Cult 101: Joint Security Area (2000)
Director: Park Chan-wook Run Time: 110 min. Rating: NR Release Year: 2000
Starring: Kim Tae-woo, Lee Byung-hun, Lee Young-ae, Shin Ha-kyun, Song Kang-ho
Country: South Korea
Language: Korean, English, German
About the film:
Before Oldboy (2004) and The Handmaiden (2016), legendary filmmaker Park Chan-wook unleashed Joint Security Area (2000)—a gripping tale of deceit, misunderstanding, and the senselessness of war.
When gunfire breaks out in the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea, two North Korean soldiers are killed. However, a wounded South Korean soldier flees to safety. With the tenuous peace between the two warring nations at risk, a neutral team of investigators—led by Swiss Army Major Sophie Jean—is dispatched to determine what really happened.
The recipient of multiple accolades (including Best Film at South Korea’s 2001 Grand Bell Awards) Joint Security Area (2000) showcases Park’s iconic style in an embryonic form while delivering a stylish, ultra-tense experience as only he can.
“Meticulously plotted and expertly acted, JSA – Joint Security Area is a masterclass in mystery storytelling.”
-Rob Aldam, Backseat Mafia
About the filmmaker:
Park Chan-wook is a celebrated South Korean film director, screenwriter, producer, and former film critic whose diverse body of work has earned him international recognition and respect, beginning with the Korean box office record-breaking Joint Security Area (2000). At the Cannes Film Festival, he was awarded the Grand Prix for Old Boy (2004), the Jury Prize for Thirst (2009), and Best Director for Decision to Leave (2022), which was shortlisted for Best International Feature Film at the 95th Academy Awards. He is also known for The Handmaiden (2016), Decision to Leave (2022), the English-language film Stoker (2013) and The Vengeance Trilogy, consisting of Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance (2002), Oldboy (2003) and Lady Vengeance (2005). He also directed the television miniseries The Little Drummer Girl (2018) for the BBC.
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