A thirty-something photographer, Jung-Won (Han Suk-kyu), strikes up a potentially romantic relationship with a twenty-something parking enforcer. Unbeknownst to her, and he won't tell her, his time left to live is rather limited. The film is nice, and actually nicely paced and photographed. I didn't think there was enough meat on the bones though. We have good character from Han Suk-kyu. The other characters in the story a far too thin, leaving the whole effect rather lacking.

Yet another Korean drama. This one is highly regarded among many critics as being one of the finest Korean films of all time, and I can see why.

The film centres around Jung Won, a terminally ill man determined to enjoy his last moments of life. What we see is very minimalistic, with no obvious pointers as to needless melodramatic moments. Instead, Director Jin-ho Hur just uses simple short scenes and slices of time to convey Jung Won's love for Da-rim - a girl who appears in his life. The two share casual moments, no big sweeping love scenes. They don't even declare their feelings for each other - but we see the pain Jung Won is feeling, a couple of times in the movie. He tells nobody of his condition. He just wants to try and be good to people and enjoy the rest of his time. And the way Da-rim helps with this is very moving.

The first half is almost glacial in pace, but all the while showing the viewer how Jung Won is preparing and coping. There's barely a word uttered in the last 15 minutes of the film, yet it is heart-aching in it's beauty, and what is left unspoken is brilliantly played out on screen. It's a love story in essence, but it's also about death and closure.

This film won't be for everybody, due to it's pacing, sparse dialogue and vagueness. But it ends up being a really rewarding 90 minutes and a must watch for any fan of Asian cinema.

7.8/10

**Christmas in August** is director Jin-Ho Hur's feature debut. It remains his very best. Working with a small budget, he managed to assemble an amazing cast, lead by Suk-Kyu Han and Eun-Ha Shim.

I think the film is most comparable to **The Remains of the Day**, starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson. Due to circumstances, two lead characters does not acknowledge and express their feelings toward each other. Instead, everything is expressed in mannerisms and expressions. The film is restrained and while very emotional, not melodramatic.

As typical of Hur's films, secondary characters are treated more like set decorations. They feel like real people, with very convincing performances to match. My favorites are Jung-won's dad and school kids. But none play central roles and treated more like "props".

The film looks like a period piece set in the 80s, with great attention to details. Much of the framing is intentionally shot to resemble photographs to great effect.

The film is very quiet. Music is very nostalgic, mostly staying low key but very effective when called for.

**Christmas in August** is one of those great films that enhances with age. It is filled with details and nuances, and among the very best performances I've seen from Korean films. It is very understated, like great Yasujiro Ozu's, in strong contrast to in-your-face execution typical of popular Korean films.