Filmmaker Joong-rae, suffering from writer’s block, takes a trip to the coast with his production designer Chang-wook, who brings along the vivacious Moon-sook. Soon after their arrival, Moon-sook falls for Joong-rae’s advances; however, the fickle hero can’t commit and he awkwardly parts with her. What had been a sardonic Jules and Jim turns into a burlesque Vertigo when Joong-rae returns to the coastal resort and attempts to recreate the original romance with a woman who resembles Moon-sook, until his jilted lover shows up…
*Note: Hong Sangsoo’s short film Lost in the Mountains (2009, 31 minutes) is available to watch for free when you purchase a virtual ticket for Woman on the Beach during its opening weekend (June 19 – 21). Your confirmation email will include a watch link to activate.
**Also: Beginning June 19, Acropolis founder Jordan Cronk will be particIpating in a discussion on the films of Hong Sangsoo at Grasshopper's new streaming site Projectr. Visit the Woman on the Beach page to submit a question.
A cinematic tightrope artist: [Hong] is a director whose films walk the fine line between the heaven and hell of the quotidian.
- Chris Chang, Film Comment
An immaculately constructed movie. A rueful tale of karmic irony, self-deceived desire, squandered second chances, and unforeseen abandonment.
- J. Hoberman, The Village Voice
A bittersweet accounting of the geography of desire... Wry and tender and delicately melancholic... shows a newly confident filmmaker again working near the top of his form.
- Manohla Dargis, The New York Times
A wonderful, serious-minded romantic comedy-drama. Perhaps the greatest achievement lies in its rhythms, the way it beautifully captures the natural flow of ongoing conversation.
- Todd McCarthy, Variety
Reminiscent of Godard's Contempt, but writer-director Hong Sang-soo — South Korea's foremost chronicler of romantic maneuvering — is more aptly compared to Eric Rohmer for his subtle comedy.
- J.R. Jones, The Chicago Reader
(Available to download after screening date)