Korean Film Fest opens today at SM City Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - A joint partnership between the Korean Embassy’s Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines and SM Cinema, the film festival’s other partners include the Korean Film Council (KOFIC), the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), Film Cultural Exchange Program, the Korea Tourism Organization – Manila (KTO), and the Korea Copyright Commission.

The featured films give us a glimpse of Korean history and culture. “Ode to My Father” is a South Korean drama that depicts modern Korean history from the 1950s to the present day. This is seen through the life of an ordinary man, as he experienced events such as the Hungnam evacuation of 1950 during the Korean War, the government’s decision to dispatch nurses and miners to Germany in the 1960s and the Vietnam War. It revolves around Deok-soo, a hardworking man who does everything to provide for his mother and other siblings while setting aside his own ambitions. Deok-soo becomes the breadwinner at an early age after his father and sister are tragically separated from the rest of the family during the evacuation of Hungnam in 1950.

Other films highlight different aspects of Korean everyday life. On the lighter side, there is “The Beauty Inside,” a story about a furniture designer who wakes up in a different body everyday, regardless of age, gender and nationality and how he could reunite with his special someone. Woo-jin has resigned himself to a life alone until he falls in love with Hong E-soo. Since his physical identity changes frequently, he continues to visit her daily, acting as a new customer. Woo-jin finally musters up the courage to ask her out on a date. Knowing he will change once he sleeps, he attempts to stay awake for as long as he can. However, Woo-jin can no longer fight sleep. He passes out and wakes up with a new face.

“Confession of Murder” is about Lee Du-seok who published an autobiography titled “I am the Murderer,” claiming responsibility for a series of murders that took place 17 years ago and describing all his murders in great detail. His book becomes a bestseller because of the author’s charming looks and his claims of repentance for his crimes. However, Detective Choi Hyeong-goo, who was in charge of the investigation of all the 10 murders, insists that Lee is in fact an imposter. Detective Choi chases Lee and challenges him to tell where the 11th victim is, while Han Ji-Soo, who is the mother of his last victim, seeks revenge with her family and friends. Out of the blue, another killer appears, casting doubt to whether Lee is the real serial killer.

“How to Use Guys with Secret Tips” tells the story of Choi Bo-Na, an assistant TV commercial editor for five years. Endless nights of overwork have caused her appearance to be a complete mess. After a grueling outdoor commercial shoot, her coworkers left back for Seoul without her. Stranded on a beach in the middle of nowhere, she comes upon a unique stall that sells various instructional tapes. While browsing the tapes, self-styled guru Dr. Swarski appears and urges her to buy his masterwork, “Manual on How to Use Men.” Dr. Swarski tells her that it will give her the skills she needs to find success and happiness. After reluctantly following the instructions, Bo-na’s life takes a drastic turn. She begins to experience professional success and men start wooing her including top hallyu star, Lee Seung-jae.

“Train to Busan” star Gong Yoo plays Ji Dong-chul in “The Suspect.” Ji Dong-chul is a former top North Korean operative who is now a defector after being betrayed by his own country. His life is thrown into chaos after he’s framed for the murder of his boss and is forced to go on the run, chased by General Min Se Hoon. Aided by a feisty documentary maker, Dong-chul tries to get to the bottom of the assassination, linked to a mysterious formula which may or may not be for a new and deadly chemical weapon. With Se Hoon and the director of national intelligence on his trail, things get personal for Dong-chul when it becomes clear that the conspiracy also involves the killing of his wife and child years back.

All films are with English subtitles and free of charge. (PR)(FREEMAN)