Joint Security Area

Chronicling the post war tension following the Korean War, Joint Security Area is a fast paced criminal mystery film. Two are dead, one is wounded, and there has already been an arrest and confession; the only question remaining is why? What the Swiss investigator discovers is not what anyone expected.

Lighting, a key element of cinematography, is skillfully employed to set the mood for the film. The majority of the action takes place at night. The darkness is easy to associate with a sense of danger in the actions of the characters. Furthermore, light bleeds into many of the settings through closed windows or doors. The limited light parallels the “brother’s” desire to limit public knowledge of their rendezvous. This skillful use of light sets the viewer’s expectations for the stirring action to follow.

Joint Security Area uncovers the desires of many Koreans – both North and South – to remain loyal to their nation and culture. However, the film also shows that there is a tension present; Koreans want to remain loyal, but they also want to embrace the good from other cultures. The two elements in the film that demonstrate this are a Zippo lighter and American candy. American influence has spread and been accepted throughout South Korea. Only through their treasonous behavior, however, do the northern Koreans begin to understand what there is to be enjoyed in foreign cultures.

Don’t let the cinematography and symbolism become intimidating. Joint Security Area is an exciting film from beginning to end!

Nine Queens

Crime, deception, and suspense – Nine Queens has them all. The film is non-stop action, from the very first scene as “Juan” attempts to swindle a gas station attendant out of 45 pesos to the last. When watching this movie, viewers will get a close up glimpse into the shady dealings of the Argentinean crime scene. Be prepared to think when watching Nine Queens.

The film’s plot is centered on a newly formed partnership in crime. Fellow con artists Carlos and Juan have perfected the art of deceiving and stealing from unsuspecting men and women. By happenstance the pair meets early in Nine Queens and decides to work together for one day to see how viable a joint venture could be. Viewers learn that Juan’ father is incarcerated and that Juan will do almost anything to get enough money to pay his way out. The only thing standing in the way is his pesky conscience. As the day goes by, the plot builds to one large swindle. Will the con artists be able to sell their set of Nine Queens stamps and get the needed money, or will they be beaten at their own game?

Juan, played by Gastòn Pauls, is the protagonist of the film. His personality is endearing, and he uses that quality to his benefit throughout the film. Even though almost everything he does in the film is illegal, it is difficult not to feel sorry for his character; viewers may even find themselves hoping for Juan’s success in his plots to manipulate. Juan’s sidekick, Marcos, is played by Ricardo Darí. Without Marcos, little of the action would ever have occurred. It is interesting to note for the international viewer that both of these men are Argentine nationals, and both have received best actor awards for their role in Nine Queens. Having grown up in Argentina lends credibility to the actors and makes their roles that much more believable.

Setting plays a large role in the film. Juan and Marcos frequently move between two worlds – the underworld and the world of the rich and powerful. An interesting dynamic is at play in this dichotomy. The underworld is where normal Argentinians spend their day-to-day life. Corruption can be seen throughout the film; one shot narrated by Marcos exposes just how saturated the streets are with criminals. Furthermore, viewers witness how corrupt the Argentinean legal system is through the story of Juan’s father. From the dirty streets the action moves to a clean hotel. Regardless of the image it gives off, the hotel is just as corrupt as the streets. Here the viewer can see that, even though globalization may be occurring, it is not changing the way people act. The viewer also may note the resistance of Argentinean nationals to globalization. Marcos’ sister works in the hotel to try to make an honest living, embracing American ideals whereas Marcos stays on the fringes of society.

Get read to be on the edge of your seat!