In Front of Your Face

No matter where anyone is in a Hong Sang-soo film, they will invariably find the closest park and their visit will involve some sort of encounter with an actor and/or director. I don't think I will ever tire of the drunk philosophising of the characters that frequent Hong Sang-soo's films, on this occasion the focus is not so much love as death.

Viewed October 2, 2021. The conversations continually circle back to the uncertainty of the future and the rapid passage of time, foreshadowing a big revelation about the main character that comes late in the film. As is often the case with Hong's work, it builds to a truly sublime moment that also reframes everything that came previously - the main character doubling over with laughter while listening to a voicemail.

This is a nice, relaxing watch. I can see why mindfulness is referenced relating to this. It is quite a laid back sort of a film. It's got a pleasant feel to it. I like that it has some nature based settings (parks, rivers, gardens). It may be a bit bland I suppose for some people's taste but I enjoyed it, as a film depicting (in part) two relatives, friends, spending time reacquainting with one another. It has a philosophical, contemplative side but its not a really heavy and complicated film.

Hong's Wild Strawberries

All the delicate stuff as usual, but when she laughs - there it all is, perfectly expressed,

I don't know if is just the title, but I find this one of Hong's most frontally raw, poignant, somewhat brutally honest films -- where he touches a theme he's not quite fond of, death (or the proximity of it). This former actress returns to Korea after years in US, kind of to reconnect with her younger sister and nephew, kind of to strike a deal with a director to return to acting, or just laught at herself, the weight of past memories, have a drink and barely play guitar. Long shots do the job.

Simple, Calm & Minimal!!! as it should be!!! I have watched half of Sang-soo's Movies (16 of 30) till now, and this was the Best Work of him.