Joint Security Area is a Korean film directed by Park Chan-wook. The story of this film took place on the border of the Northern and Southern Korean Territory at the
Chan-wook does a great job of relying on flashbacks to uncover the truth behind the conflict. As Major Sophie discovers what happened, flashbacks give clips of information to inform the viewer of the situation. He allows the jump between past and present to be evident and easy to follow because all of the flashbacks are dimly lighted. There is barely any light in all of the scenes that involve the flashbacks. This creates a mysterious atmosphere of the scenes. The camera angles and speed of the scenes are also used to help to intensify emotions, such as when
The important theme in this film is that of friendship and comradery. An unlikely friendship sprang up when two Northern soldiers saved the life of a Southern soldier. The relationship between these unlikely friends evolved into a potential to bring peace to the two opposing forces. Throughout the film, you see the struggles that these relationships go through and endure. In the end it is evident that friendship is strong, but sometimes it just isn't strong enough. Overall, this film is very entertaining and I would encourage anyone to see it!
I felt your review of JSA is accurate and insightful. You mentioned how the movie uses several mise-en-scenes to create certain effect, such as the darkened flashback and the up tempo sound/motion to indicate actions scenes. The theme you described also came up often in the forum of T-square, where friendships are great bond but not enough to end war. The guilt of "betraying" one's country is even greater than friendship. I want to add to the theme being that war and segregation only tear apart humanistic values - love, friendship. Overall, good analysis.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your review about the film. Its theme of friendship expresses an important message the author is trying to convey; that North and South Korea may not be so different after all. Although their governments do not see eye to eye, these soldiers are able to see past that and develop an unlikely relationship. This relationship, like you said, is evidence that there is potential to bring amnesty to the two nations.
ReplyDeleteYour comments about the lighting, camera angles, and speed of the scenes are interesting as well. I agree that they distinguish between flashbacks and present action. The director does a good job at flawlessly mixing the past and the present.
I really liked that you mentioned the use of lighting in the film. It was an element that was obviously more manipulated than I had originally realized. All of the remarks you made with the timing of the dim lighting versus the bright lighting are strong points. While the film does revolve around the friendship of four Korean soldiers, a mention of the globalization and cultural trends in Korean cinema might help make this film response a little stronger.
ReplyDeleteMegan, I agree with you that Chan-wook did an excellent job of skipping from the present to the passed. Often times, it can be confusing when there are time changes, but not in this movie. Also, your point about the flashbacks being in dim light is an excellent portrayal of the thoughtful mise-en-scene in the movie. I never noticed it until I read your blog. It just goes to show that the movie was carefully planned out before it was produced. This is also apparent in the violence scenes. I actually felt myself become scared when the soldiers were scared for their lives.
ReplyDeleteI believe that you made a great point about Chan-wook's use of flashbacks. The darkened atmosphere gives the feel of mystery and things forbidden. I think it is important to note that this film is a very nationalistic and centers around issues that people who are not Korean might not understand as well. Other than that I think your analysis was very well done.
ReplyDeleteI have to say you did a good job analyzing this film. You touched on all the important points without giving too much away. Pointing out how the cinematography related to the film's emotion is on point. The flashbacks were well used but the final scene in black in white was rather confusing.
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