If drawing “The bow” doesn’t lead to hit the mark December 27, 2006
Posted by japanesemaple in reviews.add a comment
Dominated as it is by famous American and European filmmakers, western cinema might not know Kim Ki Duk. Yet, although appriciated by an audience keen on elitish movies mostly, I believe South Korean Ki Duk is lately becoming one of the most remarkable directors on the international cinema survey. Films such as 3-Iron (2003) and Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter… and Spring (2004), have introduced him to the western audience. Some of the Asian magic has been brought to the western cinema landscape, which often grants a privilege to something spectacular to the detriment of its contents (shame on American colossals).
Back from Christmas celebrations and blowouts, yesterday I decided to purge my self with a light dinner and rest. I granted my tried body with a warm bath. Plunged into soap bubbles I decided I would watch a movie. The choice fell on The bow by one of my favourite filmmakers; Kim Ki Duk precisely. Its second-last movie The Bow tells the surreal story of a 16-year-old young lady who has been spending the last 10 years of her life on a boat into high seas with an old fisherman. This latter planned to marry her when she had turned 17; in the meanwhile he took care of her and the two of them lived together peacefully. Tranquilliy is interrupted as life takes its course. Events change it. None of the two characters can either help it or interfere with destiny’s decisions.
Shot in a typical Kim Ki Duk’s zen style, with few and essential cues, The bow takes off promisingly. It is permeated by a sense of peace. A ship that floates unanchored off Korea’s western coast. The sunshine, the sea, the young actress’ fresh beauty. Few and simple framings capture small jewels. Within the last 15 minutes, though, the movie fizzles out. From a cetrain point on all the magic turns into something disappointingly improbable. By the end a series of confusing scenes follows one another climaxing up to a questionable conclusion. So that overall the film fails to satisfy.
With The bow Kim Ki Duk shoots an arrow that doesn’t hit the target. Pity.
