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TRENDING
Feb. 19, 2024
By The Stream’ acquired for UK-Ireland
The film centres around a scandalous incident involving a lecturer and her uncle.
Hong Sangsoo's "By The Stream" is a
contemplative exploration of art, love, and the passage of time, set against
the backdrop of a serene autumnal landscape. The film opens with a gentle
meeting between two characters, Sieon (Kwon Haehyo), a former actor turned
bookstore owner, and his niece Jeonim (Kim Minhee), an art teacher at a women's
university in Seoul. Their interactions, filled with tentative pleasantries,
reveal the subtle changes and forgotten memories that have shaped their lives.
The narrative is characteristically muted and oblique,
a hallmark of Hong's style, but it is also infused with a breezy romantic
streak that will delight his loyal fans. The film's visual palette, dominated
by russet tones, enhances its autumnal chill, creating a subtle comedy of
actors, academics, and dreams. The performances by Kwon and Kim are airy and
nimble, capturing the characters' search for themselves with a delicate touch.
"By The Stream" is a bittersweet tale
of community and belonging, exploring the reassuring bonds that can also become
traps. The film's minimalist approach and profound sincerity make it a standout
in Hong's prolific oeuvre, offering moments of grace that are almost transcendent.
While it may not convert new fans, it is a rewarding experience for those
familiar with Hong's work.
