely perfect in the context of the story... Reading about how he was found feels like a terrible déjà vu. I sincerely hope I am wrong, but this is truly a huge tragedy. May he rest in peace...
Personally, only ‘Mary Kills People’ and “Aema” fall within my personal interests. However, I am also following ‘Low Life,’ so my time for dramas is already fully occupied!
"Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films" Bong Joon-ho said it himself, and it's the best way to open up to the world in every sense.
just recently, I was at a concert by one of my favourite bands, and before and after the show, I was able to chat with the band's fabulous female singer (who didn't understand a word of Italian), even though my English is pretty poor, limited to what I learned in school and mostly self-taught.
Cultural barriers are not always insurmountable. Studying hard (as my nieces are doing...), reading as much as possible and watching tons of films in their original language with subtitles helps a lot, as does music, of course, which has been my lifelong companion...
However, I am surprised to read such statements. For an artist, knowledge of English should be at the top of their list of skills, precisely so as not to have limitations.
I am always pleasantly surprised when I hear Korean actors and actresses speaking other languages fluently. It makes me love them even more. So, my dear Lee Jung Eun, study your English a little, so that next time you meet Brad Pitt, you might even get to go out to dinner with him!
It is absurd how false accusations made up in a flash can end up tormenting a person's life and career, and that it then takes years not only to prove one's innocence and debunk fabricated stories, but also to eradicate these falsehoods from fans, public opinion and the mass media.
I will never get used to the human misery of certain individuals who wallow in the mud, with great satisfaction in a life - their own - that is truly miserable...
‘Girl’, the directorial debut of our beautiful Shu Qi, is in competition at the 82nd Venice Film Festival from 27 August to 6 September 2025. I can't wait!
Great news! Just today, it was announced that it has been selected to compete at the 82nd Venice Film Festival from 27 August to 6 September 2025 (South Korea is finally back in the competition!); We hope that some of the wonderful cast will also come to the Lido!
Oh my, Shu Qi is also in the competition with "Girl" her first film as a director! Double joy today! 😊
‘Mask Girl’ which, moreover, is absolutely underrated, just look at the ratings here on MDL compared to other silly contemporary series that travel well above an 8 rating... Anyway very happy to see Ye jin again, the plot still seems pretty vague to me and the subject matter isn't exactly original about behind the scenes showbiz, with added crime elements (!?) let's also see any cast additions, however, here too I have a good predisposition...
I've never seen the original series, and I'm not particularly passionate about legal dramas, but both she and Lee Na-young are really strong incentives to follow this drama, and then there is the usual reference to situations from decades past, which is always a fascinating trope.Growing interest
I abandoned ‘Love In Contract’ because it seemed more like an exercise in (talented) style than an interesting story. Here, At least I hope so, there seems to be more substance as well as an excellent cast—I'm very curious about Park Hee Soon—so I hope for the best... She's not only obviously very skilled, but she's also absolutely gorgeous!Let's hope for a good project!
On the cultural channel ARTE.tv there is an interesting 30-minute short documentary on the Swiss locations of the drama... It follows the day of an American family who, like us, love the tv series and visit the famous venues (including the pier...) but we also observe the less than open-minded reaction of some residents, who are quite annoyed by the flow of tourists (especially post-covid) who are, according to them, not exactly "civilised" (the aforementioned tourists...) the international title of the doc is "Netflix Overtourism in Switzerland"
P.S. If I'm not mistaken, some locations have also been used in some episodes of "Running Man" filmed in Europe...
A great actress and woman, I really adore her!
Up until a few years ago, the coverage of the Venice Film Festival was enormous, practically total; The last Korean film in competition “Pieta” by the late Kim Ki Dook won the Golden Lion a dozen years ago...
There were real specials on generalist TV and Pay TV (which often broadcast free to air) and I can guarantee you that Korean films always make it to the cinema, as well as appearing on television, even dubbed (hearing Jun Ji Hyun speak in Italian is rather funny), PCW's “Revenge Trilogy”, for example, was a great success in its time, we are always talking about non-multiplex or blockbuster audiences, but the response was also there with Bong Jon Hoo's “Parasite”.
And there are several festivals every year, such as the Far East Festival, which for almost 30 years has been promoting Asian cinema (everything!). ) and then there is the Florence Korea Film Festival in Firenze, which every year promotes all things Korean...
Italy loves Korea, music, cinema, etc., but there is a “political” discourse - too long to go into here - that in the mass media pushes to talk -PRINCIPALLY- about Italian productions (regardless of quality) and showbiz made in the U.S.A.
P.S.
50,000 people at the BLACKPINK show in Milan are another fine response to the love of many passionate Italians for Korea
Reading more specific film review websites, the film was very well received (over 8 minutes of applause), with Lee Byung Hun receiving particular praise, but the whole cast is considered highly talented. The criticism is for the perhaps slightly excessive length (which seems to me to be a fairly common feature in Korean cinema, but never mind...). The average rating is 4 out of 5 stars, so if it's meant to be, it will be...
