Kim-Ki Duk's Moebius

[Ian Jane Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close Ian Jane]

Looks like he's gotten himself into some trouble in Korea again...

http://www.filmbiz.asia/news/ever-co...feel-more-pain

"Moebius, the new film by controversial South Korean auteur Kim Ki-duk, has been effectively banned in its home market, while it has simultaneously racked up a string of overseas sales.

The film, currently still in post-production, has been given a "restricted" release rating by the Korea Media Rating Board.

The decision means that the film can only be shown in specialist cinemas - of which there are currently none in Korea - and that there are strict limits on marketing and advertising.

Its story involves a man who atones for his sexual misdeeds by cutting off his own genitals, but plunges his family into further pain and destruction.

The film's sales company Finecut describes Moebius as "the most controversial work of Kim Ki-duk yet, that circles a destructive family while questioning one's basic sexual desires."

In its ruling the KMRB said that was too much. "The story and contents of the movie are highly violent, terrifying and harmful to underage audiences. The unethical and unsocial expressions of sexual activity between immediate family members make it only suitable for screening in limited theatres".

A KMRB spokesman told Film Business Asia that it examines films for seven key areas of concern. Moebius was red flagged in two areas: first "its high levels of sex and nudity"; and second "scenes of incest," which are considered behaviour which should not be imitated."

A bunch more info at that link up top.

[47lab Guest Find all posts View Profile Close 47lab]

It's hilarious how the KMRB states that KKD is free to show this movie without restrictions at certain "limited" movie theaters but this means the movie is essentially going to be 'banned' due to the lack of such theaters in the first place. It looks like a fait accompli that KKD will bypass the domestic market entirely and just show his movie unedited on the festival circuit. Besides, his movies always do better internationally than in his home country anyway. But then again, with his new found recognition in his homeland, perhaps he will capitulate to the demands of the KMRB in the end. He yielded once before after declaring he would never again release his movies in Korea but after being marginalized for so long and finally receiving recognition he so richly deserves after winning one of the big 3 international awards -- I can't really begrudge him for it. I'm just glad to see KKD still making strong movies and not feeling pressured to make his films more accessible with his new found celebrity. This upcoming film seems to take some of the transgressive themes present in PIETA to even greater excess which I'm all for of course!

[sukebanboy Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close sukebanboy]

It can still play the festivals in Korea (PUSAN, PIFF).....so this 'banning' is not really applicable because those who like his movie sin Korea will attend festival screenings......

Nice to see him not conforming (which I though he might do...or at least 'soften' after his recent success)....

. Moebius was red flagged in two areas: first "its high levels of sex and nudity"; and second "scenes of incest," which are considered behaviour which should not be imitated."

This doesn't seem TOO strong a movie......the INCEST part is ok because it is a MOVIE ...and the actors are not really related...and the nudity it is usually found in his movies anyway....

Like 47lab says....his success and fame is mostly overseas.....so this bit of publicity will not negatively affect him....

also...

The film-maker can also appeal against the decision, in which case the KRMB will re-examine its findings.

maybe release slightly cut version later???

Nice to see him back working with Cho Jae-hyun (from BAD GUY)....

[Ian Jane Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close Ian Jane]

[47lab Guest Find all posts View Profile Close 47lab]

I see that Kim Ki Duk regular, Cho Jae Hyun is back for this one...he was excellent in his previous films like The Isle, Bad Guy & Crocodile. Anyone know if the US rights to this movie have been secured? one of my favorite quotes from KKD “... I apologize for making the public watch my films under the pretext of the difficult situation of independent cinema, and I apologize for exaggerating hideous and dark aspects of Korean society and insulting excellent Korean filmmakers with my works that ape arthouse cinema but are, in fact, but self-tortured pieces of masturbations, or maybe they're just garbage. Now I realize I am seriously mentally-challenged and inadequate for life in Korea.”

[Ian Jane Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close Ian Jane]

Twitch says that the Korean film board may be re-evaluating their stance on the movie.

"In a letter sent to the KMRB, Kim stated that the mother-son incest element of the film (which he believes is the cause of the agency's restrictive ruling) is a necessary element to his story. He further explained that when taken in context of the overall narrative, this deviant relationship takes on a different meaning. Kim wrote that the inclusion of the scenes was 'an inevitable choice' for him. If the film fails to secure a more lenient rating, Kim said he will reimburse cast and crew out of his own pocket.

According to producer Kim Soon-mo, the KMRB has agreed to give the film a second chance after reviewing director Kim's letter. It is unclear whether the submitted cut has gone through any changes following the initial ruling."

[Ian Jane Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close Ian Jane]

So it looks like, for domestic release at least, he's going to be making 21 cuts to the movie.

"I have no choice but to seek domestic distribution for the film," Kim added, "even if it means [cutting scenes], because I am afraid the cast and crew would lose their share of the film."

More here.

[sukebanboy Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close sukebanboy]

Still not been passed ok yet by the censors as far as i know...he is just submitting it with 21 cuts...no guarantee it will get through....

At this stage Kim Ki Duk should just give up on Korean releases...his movies are far better received overseas....They had him on Korean talk shows and all sorts last year after PIETA won the award....he was the greta korean director to everyone...now he is back to being in the doghouse...(Which I guesss is proabably where he would rather be!!!)

[Ian Jane Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close Ian Jane]

Twitch says it's been cleared for release following the required cuts.

[47lab Guest Find all posts View Profile Close 47lab]

Shit man, you'd think the KMRB would cut him some slack for bringing home the Golden Lion and gaining Korea worldwide recognition as current home to some of the world's most well respected and talented directors. 3 minutes of total cuts seems excessive & what is especially bad news is that KKD is already on record as saying those three minutes that were edited out are crucial to delivering the central message of the film.

[Ian Jane Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close Ian Jane]

TIFF trailer.

[sukebanboy Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close sukebanboy]

Wasnt impreessed with his last one (Pieta).....Hope this is a step back in the right direction for him...

[47lab Guest Find all posts View Profile Close 47lab]

I initially felt the same way & regarded PIETA with a sense of disappointment compared to KKD's previous works but it took several viewings for me to really appreciate & grasp the monumental achievement of this film. I now regard PIETA as one of KKD's finer works. I had the same initial response and eventual turn around with THE BOW as well.

I'm definitely going to make an effort to see MOEBIUS once it is released here theatrically. I have my fingers crossed that perhaps CGV Cinemas will show it here in Koreatown but I doubt it since it is deemed too controversial & they didn't even show PIETA. :down: Shame because CGV is an awesome venue to watch films plus they serve Fosselman's ice cream!

[Ian Jane Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close Ian Jane]

I liked Pieta. Or at least appreciated it. Seconded on The Bow. It wasn't until I watched it a second time that it clicked for me.

I figure as this is playing TIFF maybe it'll get snagged by a domestic distribution company sooner rather than later. I'd imagine theatrical screenings in general will be pretty scarce for this one.

[Ian Jane Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close Ian Jane]

Twitch has a second teaser online here.