Secret Sunshine (The Criterion Collection) [Import]

Criterion has scored another winner with the acquisition of the intense Korean drama "Secret Sunshine." Director Lee Chang-dong has assembled a multi-layered film propelled by a stunning lead performance by Cannes Best Actress Jeon Do-yeon. In an age where few films explore religion from a contemporary standpoint, this is a critical and thoughtful examination of faith, tragedy, grief, forgiveness and perseverance. What starts as a rather pleasant and joyful film morphs into a thriller before it changes tone once again to searing human drama. The director shows a deft hand transforming lightness into the heart of darkness and delivering the viewer to the other side. Complex, challenging, and emotionally devastating--I hope the Criterion release will raise awareness of this remarkably adult entertainment.

A young widow (Do-yeon) and her son relocate to her late husband's hometown Miryang (Secret Sunshine). Starting fresh, she starts to tutor piano and is assisted by a potential new suitor. The details of her new world are expertly showcased and there is a realistic flavor to the scenes of every day life in this small town. But just as she has settled into a daily routine, tragedy strikes. After an intense sequence of events, she is left devastated and bereft. I know many people will reveal more of the plot than I will, but I think it's best to let the narrative unravel without expectation. Seeking solace, she throws herself into spirituality and uses the church to fill the emptiness of her life. The need to forgive and the need to hate do battle within her soul and the last hour of the picture is a war of emotion. Is there a way to reconcile these divergent feelings and is the church a help or a hindrance? This is a serious examination of important issues and a heartfelt and in-depth exploration of character. It doesn't shy away from a woman descending to the very edges of madness as it commingles with morality.

In less subtle hands, "Secret Sunshine" might have turned into a weepy melodrama. With emotions this raw, it would be easy to overplay many aspects of the film--from grief to fervor. But Do-yeon is a revelation, a natural and grounded presence that connects the film to a realness that is remarkable and refreshing. Seriously, this is work that will blow you away! The film doesn't offer tidy answers and is as messy as life itself. So many horrific things may happen to us, and in some way--we all do what we must to persevere. The character in "Secret Sunshine" deals with more than her share of adversity. Each step she has made a conscious decision to move forward. Eventually we all reach our breaking point--whether or not we break is the question. This is a simple and powerful character study that may get under your skin. It did mine! KGHarris, 6/11.

DVD/Blu-Ray Features:
New digital transfer, supervised and approved by director Lee Chang-dong and cinematographer Cho Yong-kyu (with DTS-HD Master Audio on the Blu-ray edition)
New interview with Lee
On the Set of "Secret Sunshine," a video piece featuring interviews with actors Jeon Do-yeon and Song Kang-ho, as well as behind-the-scenes footage
U.S. theatrical trailer
New and improved English subtitle translation
PLUS: A booklet featuring an essay by film critic Dennis Lim

This is truly extraordinary and wonderful film, profound and profoundly depressing, and a perfect antidote to the delusions and falsehood of Hollywood. It exemplifies what makes contemporary Korean cinema so compelling: a willingness to explore human suffering without the promise of redemption --- political, spiritual, or aesthetic. The last shot of the film says it all. And the lead actresses performance was amazing: she seemed so fully consumed by her role that she became a new person as her character changed.

I agree with the judges at Cannes for awarding Jeon Do-yeon the best actress award. She delivers a terrific and believable performance. She is quite adept at portraying her character's fragile emotional state. This is one of the best female performances I have seen in recent films. I liken her performance to many of the classic and understated Japanese actresses of the 50s and 60s such as Setsuko Hara (huge praise coming from me).

I wanted to give it five stars because of the riveting performances in this film (including a wonderful performance by Kang-ho Song... you know him as Mr. Vengeance most likely). All in all the acting is a delight. The supporting casts' performances are as entertaining as they are baffling and cynical.

The actual film is a mixed bag though. Mainly because of the middle, where the film really drags a bit. It seems that with a little extra editing and a few cuts, the director could have kept the pace. But it takes a sudden and obvious lull, one that I think it out of character with the rest of the film. Without giving away anything major, this is the point where she is involved with the religious group. There is a bit of a spark during the prison scenes, then more lull. It picks up again around the time she plays the CD at the prayer meeting.

If the film had spent a little less time on the religious aspect in the middle, I might have given it five stars. But it's a collection of scenes that I think were too long to get the point across and slowed the plot progression too much.

Extras were sparse on the DVD release (not sure about the Blu-Ray). The booklet was nice with an essay, but was just a few pages. Nothing like some of the more notable Criterion releases. And being a new film, there probably wasn't need for any restoration. It's a Criterion distributed film though, and they tend to distribute only high quality newer (and usually independent or foreign) films (Like Fear and Loathing, Still Walking, and Royal Tenenbaums). This is a worthy addition to their list.

I watch a lot of old Japanese film, including films by Ozu, but have no problem with the pace (it's slow the entire time!). But something about the film just didn't feel right, and that is why four stars overall. But 5 solid stars for the acting. I checked this out from my local library, so luckily I didn't have to purchase it. I would recommend it for renting, streaming (if offered from a streaming site), or checking out at the library before purchasing.