Synopsis
< The Legend of Gingko > is a massive film, mixing melodrama with the current trend in Korean film, fantasy. It synthesized the current Korean film making system star-studded casting, special effects, high production costs, and mixture of melodrama and fantasy, creating a mixed genre film. However, the film was criticized for it's over usage of special effects and looseness in its structuer-an often cited criticism towards the so-called ?lock busterÕ films. Regardless, the subject matter is unique. The title of the film represents the first letter of the five main characters' names. It is set in the ancient times where these five characters struggle in the name of love. Under the 'Mountain God' which rules the heaven and earth, two tribes reside the Hawks and the Volcanoes. The Hawks wage war with the peace loving Volcanoes, thus being cursed by the Mountain God. Hundreds of years later, 'Vee' is borne in the Hawks tribe, by 'Su' a woman of mixed blood between the Hawks and the Volcanoes. She is their only hope in breaking the curse. However, 'Su' is an evil woman, whose aim is to rule the world. Thus, she decides to sacrifice her daughter. However, 'Vee' escapes to a village of the volcanoes, meeting young men named 'Dahn' and 'Juk' who both fall in love with her. Princess 'Yon' of the volcanoes falls in love with 'Juk' who is in love with 'Vee' Their complications are between royalty to the community and an individual's search for love. Such clashes between ones personal desires and that of the community are a classic one in melodrama. This was an unusual attempt in Korean cinema. (LEE Sang-yong)