The Hawaii International Film Festival celebrates its 32nd year, and as part of its program, it will be showing 17 films from South Korea, and one romance from North Korea, "The Other Side of the Mountain."
Of the group, my personal picks and must-see films are "The Thieves," the country’s all-time second-best box-office performer and the festival’s closing night film; "Dangerous Liaisons," the latest adaptation of the literary classic, this time from director Jin-ho Hur; the contemporary romantic drama "Architecture 101"; and "I AM," a documentary about the K-Pop phenomenon.
The other South Korean films are the short "38-39 Degrees C," "All About My Wife," "Doomsday Book," "Egg," "Ehjeung," "Eungyo," "Horror Stories," "In Another Country," "The King of Pigs," "Let Me Out," "Modern Family," "Two Weddings and a Funeral" and "A Werewolf Boy."
If you have the time, all are worth seeing as the festival, running Oct. 11-21, may provide your only chance to see them on the big screen, as most Korean films might not get wide distribution.
For more information, visit www.HIFF.org Opens in a new tab.
"Tasty Life"
Episodes 23 and 24
Today, 6:45 p.m.: Shin-yong ends up not saying anything to Sung-joo’s father, but still wants to keep Sung-joo by her side and make her life miserable. In-chul keeps trying to tell her that she’s the only one who means anything to him, but she has her doubts. Sung-joo senses that something is off with Shin-yong, but she doesn’t know what. She is happy that Jae-hyuk’s parents seem to be opening up to her. Yong-gi finally shows his hand. He accuses Jin-joo of fraud. Tae-hyung gives Jung-hyun an ultimatum. She must make up her mind about him by the next day or he’ll just forget about her.
Today, 7:45 p.m.: Shin-yong wants to believe In-chul. Although his words comfort her, his actions tell her that he still cares for Sung-joo. On the anniversary of her father’s death, Joo-hyun visits the mausoleum. There she finds that flowers were left by the person responsible for her father’s death. When Tae-hyung calls Jung-hyun to tell her that they should be just friends, she panics at the thought and rushes over to him. Without the knowledge of either person, Shin-yong tricks both In-chul and Sung-joo into a meeting.
"Faith"
Episodes 5 and 6
Monday, 7:45 p.m.: Sparks fly between the king and Gi Cheol over who takes Eun-soo, but Gi Cheol is caught off guard by Eun-soo’s sharp-tongued comeback. Choi Young is at death’s door but comes back to life when he hears Eun-soo’s voice. Gi Cheol takes Eun-soo to his house.
Tuesday, 7:45 p.m.: Eun-soo and Choi Young set up on a long journey by themselves, and even if it’s not a smooth road trip, they do get to know each other better. The king becomes anxious when he hears Choi Young has left the capital, and Gi Cheol takes the opportunity to drive a wedge between the king and Choi Young.
"To the Beautiful You"
Episodes 3 and 4
Wednesday, 7:45 p.m.: A picture of Jae-hee and Tae-joon kissing gets circulated around school. To save Tae-joon from rumors, Jae-hee tells everyone she kissed him. Eun-gyeol takes Jae-hee to a blind meeting, and Jae-hee runs into Sang-choo, who had gotten lost.
Thursday, 7:45 p.m.: Chang-yeon realizes Jae-hee is a girl and tries to lure her into a remote area. But Tae-joon gets suspicious and follows them and saves Jae-hee from danger. Daniel, Jae-hee’s doctor brother from the U.S., comes to Korea, and Jae-hee must pretend like she’s attending an all-girls high school.
"Five Fingers"
Episodes 5 and 6
Friday, 7:45 p.m.: Young-rang is voted the most influential businesswoman in a survey. She dreams of someday building a music business empire. Attorney Choi tells Young-rang it’s time to appoint a new owner of the Booseong Group. Ji-ho prepares for Young-rang’s birthday party.
Saturday, 7:45 p.m.: Professor Ha is disappointed with Ji-ho and decides to introduce a piece written by In-ha. Ji-ho begs him for another chance, but Professor Ha doesn’t change his mind. The board members of the Booseong Group discuss Ji-ho taking part in running the company.
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Jeff Chung is general manager of KBFD-TV, which televises Korean dramas with English subtitles. Reach him at 521-8066 or jeffchung@kbfd.com.
