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World Fantastic Cinema

Oh! Brothers

KIM Yong-hwa

Korea2003110min 35mm Color

Synopsis

A human comedy about two brothers meeting for the first time. However, things aren’t quite normal with these brothers. Sang-woo, the older brother, is a professional private investigator snooping around motels and inns taking photos of couples in uncompromising positions. Bong-gu, the younger brother, suffering Progeria Syndrome has the physical appearance of a man in his late 30’s when in fact he is only a twelve-year-old boy. Sang-woo’s father has recently passed away leaving him with a sizeable debt to inherit. Unable to find a solution to this debt, Sang-woo goes in search of his half brother, Bong-gu, and his natural mother. After many dead ends, he finally meets an immature younger brother who looks older than him. To write off his debts, Sang-woo starts to scheme to use Bong-gu and the two of them start living together. Everywhere and everything Bong-gu’s does his outrageous words and deeds always cause endless trouble. However, by using Bong-gu’s bizarre appearance Sang-woo is able to collect money from the most vicious of debtors. Using the imbalance of the brother’s characters, this comedy is the journey of two brothers discovering each other, taking interest in each other and finally opening their hearts to each other. Finally, turning to each other for support and strength in times of insecurity emphasizing fraternal love. The true highlight of the film is the varicoloured performance of Lee Beom-soo who plays Bong-gu. From a reserved but very curious boy, the murderous horror doll Chucky, a merciless gangster thug, to delivering bizarre dialogue with guile and disdain. The wile of Lee Beom-soo’s repeated transformations covers the tiny blanks that appear within the dramatical story telling. (Song Ji-hwan)

Diretor

KIM Yong-hwa

Born in 1971, Kim Yong-hwa is a Korean director and CEO of Dexter Studios. In 1999, he was noticed for his short film for graduation, catching attention followed by his debut in the commercial film industry, Oh Brothers (2003). He made successful movies 200 Pounds Beauty (2006) and Take Off (2009). Since then, Dexter Studio was established as an investment to improve its CG technology.