Crappy film

The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

This is a beautiful and sad movie, but the pansori singer, who is kind of like a Korean Homer, and who narrates the plot like a voice in the background, sings in this most unreal and grating style. His guttural voice soars high, then low, and ends on what can only be described as shrieks, even screams. It is unnerving. I had to listen with the sound muted! The one place where it is quite touching is where the pansori narrates the 10 blows on Chunhyang as she is beaten in the chair. The audience is weeping and moaning and moving around. It was quite touching. But the scenery, costumes, and actors are all quite beautiful.

Beautiful Korean film of one of those country's legends--Mongryong (Cho Seung Woo) falls in love with a lower-class girl Chunhyang (Lee Hyo Jung). They marry and she vows to remain faithful to him when he must leave to finish his education. Then an evil governor takes over and wants Chunhyang for himself. The film looks absolutely stunning--gorgeous costumes, vivid color and beautiful scenery. The leads are attractive, the acting is good and the film moves quickly. But I only can give this a 5. Why? The film is (mostly) narrated by a VERY annoying man who's performing the tale in front of an audience. His voice is harsh and grating and he YELLS EVERY WORD AT FULL VOLUME! His narration is not needed--he's basically telling (actually yelling) at us about what's on the screen. Thanks bud! I can see! Also the narration is sometimes laughably out-of-place (while we see the two lovers chasing each other around the bedroom, he's screeching about food!). He single handedly almost destroyed the film for me--I considered leaving a few times, but the movie was so beautiful I couldn't. Without him, I'd give the film a 10--but I can't. Too bad.

This movie is to be commended for the effortless interaction and interplay between the Pansori singing and the beautiful scenes of its 18th century location. The opening 3 minutes, without subtitles, are a wonderful way to pull English-speaking audiences into the unusual but compelling style of the Pansori singer. The movie itself uses colorful cinematography to tell its story. The story echoes many myths and legends from around the world and runs a bit long, but don't miss a chance to see this tribute to Korean folk traditions in a new setting. The actors are all quite good and the Pansori singer is outstanding.

Im Kwon-taek was already known for being korean best director. His former film "Sopyonje" ("The Pansori's singer", 1993), amongst others, was probably the best proof of his talent. He confirms here with his new film, a pure gem ! Of course, some people (let's hope that they won't be too many !) will never be seized by the film, reluctant to Pansori melodies and tunes. They probably even won't try, their ears "offended" by this rough singing, often panting, sometimes slow-speeded or on the contrary very fast and like breathless. How wrong they will be ! Because Pansori, this traditional korean narrative song sung by only one singer who plays all the different characters of the story, with one drum (the "puk") playing, this song tears hearts and souls of those who accept to give themselves to it...And when the tale is as a beautiful and romantic one as Chunhyang's, the singer's throaty sounds and the incredibly beautiful pictures fill us with happiness. Im Kwon-taek, great director, moves us not only through the story told by also through his direction. His numerous sequence shots, the natural way he alternates close-up and wonderful purefaces shots on one way and splendid landscapes all drowned in gold and light on the other, spreads poetry in perfect harmony with the story told.Maybe the plot (social classes differences getting in the way of a love story which is threatened then saved by marital fidelity) doesn't bright by its originality. Asian operas, novels, films are full of that kind of stories. But that's not the important point, after all haven't all stories been already told ? The way to treat those stories makes the real difference and the one Im Kwon-taek gives to Chunhyang's legend shines bright all around ! The korean director leads two young beginners in the lovers' roles. Yi Hyo-jeong, who is the exemplary Chunhyang, is only 17 years old and it was for her, as for her partner Cho Seung-woo, her first film. She brights with sweetness and he shows real nobility.