Chunyang

Chunyang

2000, 120 minutes

Korean, Excellent Subtitles

5 Stars

Rainy Day loved this Cannes Film Festival nominated movie! The beginning was a bit off-putting as it is narrated by a man "singing" the folk story of two lovers, Mongryong and Chunyang. Rainy Day would have preferred the narrator not quite so loud, and that would be her only nit to pick. This movie is a winner on so many levels, it is a beautiful introduction to Korea. Chunyang is the daughter of a Courtesan, and by law she, too, is a Courtesan. Mongryong is the son of the Governor. When the two protagonists meet, they fall in love and secretly marry, and then the son is sent to Seoul to complete his training, and his father moves on. The new Governor wants Chungyang as his mistress and does not recognize her marriage. To refuse means imprisonment, possible torture, and death.

For a trailer, click here.