The must-see South Korean film at the Hawaii International Film Festival’s Spring Showcase is the opening-night film, “The Prison,” screening at 8 p.m. Friday at Dole Cannery Stadium 18. Directed by Na Hyeon, the Hawaii premiere of “The Prison” has an all-star cast of Rae-won Kim (“Doctors”), Suk-gyu Han (“Romantic Doctor”), Kyoung-young Lee and Jae-yoon Jo. The Hawaii premiere coincides with the official release date in South Korea. For more information, click here.
Here is a synopsis provided by HIFF: “In a maximum-security prison, an underground network has been set up in which inmates are hired to sneak out at night to commit perfect crimes. Yoo-Gun is a new inmate and former detective who was framed for crimes he didn’t commit. Ik-Ho, the prison gang leader, sees a future for the hot-tempered Yoo-Gun in the prison conspiracy where crime and corruption go hand-in-hand for political and financial gain.”
THIS WEEK’S SYNOPSES
“Perfect Bride”
Episodes 39 and 40
>> Today, 6:30 p.m.: Jae-soon is guilt-stricken at seeing Ddol unconscious in the hospital. Se-gye tells her to prepare for the worst-case scenario, which makes her furious. Facing difficulties, Gab-dol tells Gab-soon they should call off the marriage.
>> Today, 7:45 p.m.: Ki-ja hands over Gab-dol’s bank accounts to Gab-soon while giving her an earful. Gab-dol is concerned with the growing rift between Gab-soon and his mother. Se-gye runs into his mother after telling her he’s working at the store.
“Innocent Defendant”
Episodes 12 and 13
>> Monday, 7:45 p.m.: The warden orders an inspection of all cells. Jung-woo’s cellmates worry for him as he tries to return to his cell. As Joon-hyun packs to leave, he comes across Ha-yun’s Nemo stuffed doll and is overcome with pain.
>> Tuesday, 7:45 p.m.: Jung-woo, Chul-shik and Mong-chi split up as they are chased down by prison guards. Jung-woo is stopped by a policeman. Chul-shik and Mong-chi are concerned for Jung-woo’s welfare when they hear a gunshot. Chairman Cha goes to meet Min-ho while trying to find a way to wiggle out of charges against Chamyoung.
“Saimdang: Memoir of Colors”
Episodes 13 and 14
>> Wednesday, 7:45 p.m.: Saimdang attends the emergency parents meeting at the school. Whieumdang makes an issue of Saimdang’s family, proposing expulsion for Hyun-ryong. King Joong-jong and Yi Gyum go on a hunting trip. The king questions the quality of the paper produced by Jangwon Paper Co., which is run by Min Chi-hyung.
>> Thursday, 7:45 p.m.: A competition for the best paper is to be held. Saimdang heads to Woonpyungsa to find out the secret to the best paper. Whieumdang finds out and follows her. King Joong-jong entrusts Yi Gyum to investigate corruption in paper purchases for the court. With this authority, Yi Gyum closes in on Min Chi-hyung.
“Happy Home”
Episode 42 and 43
>> Friday, 7:45 p.m.: Sam-bong and Mi-soon have a cook-off. If Mi-soon loses, she has to give up the restaurant. And if Sam-bong loses, he must give Mi-soon her children. Meanwhile, Hae-ryung is in total confusion between Ji-gun and Hyun-ki. Ji-gun gets nervous at seeing her in this state.
>> Saturday, 7:45 p.m.: Hyun-ki tells his mother he is afraid of dying. Gyeong-ok pledges to save him somehow. Gyeong-ok tells Ji-gun he must take responsibility for her grandson’s death. Gyeong-ok pressures Ji-gun to try to save Hyun-ki.
Jeff Chung is general manager of KBFD-TV, which televises Korean dramas with English subtitles. Reach him at 521-8066 or jeffchung@kbfd.com.
