Synopsis
The Praying Mantis is director Kim Dong-won's feature debut, an updated version of his short film, , which he shot in college. Coincidentally, this film possesses all three aspects of Pifan's motto "Romance, fantasy, and adventure." Set in the shanty parts of Seoul in the early 1980s, the film boasts many items which invoke memories of the days gone by. Simplistic 'love' and 'trust' which were pervasive at the time, shine throughout the film. Those sentiments are now as scarce as the props used in the film. However, is not a film about the hardships of those who lived in the 80s. Rather, it is more a 'fantastic comedy.' Told in a fairytale-like manner, the film is about people who are truly kind and jovial although they are naive and wholly unrealistic. It can even be seen as a modest adventure film when taking into account the gallant efforts of the three lead characters as they dash here and there to rescue the doll-like girl, Bong-ja. For today's digital generation accustomed to a daily-changing world, this film will be a revelation. Also, it is of great interest to see how this generation responds to the natural performance of actor Lee Dae-geun, the action/soft porn icon of yesteryear. This film is not one of those slick films with sophisticated and choreographed action sequences. But the disco of the 80s wasn't either. But the vigor and passion behind the dance movements made disco a joy to watch. In a similar vein, doesn't shy away from awkwardness but then this element is also its major charm.(Seo Dae-won)