Keurosing (2008) Reviews

• Life is unforgiving

  andrejvasiljevic2011-02-07

  I'm not a person who usually sheds tears for a movie, or weeps in general for that matter, but man I cried a river after seeing "Crossing". It really makes you wonder how can life be so tough. Unfortunately, it can and though this is an extreme example, way too many people have to go through such injustice and sorrow. Story - the toughest you can find. Acting - brilliant. Directing - excellent. But the thing that hits you right in the forehead is the reality. It made me project myself into the poor soul of a simple man, whose life is not much more than a non stop struggle for survival, and then such a simple, tiny joy like a summer shower makes you happy and brings a smile to your face. Even in the toughest times life is about little things and it does make you appreciate all that you have. The mark is 10, and even that's way too low for what this brilliant title made me feel. Good job.

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• Heavy movie

  shi6122010-09-24

  This is a "heavy" movie. The plights of the North Korean society and homes depicted here is something you can not believe your eyes, but from many documents such as the reports from those who have escaped from there, we can imagine the movie scenes are close to reality. This is the country of complete oppression. In 1960's we saw North Korea as a poor but hopeful country. In fact, many Koreans living in Japan returned to North Korea to join the building of "paradise on earth". But since then, the country kept going downward. Nowadays they are isolated at the dead end. The reason why such country still survives is that by giving people at the power side extreme privilege, so that they want to keep the regime made of fictions. In such a country there is a family of the father, once a hero of soccer team, and his loving wife, and their son who likes soccer too. The atmosphere of the family which is poor but tied with love emphasizes how loveless the country is. In fact, looking at the officials of the camp or boarder security, I could not help wondering if it is possible for the same human being become arrogant and cruel like this. I feel some sense of impotence, because I can do nothing to the situation close to my country. This movie focuses on the fate of a family. This is beyond a propaganda movie to accuse North Korea, nor to glamorize the rescue group. This portrays the dignity of human being.

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• Sad plight of many North Koreans.

  john-37982009-01-22

  I saw this in Korea over the summer (2008) at a special preview screening with English subtitles. It is a very powerful story that aims to depict the plight of ordinary North Koreans in the face of sickness, hunger, poverty, oppression and, inevitably, fear. The production is excellent, and the storyline is very believable - well, it is based on real events! In fact, you'll find many of the topics covered in documentaries made on N. Korea over the last 10 years - particularly those that include secretly shot footage smuggled out of the country. While there are elements of sentimentalism, it isn't overdone as it is in many Korean movies. However, there were a couple of minor annoyances: 1. The bible cropped up early enough in the film, and I thought: "Oh no, the director is going to spin some pro-Christian message later on", but while this thread is returned to later in the movie, it is pretty much left hanging. 2. The makers of this film couldn't resist making the main character a a former footballer (soccer player) of some repute. This was totally unnecessary and distracted somewhat from the credibility of the content. This needed to be a movie with ordinary characters in what is simply an extraordinary, but common, predicament. Nevertheless, despite these small annoyances, the film gets across its main tenet, and should leave no viewer unmoved.

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• not perfect, but important

  thekimchicure2009-04-24

  Initially, I agreed with one of the previous comments about the "ex-football star" background of the protagonist. The tidbit seemed cheap, unreal, and less authentic. The more I thought about it though, I suspect that the choice was made for two reasons: 1) to make the protagonist appeal to the rest of world, especially South Koreans, by creating this common interest (football/"soccer"). I think the world has a hard time relating to North Koreans. Americans and some South Koreans have this phobia of communist countries. Furthermore, North Koreans have been in a hermit state for a very long time. Very little is known or seen of the North Korean citizens themselves. The football thing was a simple way of making people realize that North Koreans are human beings, and in some ways they're just like us. 2) to show that the protagonist was not against the North Korean government. Well, at least not outwardly. I think this film did a good job of staying away from direct commentary on the N.K. government. Yes, the film paints the government in a bad light at times. That really can't be helped, as many of the scenes are based on true accounts. However, not once does the protagonist start ranting about how his government failed him. While there is heavy censorship in North Korea to speak against the government, the film could have had the protagonist 'think' these thoughts or discuss them safely with his family-- but it didn't. The main problem that the protagonist faces-- and that many North Koreans face-- is not that he resents his government (although, we like to think North Koreans do). His problem is that his family is starved, sick, and unable to find help in a country that lacks resources. For those two points, I have to applaud the film. I think it made a sincere effort to do what's best for the cause-- North Korean Human Rights-- and not just focus on what's best for the art. If anyone is interested in learning about how they can help, you can search the web for The Chosun Journal, U.S. Committee for Human Rights in North Korea, Liberty in North Korea, or Amnesty International's page on North Korea. Like any cause, donations are very important. But unlike most causes, I think the biggest challenge for N.K. Human Rights is that most of the world (and concerning, most South Koreans) ignores it. I hope this film succeeds in bringing more awareness to the plight of the suffering.

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• Superb sadness

  roxieandjjroco2009-01-14

  Just saw this film at the PSIFF and was on the verge of sobbing. While I didn't forget how fortunate we have it in the U.S. compared to much of the world, this not-so-gentle reminder of just how bad things are in other parts wrenched my heart. Beautiful cinematography in such an otherwise ugly backdrop and overall "setting." Outstanding acting performances support a movie of consistent pace and passionate portrayals. As I'm trying not to provide spoilers, let me just say you might consider bringing a handkerchief and you will likely go home to hug your young kids (if you have any) once the movie is over. Should this win the best foreign picture Academy Award, it would be no surprise. Solid film making techniques with subject matter that will stir even the most stoic souls.

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