What is striking is above all the visual aesthetics, thanks to a panoramic format that creates a strong sense of oppression and a black and white with strong contrasts that enhances very strong images: some sequences end up being over the top, but the excesses are always balanced. from other passages with a high emotional rate, capable of shaking and thrilling in the right way. Perfect for fans of the toughest Hong Kong cinema and who doesn’t want to discount the viewer of some kind.
South Korea
South Korea, among the many titles present, was represented by the science fiction «Seobok», Lee Yong-joo’s latest work. The protagonist is the star Gong Yoo, who after the zombies of “Train to Busan” finds himself grappling with the scientific experiments of a millionaire determined to find the formula of immortality. The key is the Seobok of the title, a humanoid born in the laboratory and endowed with extraordinary telekinetic powers. When the Americans set their sights on the “boy”, it will be up to the protagonist to bring him to safety. A science fiction thriller that combines the imagery of manga with that of science fiction films of the Eighties, “Seobok” brings to the stage a story that is not really original, capable of intriguing but which works in alternating phases. The dialogues are sometimes pompous and the interesting reflection on the theme of death, as necessary to give meaning to life, is a bit pulled by the hair. However, the film still manages to entertain in the right way thanks to Lee Yong-joo’s effective staging, which gives the vision an incisive rhythm from start to finish.
«Execution In Autumn»
Finally, worthy of mention is a real restored gem: “Execution In Autumn” by Lee Hsing from 1972, a truly surprising Taiwanese film. A powerful feature film that uses justice, ethics and morals to talk about human feelings and injustice of power, shot with great class so as to remember the greatest masters of Asian cinema of the seventies. A remarkable (re) discovery.