Autumn Garden (2020) User Reviews

Dissapointed

[MetroVavin · 5/10 · 21 February 2022]

First, I was disappointed because the there is some confusion about the cast. The movie with this DVD cover and plot does not have the listed cast.

It stars. Choi Woo Ji, Ye Ji Won, Kang Eun Woo, and Lee Ju Seok. I did not see Hwang Jeong-eum in the film at all, and that was the reason I watched it.

The film was intriguing enough and beautifully shot enough to keep my attention. It features traditional fine art painting and ceramics and beautiful music. But I found the ending unsatisfying and the plot pointless to someone with my lack of refinement. I won't say more because I don't want to put in spoilers so people can read it because my main point is:

No Hwang Jeong-eum. None. Nada. She's not in the film.

An aesthetic exception

[rbtayade · 9/10 · 3 January 2021]

I had to watch this movie for one more time to make sense of the fragmented events that unfolded on the screen traversing past and future.

The story is about two brothers and charming women whom they both love passionately. Although supposed to marry the elder brother, she disappears with the younger brother after an eventful night leaving no clue behind. As the senior leads a solitary life of sorrow and betrayal for 17 years, he gets a call from the lost woman. At long last, he gets an opportunity to know the unknown.

The capstone of the movie is its narration! It builds-up back and forth in time retaining the sense of disorientation and doubt. This poses more questions than answers. Also, the elements of ambiguity and the mystery to the narrative keep the emotional agony lasting from beginning to the end.

This concept of time gives an altogether different dimension to the movie. Shows how moments and actions at a point can change people's destiny. It not only adds to the depth but also keeps curiosity alive throughout the film.

Aesthetically, the film is outstanding. The cinematography is mind-blowing. The set design, the property, the editing and background score is stunning inducing sensuality, mystery and perplexity. Acting by lead actors is subdued and dignified ... befitting to the theme.

And kudos to the director, Kim In Sik for presenting this concoction of disorientation, mystery and sensuality in a mesmerizing way!

The film is bound to remain in the mind of the discerning viewer for its impact and artistry for a long long time. May pl. watch its trailer here ...

My rating 9 out of 10

Ram Tayade (Deshmukh)