Cinema
Motel Cactus
모텔 선인장
Park Ki-yong · 1997
Synopsis
Room 407 of a love motel in the Gangnam district of Seoul, over four seasons. In summer, Hyun-ju celebrates her birthday there with her lover Min-gu, who experiences her affection as a burden. In spring, two film students sleep together almost by chance, which disturbs their relationship. In autumn, Hyun-ju comes back and spends the night with a stranger, Suk-tae. In winter, Suk-tae brings Hee-su, a woman he once loved, in the hope of starting afresh.
Context
The film is produced by Tcha Sung-jai, from a screenplay by Bong Joon-ho and the director; Bong was also an assistant on it. The cinematography is by Christopher Doyle. Jin Hee-kyung, Lee Mi-yeon, Park Shin-yang and Jung Woo-sung are among the cast. The same woman returns in the first and third episodes, the same man in the last two, and the room, redecorated, marks the passing of time. The director explained to London Korean Links that he suggested the intimate scenes rather than showing them, behind furniture and objects.
Who it is for
A film of an hour and a half, in four episodes within a single setting, on the expectations and misunderstandings of couples.
Prizes and reception
Presented at Sundance in 1998, in the world cinema section, and since screened again by the London Korean Film Festival.
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