Introducing the world to the wickedly disturbing yet thoughtful style of one of South Korea's most prolific & controversial filmmakers, The Isle is a deliriously dark story of love, obsession & salvation that follows two broken souls who find comfort in each other's company but is notorious for its grisly & graphic imagery of stomach-churning gore.
Written & directed by Kim Ki-duk (3-Iron, Pieta & Moebius), the film takes its time to set things up but an aura of mystery & hint of past trauma does loom over its main characters from the very beginning. Kim allows their relationship to develop at its natural pace and holds nothing back when portraying their emotional vulnerability or darker sides.
The serene & soothing ambience is aptly illustrated by the quiet camerawork but a lot of gruesome moments unfold in this calm setting. There are some scenes involving fish hooks that are extremely distressing to watch while the animal cruelty on display is bound to upset most viewers. As for the performances, Suh Jung steals the show without uttering a word.
Overall, The Isle is more inclined towards art-house audience than casual filmgoers and is destined to garner a divisive reaction. While some might call it a misunderstood gem, others will feel violated by it. Definitely not a film for all, it is as beautiful to look at as it is vile on several occasions but the human drama that unravels at its centre remains mostly compelling. Enter at your own risk.
Written & directed by Kim Ki-duk (3-Iron, Pieta & Moebius), the film takes its time to set things up but an aura of mystery & hint of past trauma does loom over its main characters from the very beginning. Kim allows their relationship to develop at its natural pace and holds nothing back when portraying their emotional vulnerability or darker sides.
The serene & soothing ambience is aptly illustrated by the quiet camerawork but a lot of gruesome moments unfold in this calm setting. There are some scenes involving fish hooks that are extremely distressing to watch while the animal cruelty on display is bound to upset most viewers. As for the performances, Suh Jung steals the show without uttering a word.
Overall, The Isle is more inclined towards art-house audience than casual filmgoers and is destined to garner a divisive reaction. While some might call it a misunderstood gem, others will feel violated by it. Definitely not a film for all, it is as beautiful to look at as it is vile on several occasions but the human drama that unravels at its centre remains mostly compelling. Enter at your own risk.