**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.