Here is part of a review of Night and Day from the Variety:
After several movies that have positioned him as South Korea's answer to Eric Rohmer, writer-director Hong Sang-soo finally sets a movie in his spiritual home of Paris with"Night and Day." Very Korean in its emotional content, while also preserving a quizzical distance that is quite French, pic is one of his lightest and most easily digestible metaphysical meals to date -- though, at 145 minutes, is several courses too long. Sales chances would be improved by shearing some 40 minutes, though at any length, this is still fest and niche fare for upscale auds.
the full article can be read here:
http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=festivals&jump=review&id=2478&reviewid=VE1117936181
Overall, I personally feel the film was unique and interesting in its own way. I was mainly interested in the usage of animals and what meanings they had on the situation and character in the film. I first noticed it with the two dogs barking revealing the first date of the main character and the young theft painter girl, it was very Hitchcock-esque. From then on, the usage of animals has intrigued me to learn more. The bird that fell from the sky onto him and then to the ground. The similar birds in the glass panel at the church. The same bird in the airport. As well as the annoying pig banging on the window in the public bath. However, hours of searching online through websites and articles has left me with no knowledge of what these meanings could be from South Korean history, astrology, or spirituality. So, I have placed a film review on this blog.
Nicole, I really like your attention to the details of the animals. Like we discussed in class, perhaps these details add a certain air of "cinema verite" to a scripted, fiction film. Perhaps the animals are not symbolic &/ do not have to have any special significance other than they are in contrast to the overly human, urban environment which is usually at odds with animals. Just a thought.
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