Movie review
'Bungee' gives tough topic compassionate treatment
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor
"Bungee Jumping of Their Own" is a fascinating drama with equal measures of unexpected romance and comedy. It cleverly deals with what might have been an uncomfortably deviant theme — homosexual obsession — and brings out elements of compassion and understanding in the process.
The Korean entry, directed by Kim Dae-seung, has been a major box office hit in its Seoul premiere earlier this year. It's part of the Hawai'i International Film Festival.
Surely, it's geared to a younger clientele who can appreciate a love story, with surprising twists, dwelling on two young people of college age who meet during a downpour. In Woo (played by Lee Byung-hun) pledges eternal commitment to his newfound love, portrayed by Lee Eun-ju, but she vanishes and he fervently tries to find her. To no avail.
| 'Bungee Jumping of Their Own' | |
| • | A film by Kim Dae-seung |
| • | 3 p.m. today at Windward Stadium Theatres and 12:30 p.m. tomorrow at Dole Cannery 8 |
| • | $7 ($6 HIFF 'Ohana) |
| • | 528-HIFF (4433) |
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But he still has yearnings for his lost love, and here's where the movie starts to twist and turn.
In Woo "sees" the missing love of his life in one of his male pupils, Hyung-bin, played by Yeo Hyun-soo. The youth is a talented student who becomes the object of the teacher's affection. Both lives are in jeopardy, clouded by gossip and scandal, leading to resolutions that are unsettling.
Not surprisingly, school officials dismiss the straying teacher. The film repeatedly depicts alienation and discrimination.
Therein lies part of the appeal of this eye-opener: Even those judge have dubious ethics.
