The 36th annual Hawaii International Film Festival kicks off Thursday with opening-night film “The Last Princess,” a South Korean production about Princess Deok-hye of the Joseon Dynasty, who is kept in isolation in Japan and longs to return to Korea. Director Jin-ho Hur will attend the screening. There are eight other South Korean films this year at HIFF: “The Age of Shadows,” “Fourth Place,” “Inside Men,” “Misbehavior,” “Queen of Walking,” “Seoul Station,” “Twenty Again” and “Yourself and Yours.” “My Korean Teacher,” a Japanese film, stars Yesung of South Korean boy band Super Junior, making his film debut in a romantic comedy. HIFF will screen 177 films from 41 countries through Nov. 13; HIFF will also be on Kauai and Hawaii island from Nov. 17 to 20. Visit hiff.org.
This week’s synopses
“She Was Pretty”
Episodes 15 and 16 (final)
Today, 6:30 p.m.: Sung-joon is shocked to find out Shin-hyuk is the famous Ten. Shin-hyuk tells Sung-joon to write an article about him to get Most back to the top spot. Hye-jin finds out why Shin-hyuk told her it was a special day and goes to see him.
Today, 7:45 p.m.: Hye-jin joins a project with a group of writers. Sung-joon and Hye-jin keep their long-distance relationship alive. To Hye-jin’s surprise, Sung-joon returns from the United States sooner than expected. Sung-joon passes out wedding invitations to his employees.
“Scarlet Heart”
Episodes 11 and 12
Monday, 7:45 p.m.: Arsenic and a valuable necklace are found in Hae Soo’s room. Hae Soo is framed and arrested for an attempted assassination of a royal prince. Wang Wook searches to find evidence to free her.
Tuesday, 7:45 p.m.: King Wang Geon attends a joint meeting to convince everyone he is healthy and still holds authority. Under Wang Yo and Park Young-kyu’s scheming, Woo Hee plans to assassinate the king. Hae Soo is cast away to work as a helper in the courtesan’s quarters. Wang So proposes to Hae Soo as Wang Wook looks on.
“Don’t Dare to Dream”
Episodes 15 and 16
Wednesday, 7:45 p.m.: After their kiss, Hwa-shin and Na-ri’s attraction for each other is awkwardly shown. Na-ri is engulfed in guilt over Hwa-shin and Jung-won. The three meet that night, filled with emotions.
Thursday, 7:45 p.m.: Na-ri is confused and refuses Hwa-shin’s suggestion to date both of them. Na-ri is attracted to both Hwa-shin and Jung-won. Hwa-shin makes his case as a man when he comes back as an anchor.
“Second to Last Love”
Episode 20 (final)
Friday, 7:45 p.m.: Sang-shik proposes to Min-joo, but she’s hesitant, catching Sang-shik off guard. Mi-rye is bothered at Joon-woo’s suggestion to leave together. Mi-rye retreats when Joon-woo pursues her aggressively.
“Happy Home”
Episode 1
Saturday, 7:45 p.m.: It is the grand opening day of Chinese restaurant Ga-Hwa-Man-Sa-Sung. Sook-nyo is upset that Sam-bong only looks after Sam-sook and Sam-shik. Sook-nyo gets ready to attend the celebration with Mi-soon. Hyun-ki is busy working and coldly receives Hae-ryung when she visits him.
