[Mediment News Kim Soo-hyun Reporter] Director Lee Jong-pil, who proved his sensuous directing skills through the films 'Samjin Company English Class' and 'Escape', returns with his new work 'Pavanne'. This work delicately portrays the process of three individuals, who had closed their hearts, becoming light for each other as they face life and love.
The film opens with Lee Bong-ryeon and Park Hae-joon. The opening, which begins with the narrative of 'Kyung-rok' played by Moon Sang-min, evokes nostalgia for a deep retro romance. In particular, Park Hae-joon captivates the audience with a powerful performance reminiscent of Wong Kar-wai's 'Days of Being Wild'. Director Lee Jong-pil revealed his intention at a press conference, stating, "I wanted to express the love of the poor happening in a shabby restaurant by colliding the movements of 'Days of Being Wild' with K-drama elements."
In the symbolic space of 'Utopia Department Store', Kyung-rok (played by Moon Sang-min), Mi-jung (played by Go Ah-sung), and Yo-han (played by Byun Yo-han) meet and share their pains, building a deep friendship. Kyung-rok's monochrome life begins to gain color as he meets Mi-jung and embarks on a straightforward romance. In a strange atmosphere where the stickiness of summer and the cool breeze coexist, the relationship among the three progresses towards growth, creating gentle ripples.
The actors' transformation is also a point of interest. Moon Sang-min completes the freshness of youth by performing board acting and modern dance, while Go Ah-sung delicately expresses her inner strength with her plain, natural beauty. In particular, Byun Yo-han injects vitality into the film with his striking physical transformation and unique playful acting. His ability to balance seriousness and humor transforms into a deep resonance at the moment the narrative unfolds in the latter half.
Director Lee Jong-pil's aesthetic of direction also stands out. The sensuous visual beauty utilizing light and shadow, along with the harmony of classical and popular music, maximizes the analog sensibility. The narration technique reminiscent of watching a classic film and the philosophical metaphors embedded in places like 'Kentucky Hope' and 'Utopia Department Store' leave the audience with rich interpretative possibilities.
As the line goes, "There is no happy ending, yet," the film escalates towards its climax, likening the deepening pain and longing in the latter half to the sound of cicadas. Like the aurora scenes in Iceland, simple yet heartfelt moments come together to create the unique and lonely emotion of 'Pavanne'.
The film 'Pavanne', which does not lose its beauty even in loneliness, is set to meet viewers around the world through Netflix on the 20th.
