The Isle (2000) - Korean Movie Review

Erik, the Asian Movie Enthusiast presents:
A review of “The Isle”, a Korean movie from 2000 that was directed by Kim Ki-duk.
The following plot synopsis was taken from the website KoreanFilm.org: The movie takes place in a rural fishing area, where a groundskeeper tends after a set of floating cottages, selling her body to the visiting fishermen. Indeed, the setting is one of the most memorable aspects of the film: misty and remote, as well as being the perfect male fantasy. Into this environment comes an ex-cop, on the run from the law after killing his lover. The groundskeeper, who speaks not a word throughout the film (although she does make telephone calls offscreen), becomes fascinated with this man, and the two embark on an intense and hurtful relationship.
This is a controversial movie, but certainly recommendable if you want something different and edgy.
Check out my Korean movie review playlist: • South Korean Movie Rev...

[@devolutionary]

Umbrella Entertainment (Australia) will release a special edition of The Isle in October. I appreciate their commitment to releasing Korean films.

[@Asian_Movie_Enthusiast]

Oooh, sweet! Thanks for the heads up on that.

[@AshGo84]

I saw this film very early on in my journey into Korean cinema, but I do need to revisit it.
Always loved films with silent protagonists and this was Kim ki-duk’s thing; 3-iron and Moebius immediately spring to mind.
I miss this period of Korean cinema and have kinda fallen behind on a lot of the recent movies; I feel that the focus is now more on commercial movies and starring vehicles for pop idols.

[@0xyGen_2.p0]

Moebius is brutal. Like Von Trier's Antichrist. It is hard to tell which of them is worst (on emotional level). Both monsters of film as well.

[@Asian_Movie_Enthusiast]

I agree with recent trends in Korean film. They seem to be less creative.

[@Flash360m]

ua-cam.com/video/O6Q20lX5vZ0/v-deo.html full movie

[@mgrzx3367]

Heard of this movie when it was first available, so found it out of curiosity. I liked it and needed this reminder to watch it again, Thanks. Did notice "Kamikaze Girls" on the counter. That's a funny movie. Arigatou Sensei Erik.

[@devolutionary]

A coincidentally rewatched a bootleg not long ago and still have similar thoughts. Took awhile to get invested but was fully absorbed halfway through. And yes, the violent bits were still cringey but tolerable. I heard that Kim Ki Duk used the silent protagonist method as a tool to evoke empathy and an emotional bond in his movies. Still, it was much easier to do in 3-Iron.

[@Asian_Movie_Enthusiast]

I also prefer 3-Iron. I love that flick.

[@0xyGen_2.p0]

3 iron is one of Kim's most open and "approachable" movies, I think. And painful and sad. One of my favorite-st. Perfect film afaic.

[@uglyenoughtobewise]

@@0xyGen_2.p0 I also love Time, although that has plenty of dialogue, compared to his usual style. The Bow is pretty good as well.

[@0xyGen_2.p0]

Finally rewiew of Kim Ki Duk's Isle, one of his best films. No need to mention how insanely good it is. Thank you for this review, Erik!

[@Asian_Movie_Enthusiast]

My pleasure!

[@Deepbluecat]

Thanks for the reminding. I saw, and enjoyed this film many years ago, and had forgotten the title. You have good taste.

[@Asian_Movie_Enthusiast]

Thanks!

[@pierredm]

Had just started to watch his work. Thank you 👍🏻

[@Asian_Movie_Enthusiast]

I really enjoyed his films from the 2000s the most.

[@nabeelmyfavorites2696]

man, do u have letterboxd accound?