Shi gan (2006)

User Rating:

7.3/10   

Director:

Ki-duk Kim

Writer:

Ki-duk Kim (writer)

Release Date:

10 August 2006 (South Korea)

Genre:

Drama | Romance

Plot:

To save her relationship, a woman puts herself through extensive plastic surgery.

Plot Keywords:

Face | Photograph | Sculpture | Surgeon | Plastic Surgery

Awards:

3 wins

Cast

Jung-woo Ha	...	Ji-woo
Ji-Yeon Park	...	Seh-hee - before plastic surgery
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Ji-heon Kim
Sung-min Kim	...	Plastic Surgeon
Kiki Sugino		(as Yeong-hwa Seo)

Also Known As:

Time (International: English title)

Runtime:

97 min

Country:

Japan | South Korea

Language:

Korean

Colour:

Colour

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Singapore:M18 | Hong Kong:IIB | Finland:K-13 | Argentina:13 | South Korea:18 | France:U | Norway:10 (self applied) | Norway:15 (TV rating)

Company:

Happinet Pictures

Quotes:

Ji-woo: [Having been rudely awakened] Did... did you just slap me? Why did you do that?
See-hee: Because I love you.

Movie Connections:

References Yasaeng dongmul bohoguyeog (1997)

A Modern Times poetry

Kim Ki-Duk's latest movie deals with a story set in metropolitan environment. The main characters are fully aware of the speed with which the city breathes and the crowds of people that pass; they attempt to fight time, develop recognizable identities, yet still feel lost in the big place. These thoughts lead the woman character (played by Seong Hyeon-a) to a conclusion that the only way to keep her lover is to not tire the relationship; and for such it is necessary that she undergoes plastic surgery. Her lover doesn't know that; he's forced to live six months without any idea where she's gone to, if she's alive, whether she's dumped him or not and most importantly, if he should keep his heart open to her love and possibly hope for her comeback.

These are heartbreaking moments, but surprisingly the Czech audience took them rather easily; most repeatedly laughed at scenes which are funny, but at the same time raise important question and, for my taste, require much attention paid.

During the six months in which the woman's face is fixing up, the movie centers around her lover and the life he's attempting to live; at that time the movie is floating endlessly, introducing new characters (if I'm not mistaken, all played by the same great actress). It is entertaining but at the same time includes thoughts revolving around existence, recognition, individuality and similar. Eventually both ends meet, with funny yet consequent twist at the end.

Similarly to one of the author's previous movie, 3-Iron, the movie feels like a soft ballad; shots composed with a beautiful sense for color, reflections and composition, but also shaky-cam feeling whenever necessary. Although "Time" is set in a huge city, places are revisited again and memorized on photos, as are the characters. Unusually for Kim Ki-Duk, there is also lots of dialogue included; fortunately enough not only does that not wear out but it's often pretty entertaining.

Summed up, "Time" was a beautiful experience, a movie that completely carried me away. If you're planning on seeing it, do not underestimate the somewhat light appearance; it deals with very important issues, and it deals with them thoroughly. Pay attention and you'll be rewarded big time.