JSA (Joint Security Area)

[Anartiste]

Gosh ! What a film ! Script, actors, music, photography and... gigamasterclassy directing by Sir Chan-Wook Park.

If you missed JSA on the big screen, make it yours and watch it a zillion times on the little one. That is a major cinema lesson.

I'm gonna buy "Sympathy For Mr Vengeance" pretty soon and impatiently wait for his next release, awarded in Cannes (Grand Prix du Jury) : "Old Boys".

[Phil]

I'll have to look out for these. Thanks

[Jive]

Did JSA come out in France? Was it a wide showing or just in limited theaters?

It was at a film festival I was attending 2-3 years ago. There was a great buzz about it, but I sadly, could not find the time to see it then. I'll have to rent it soon. Thanks for the reminder :)

[Anartiste]

I didn't see it in theater (shame on me !). JSA was not a major release here in France, but was relatively successful in Paris because of the very positive buzz that preceded its release (it won the Grand Prix du Film Asiatique in Deauville).

Over 4.5 millions spectators in South Corea though. It was considered a big production there at the time and triggered a lot of controversy due to the subject : south and north corean soldiers becoming friends on the borderline between the two countries.

A taboo.