Gossip note: There was a large attendance at the red carpet event at the Lido, with many fans and lots of photos. Son Ye Jin looked stunning in all black!
She is truly a fantastic actress, but the notes on her family life are pure joy, like any couple in love with their daily commitments to the good of their children...
In addition to the mention of her university career, we must not forget how fluent she is in acting in English and Japanese...
Truly delightful the closure on the time that, inevitably, passes for everyone, with annexed wrinkles; From a figure of reference like her I hope it is supportive for many women who perhaps get sad about the passing of time. ..
Beautiful interview, thank you!
I was already delighted with the news of the film's inclusion in competition at the Festival reported last month, but knowing that the entire cast will be present is really fantastic, let's hope for proper distribution here too and, of course, a prize for the movie... or for someone from the cast!
You are one of the most likeable personalities in Korean showbiz.
This summer, curiously, I'm rewatching several episodes of ‘Running Man’ and you're always so much fun. I'm very happy for you.
By the way, Cha Tae-hyun will be the best man!?
I don't know, maybe it's because I don't give much importance to religion in general.
I often joke that if I go into a church, I'll burn up like a vampire!
My brother and his family are devout Catholics, with all that that entails in terms of moral reasoning and discussion.
Personally, I have great respect for believers of all faiths, but with the Vatican in the house, and the not exactly “modern” or “progressive” worldview that this state promotes, it's quite difficult to find common ground...
Dear Yoon Eun Hye,
I hope you don't worry too much during the day. You're probably stressed about your upcoming concerts, and it's nice that you have a close relationship with your fans.
Worries are common even among non-celebrities (including your fans), and I know something about that myself.
Of course, your inner restlessness ties in well with faith and a certain spiritual quest that could give you some answers... Unfortunately, there are no simple solutions for sleep, but a certain (boring) regularity helps, as well as quiet music and a good book...
Let us know when you get married!
P.S.
Love You so much! 💖
I remember there was a lot of discussion and controversy with the “purists” who did not approve of the Festival opening up to television productions.
I believe that Scorsese's ‘The Irishman’ received similar treatment (also distributed by Netflix), but surely seeing an extraordinary director like Lee Chang Dong and that fantastic quartet deserves a theatrical release, truly!
it would be material for some international festivals such as Cannes, Berlin or Venice.
I can't wait!
I had read elsewhere that the past few months she had been unwell, so it's double the joy to see her again, especially in a drama that is definitely worth adding to my list for future viewing.
Let's hope it gets good coverage.
In the context of his extensive filmography i have fresh memories of him because i recently saw him in the excellent drama ‘The Lady In Dignity’, where he had a supporting role but was absolutely perfect in the context of the story...
Reading about how he was found feels like a terrible déjà vu.
I sincerely hope I am wrong, but this is truly a huge tragedy.
May he rest in peace...
However, I am also following ‘Low Life,’ so my time for dramas is already fully occupied!
Bong Joon-ho said it himself, and it's the best way to open up to the world in every sense.
just recently, I was at a concert by one of my favourite bands, and before and after the show, I was able to chat with the band's fabulous female singer (who didn't understand a word of Italian), even though my English is pretty poor, limited to what I learned in school and mostly self-taught.
Cultural barriers are not always insurmountable. Studying hard (as my nieces are doing...), reading as much as possible and watching tons of films in their original language with subtitles helps a lot, as does music, of course, which has been my lifelong companion...
However, I am surprised to read such statements. For an artist, knowledge of English should be at the top of their list of skills, precisely so as not to have limitations.
I am always pleasantly surprised when I hear Korean actors and actresses speaking other languages fluently. It makes me love them even more. So, my dear Lee Jung Eun, study your English a little, so that next time you meet Brad Pitt, you might even get to go out to dinner with him!
I will never get used to the human misery of certain individuals who wallow in the mud, with great satisfaction in a life - their own - that is truly miserable...
at the 82nd Venice Film Festival from 27 August to 6 September 2025.
I can't wait!
Just today, it was announced that it has been selected to compete at the 82nd Venice Film Festival from 27 August to 6 September 2025 (South Korea is finally back in the competition!);
We hope that some of the wonderful cast will also come to the Lido!
Oh my, Shu Qi is also in the competition with "Girl" her first film as a director!
Double joy today! 😊
Anyway very happy to see Ye jin again, the plot still seems pretty vague to me and the subject matter isn't exactly original about behind the scenes showbiz, with added crime elements (!?)
let's also see any cast additions, however, here too I have a good predisposition...
It follows the day of an American family who, like us, love the tv series and visit the famous venues (including the pier...) but we also observe the less than open-minded reaction of some residents, who are quite annoyed by the flow of tourists (especially post-covid) who are, according to them, not exactly "civilised" (the aforementioned tourists...)
the international title of the doc is "Netflix Overtourism in Switzerland"
P.S. If I'm not mistaken, some locations have also been used in some episodes of "Running Man" filmed in Europe...