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!
Once again, Haynes captures the essence of a great film review. Not only does he brief the plot well by not giving away 'spoilers'; he also captures genre and the suspenseful feeling the movie emits. I agree that lighting, or rather the lack of, is a pivotal aspect of cinematography for this mystery. The fear of discovered secrets is shrouded in darkness, but ultimately becomes lighted. I enjoyed the insight about globalized American items being accepted by N. Koreans having committed treasonous behavior. Still, the conclusion is a bit terse and lacks an appropriate link to the rest of the review.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very well written film review. I like how you tied some analysis of the film's make up into the review instead of just summarizing the plot. The plot summary maybe could have been just a little bit more in depth, but besides that the film review is excellent.
ReplyDeleteThis film review was well written and definitely took some time to write it. The way you summarize the films plot with just a few sentences is great. It gives you everything you need to know without giving anything away. You noticed how the lighting in the film was a major aspect and how it gave the film that sort of edge you need in a movie.
ReplyDeleteFantastic! I like how Hayes write about the synopsis by summing up the characters involved - " Two are dead, one is wounded“. I agree with Hayes that the lighting is the key element in the film that creates suspense, tensions, danger effect to the audience. I'm surprise to know that this film is actually tied to the American cultures, I hope Hayes can elaborate a little bit more on this interesting point. Furthermore, I would suggest Hayes to write about the National Border and Camaraderie between North Koreans and South Koreans, because this is the theme of the film of which cannot be exempted. Lastly, I think that there's no transition between the third paragraph and conclusion. As a result, the conclusion sounds awful to me.
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