Painted Fire, Korean bio-pick of Jang Seung-up

Chi-Hwa-Seon: Painted Fire

Korean, English subtitles

2003, 117 minutes

5 Stars

Rainy Day loved this movie. No great fight scenes, and the protagonist really isn't all that lovable. this award winning movie is an engrossing portrait of Jang Seung-up, a 19th century Korean artist who was a drunken womanizer with a total disregard for rules. As one reviewer stated, that makes him "something of a spiritual ancestor to Jackson Pollock." This movie is, in a word, sumptuous. Sumptuous scenery, sumptuous costumes, and sumptuous art work. A surfeit of sumptuousness. Jang Seung-up lived as the sun set on the Chosun dynasty and social upheaval ran rampant throughout Korea. Definitely not for family viewing due to some beautiful lovemaking scenes. According to the movie, Jan Seugn-up disappeared in 1897. Wikipedia lists that as his death date. Click here for some images of his art.

For a trailer, click here.

Entertainment at it's best - Jumong!

Jumong: Vol 1

2006, 7 Discs

Korean, Excellent subtitles

5 Stars

Rainy Day never said she was the brightest bulb in the box, and getting hooked on a 4 Volume series was, well, not expected. She has finished the first 20 episodes, and now impatiently waits for Volume 2. Based on early history (and myths) of Korea it is the story of Jumong, the young man bound for greatness and glory, as the man who unites the three kingdoms of Korea. There is palace intrigue, romance, sword fights galore and the best costumes Rainy Day has ever seen in a movie.  There are 81 episodes, of which Rainy Day has seen the first 20. These episodes are some of the best entertainment out there. The subtitles are superb, up long enough to actually read, as well as watch what's going on. Make the popcorn, grab a soda, and enjoy!

Click on the title for a 5 minute Youtube trailer; google Jumong and go down to Videos for Jumong for a variety of same