Crossing the Styx

Today, two films by South Korean Director Kim Jeong-kwon, with Ba-Bo and Heartbreak Library.

Ba-Bo
Directed by Kim Jeong-kwon, starring Cha Tae-hyun, and Ha Ji-won.

Once a respected pianist, Ji-ho (Ha) looses her self-confidence and returns to her hometown. Upon her return, she regains her friendship with childhood friend Seung-ryong (Cha), who is mentally challenged, and charged with taking care of his unkind teenage sister after their mother's death. Soon, Ji-ho and Seung-ryong unwittingly help each other find what is missing from their lives.

Based on a popular webcomic, Ba-Bo is a touching film that tugs at the old heart strings, while still managing a bit of humor to balance things out. Cha's performance feels genuine and respectful, while Ha's feels charming and honest. With honest performances and Kim's solid direction, Ba-Bo is an enteraining and thoughtful little film.

Heartbreak Library
Directed by Kim Jeong-kwon, starring Eugene, and Lee Dong-wook.

Fiesty and adorable Librarian Eun Soo (Eugene) flies off the handle when she happens upon a man tearing pages out of a generous amount of books that are OOP (out-of-print). Once the dust settles, Eun Soo finds that the man, Jun Oh (Lee), has been tearing out the same numbered page from all of the books. When Eun Soo sees him again, he tells her the reason behind his vandalism, he was searching for the truth behind his ex-girlfriend's feelings, which she had told him he could find in a book on page 198.

Touched by his story, Eun Soo takes charge of his search, and the two soon develop a friendship. Before long, Eun Soo and Jun Oh's friendship becomes something stronger, and they must dig deep within themselves to discover who they are, and find what they're really hoping to find.

Kim Jeong-kwon's second film of 2008, Heartbreak Library, spins a familiar yarn about beautiful young people lost within the world and themselves. However, the conventions don't weight down the proceedings, as Kim's assured direction highlights the actor's talents, bringing forth a fine film. Heartbreak Library isn't great cinema, but it should be given credit for managing to be an engaging film that slipped under the radar. I'm not a fan of surprises, but Kim's Heartbreak Library is a nice one.

Check back tomorrow for the fifth consecutive day of posts, with the film Forever the Moment, and, *gasp* a surprise.