Within the current context of the South-Korean film industry, wavering between commercial flicks and copycat productions of Hong Kong and Hollywood films, Kim Ki-duk stands out as an exception. Although very different in subject matter, all his films bear a similar depiction of Korean society’s blending absurdity with sex and violence. A skilled technician and director, Kim has improved with each movie reaching the peak of his art with the gut-wrenching and mesmerizing Samaritan Girl (2004).
Innovative and minimalist (there’s barely any dialogue), The Bow portrays the bond between an old man and a young girl. The bow is also a musical instrument, a means of warding off men as well as a fortune-telling tool. Probably the best Korean director of his generation, Kim proves once more he can explore human nature with simple, poetic, graceful yet cruel stories.
Kim Ki-Duk Film/Happinet Pictures

(c) that's Shanghai Magazine
Chief editor: Steven Crane
October 2005 issue