Sisyphus’ Sigma: A Look into Mental Illness
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary defines Legend as 'a very old story or set of stories from ancient times, or the stories, not always true, that people tell about a famous event or person.
Fist of Legend
(Fighting Legends)
Country: South Korea Year: 2013 Genre: Action, Drama
Though it’s significantly different, this film reminded me of Sunny in the most beautiful sense.
Three friends get into trouble in their high school years because of their fighting skills which causes a huge shift in their lives. They meet after 25 years in a fighting show and they compete for the prize.
Seriously, the plot snatches away the joy of the film. The film is an exquisite account of friendship and family relationships. How one rash decision can change the lives of many people. It’s about reconciling with the past and realising one’s dreams. It’s about the curse of money but at the same time those things money cannot buy.
The film is BEAUTIFULLY written and directed. The cast is just groundbreaking and the acting is superb. I was surprised when I read the length of the film. I didn’t feel time passing. It’s worth every moment.
The Legendary Courtesan Hwang Jin Yi
(Woman Legend)
Country: South Korea Year: 2007 Genre: Drama, Historical, Life, Romance
In a patriarchal world which strictly judges women, being an independent and strong woman is almost impossible. When the noble Jin Yi (Song Hye Kyo) realises she was born to a slave mother but raised as noble, she chooses to ‘’put the world under her feet and laugh all she wanted.’’ Her only way to achieve that was to become the best gisaeng.
By her side is another low class man aiming for a world without classes or prejudices. While he watches over the lady he loves insanely, Nom Yi (Yoo Ji Tae) helps poor people hope for a better life.
Cinematically, the film is a masterpiece. The music is so beautiful. I’m not a fan of Song Hye Kyo but I must admit she impressed here. Yoo Ji Tae did a great job as well. The film is informative, touching (or rather depressing) and gives you a hundred questions to ponder about. It made me add the other drama and film by the same title to my list.
Legend of Ginko
(Ancient Legend)
Country: South Korea Year: 2000 Genre: Adventure, Romance
When fate is in control and nobody can escape theirs, what will people do to change it?!
In ancient times, two tribes were enemies. For the Mae tribe to avenge itself on its enemy, they needed the blood of a woman born on the night of the black moon. To save her people, the young woman Bi (Choi Jin Shil R.I.P) is ready to sacrifice herself. But the people who love her are not.
It’s a dazzling story of the struggle between love and loyalty to one’s country. It’s about the battle of decisions and regrets. The film portrays tribalism and the dauntless attachment to one’s people. Legend of Ginko is a classical account of love, friendship, loyalty, sacrifice and equality. It states that no one can escape fate even if they defy it with all their might. The film is well-done and well-acted. Different from other Korean films trying to handle ancient eras.
The Legend of Seven Cutter
(Fighting Legend)
Country: South Korea Year: 2006 Genre: Comedy
A guy alone beat 30 guys. Sounds like exaggerated nonsense. This film brings us a real example of such a fighting legend in the cutest and most hilarious way ever.
Jung Han Su (Ahn Jae Mo) gets into trouble when he tries to help his bullied friend. Accordingly, he gets the nickname ‘Seven Cutter’ because rumour has it that he always leaves a 7 cm cut when he defeats someone. Han Su, therefore, transfers to another school and tries to live quietly. However, he’s not left alone because of his reputation. What will happen to Han Su in his new school?
The film is so funny. Ahn Jae Mo and Yoon Eun Hye form the cutest couple ever. It tackles rumours and their serious consequences, love and friendship in a cool way. It provides a good laugh.
Muoi: The Legend of a Portrait
(Curse Legend)
Country: South Korea Year: 2007 Genre: Horror
I love curses and their stories. I wish they were real. Some people commit terrible things but never admit it or repent. Now those people need such a punishment. *evil mode*
Yoon Hee (Jo An) is a novelist who rose to fame by writing a fabricated book about her friend Seo Yeon (Cha Ye Ryeon). When Yoon Hee goes through a slump and Seo Yeon starts sending her interesting data about a Vietnamese legend, Yoon Hee travels to Vietnam where Seo Yeon and the curse are.
I'm not sure if the curse actually existed in Vietnam but it sounded legitimate to me. I can totally understand why people who die without resolving their grudges would come back as ghosts and seek revenge. The film is well-done. It's slow but not boring. Forget about the genre, there's nothing horror about it. It's an interesting and informative film that'll keep you wanting to know more.
