Join us for a post screening discussion with Tom Vick, curator of film, National Museum of Asian Art
Introduction
In filmmaker Hong Sangsoo’s steady yet playful hands, even the simplest premise can become a puzzle box of unpredictable, poignant human behavior. Introduction is a prime example of his casual mastery. It is a breezy yet complexly structured study of a group of characters—most crucially parents and their grown offspring—trying to relate to one another via a series of thwarted or stunted meetings and introductions. The story is centered around a young man (Shin Seok-ho) on the cusp of adulthood, confused about his romantic relationships and professional goals. (2021, Korean with English subtitles, 66 minutes)
followed by:
In Front of Your Face
Both beguiling and oddly cleansing in its mix of the spiritual and the cynical, In Front of Your Face finds the prolific Hong Sangsoo in a particularly contemplative mood. After years of living abroad, a middle-aged former actress (Lee Hye-young) has returned to South Korea to reconnect with her past and perhaps make amends. The film takes place over the course of one day in Seoul, via various encounters—with her younger sister, a shopkeeper who lives in her converted childhood home, and, finally, a well-known film director with whom she would like to make a comeback. They show us resentments and regrets, her financial difficulties, and the big secret that is keeping her aloof from the world. (2021, Korean with English subtitles, 85 minutes)
The end time for this event is estimated. End times may vary with post-screening discussion, audience Q&A, or other factors. All film events finish by 5:00 p.m.
This program is part of our Tales of Cinema: The World of Hong Sangsoo series.