Discovering New Films by Hong Sang-Soo and Lee Chang-Dong in 2018

As a dedicated cinephile, the year 2017 was outstanding for Hong Sang-Soo's cinematic offerings. On the Beach at Night Alone stood out as my number one movie, and the excitement for his upcoming 2017 works is palpable. This article dives into the new films by Hong Sang-Soo and Lee Chang-Dong, exploring the excitement and anticipation for their upcoming releases in 2018.

Hong Sang-Soo: A Master of Provocative and Personal Cinema

Hong Sang-Soo's work is deeply personal and structurally impressive, often blending the master's own life and experiences. On the Beach at Night Alone delves into his conflict with public scandal, creating a gem of a film that stands on a different level from his previous works. The upcoming film The Day After will continue this vein, likely to be another major work.

Night and Day and Oki’s Movie, two other films by Hong, showcase his structural prowess and his commitment to cinema. While these films are impressive, they are set for release, and the hype around The Day After will likely see it gain broader recognition.

Isabelle Huppert and Kim Min-hee in Claire’s Camera

In addition to Hong's works, Claire’s Camera stands out for its reunion of Isabelle Huppert and Kim Min-hee. Despite my lack of high expectations, it is anticipated to be another solid Hong Sang-Soo movie. The Cannes Festival setting adds an extra layer of intrigue to this smaller scale work.

Lee Kwang-Kuk's A Tiger in Winter

Another intriguing release is Lee Kwang-Kuk's A Tiger in Winter. Working as an associate director for Hong Sang-Soo, Lee shares similar sensibilities and styles, making for a documentary that may have a unique appeal. Positive reviews from the Busan Film Festival and the compelling trailer have raised the anticipation for this film.

Lee Chang-Dong and Haruki Murakami’s Burning

In contrast to Hong Sang-Soo's prolific output, Lee Chang-Dong, another towering figure in Korean cinema, is preparing for the release of a Haruki Murakami adaptation, titled Burning. The trailer and the name alone should place this movie on everyone’s watchlist. This adaptation stars Steven Yeun and is set for a mid-2018 release.

The blend of a renowned author like Haruki Murakami and the reputation of Lee Chang-Dong ensures that this film will be a significant event for literature and cinema enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The year 2018 promises an exciting delve into films by Hong Sang-Soo and Lee Chang-Dong. From provocative personal cinema to literary adaptations, these films are sure to captivate audiences and provide a rich cinematic experience.