Im Kwon-taek (born December 8, 1934) is one of South Korea's most renowned film directors. In an active and prolific career, his films have won many domestic and international film festival awards as well as considerable box-office success, and helped bring international attention to the Korean film industry. As of spring 2015, he has directed 102 films.
Early life
Im Kwon-taek was born in
Jangseong
Jangseong County (''Jangseong-gun'') is a county in South Jeolla Province, South Korea.
Jangseong is in the southern region of the Korean peninsula and Gwangju and Naju is the nearest city from Jangseong. In South Jeolla, it near the northern bor ...
,
Jeollanam-do
South Jeolla Province (; ''Jeollanam-do''; ), also known as Jeonnam, is a province of South Korea. South Jeolla has a population of 1,902,324 (2014) and has a geographic area of located in the Honam region at the southwestern tip of the Korean ...
and grew up in
Gwangju. After the
Korean War
, date = {{Ubl, 25 June 1950 – 27 July 1953 (''de facto'')({{Age in years, months, weeks and days, month1=6, day1=25, year1=1950, month2=7, day2=27, year2=1953), 25 June 1950 – present (''de jure'')({{Age in years, months, weeks a ...
, he moved to
Busan
Busan (), officially known as is South Korea's most populous city after Seoul, with a population of over 3.4 million inhabitants. Formerly romanized as Pusan, it is the economic, cultural and educational center of southeastern South Korea, ...
in search of work. He then moved to
Seoul
Seoul (; ; ), officially known as the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea.Before 1972, Seoul was the ''de jure'' capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) as stated iArticle 103 of ...
in 1956, where
Jeong Chang-hwa
Chang-Wha Chung (born November 1, 1928) is a South Korean film director, producer and screenwriter. Chung made his directorial debut with ''The Final Temptation'' (1953) and gained attention only when he released ''A Sunny Field'' in 1960. Dur ...
, director of ''
Five Fingers of Death
''King Boxer'' (, lit. "Number One Fist in the World"), also known as ''Five Fingers of Death'', is a 1972 Hong Kong martial arts film directed by Jeong Chang-hwa () and starring Lo Lieh. It was produced by Shaw Brothers (HK) Ltd. (Chinese: 邵 ...
'' (1972), offered him room and board for work as a production assistant. Jeong recommended him for directing in
1961
Events January
* January 3
** United States President Dwight D. Eisenhower announces that the United States has severed diplomatic and consular relations with Cuba (Cuba–United States relations are restored in 2015).
** Aero Flight 311 (K ...
.
Career
Im's directorial premiere was with the
1962
Events January
* January 1 – Western Samoa becomes independent from New Zealand.
* January 3 – Pope John XXIII excommunicates Fidel Castro for preaching communism.
* January 8 – Harmelen train disaster: 93 die in the wor ...
film, ''
Farewell to the Duman River'' (''Dumanganga jal itgeola'').
Before 1980 he was known primarily as a commercial filmmaker who could efficiently direct as many as eight genre pictures a year, helping to fulfill the quota for domestic pictures set by the governmen
His desire to make more artistically satisfying films began to show itself with his
1978 in film, 1978 film ''Jokbo'' (''Genealogy'' or ''The Family Tree''), but the turning point of his career came with the
1981
Events January
* January 1
** Greece enters the European Economic Community, predecessor of the European Union.
** Palau becomes a self-governing territory.
* January 10 – Salvadoran Civil War: The FMLN launches its first major offensiv ...
film ''
Mandala
A mandala ( sa, मण्डल, maṇḍala, circle, ) is a geometric configuration of symbols. In various spiritual traditions, mandalas may be employed for focusing attention of practitioners and adepts, as a spiritual guidance tool, for e ...
''. From this point his films have been regarded as
art-house cinema
An art film (or arthouse film) is typically an independent film, aimed at a niche market rather than a mass market audience. It is "intended to be a serious, artistic work, often experimental and not designed for mass appeal", "made primarily f ...
, and have been regularly shown at international film festivals, and have won numerous awards.
Im has continued to explore themes from Korea's past while also focusing on the Korean cultural identity in modern times. Among Im's most notable recent films are ''
Sopyonje
''Seopyeonje'' ( Hanja: 西便制) is a 1993 South Korean musical drama film directed by Im Kwon-taek, based on the novel of the same name by Yi Chong-jun. It tells the story of a family of traditional Korean pansori singers trying to make a living ...
'' (1993) and ''
Chunhyang'' (2000), both of which concentrate on the traditional Korean musical art of
pansori
' () is a Korean genre of musical storytelling performed by a singer and a drummer.
The term ''pansori'' is derived from the Korean words ''pan'' (Hangul: 판) and ''sori'' (Hangul: 소리), the latter of which means "sound." However, ''pan ...
. The latter film was also based on a traditional Korean legend. Apart from being a critical success, ''Sopyonje'' was also a success at the box office, becoming the first domestic film to draw over a million viewers in
Seoul
Seoul (; ; ), officially known as the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea.Before 1972, Seoul was the ''de jure'' capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) as stated iArticle 103 of ...
alone. ''
Chihwaseon'' (2002) was also a critical success, earning him Korea's first Best Director award at the
Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes Festival (; french: link=no, Festival de Cannes), until 2003 called the International Film Festival (') and known in English as the Cannes Film Festival, is an annual film festival held in Cannes, France, which previews new films o ...
.
Im Kwon-taek was awarded an
Honorary Golden Bear
The Honorary Golden Bear (german: Goldener Ehrenbar) is the Berlin International Film Festival
The Berlin International Film Festival (german: Internationale Filmfestspiele Berlin), usually called the Berlinale (), is a major international fil ...
award at the
Berlin Film Festival in 2005.
Im Kwon-taek's status, brought on by the critical success of his films, overlapped with a period of the film movement called "New Korean Cinema" or "Korean New Wave". Along with other directors, such as
Park Gwang-su
Park Kwang-su (born January 22, 1955) is a South Korean filmmaker. He was born in Sokcho, Gangwon Province and grew up in Busan. Park joined the Yallasung Film Group as a student of Fine Arts at Seoul National University. Upon graduation, he fo ...
and
Jang Sun-woo
Jang Sun-woo (born 20 March 1952) is a South Korean film director.
Life
Jang attended Seoul National University and received a bachelor's degree in anthropology.
Before his directorial debut, Jang made a name for himself by writing film crit ...
, Im is recognized as one of the founding figures of the movement, which gained international critical recognition and acclaim for Korean Cinema.
In April 2007, Im released his 100th film ''
Beyond the Years
''Beyond the Years'' () is a 2007 South Korean drama film. Celebrating director Im Kwon-taek's 100th film, it is based on the short fiction "The Wanderer of Seonhak-dong" by Lee Cheong-jun, and was presented at the 2007 Toronto International Fil ...
'', an informal sequel to ''Sopyonje''. In November 2007 the French government announced that it would make Im a knight of the
French Legion of Honor
The National Order of the Legion of Honour (french: Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur), formerly the Royal Order of the Legion of Honour ('), is the highest French order of merit, both military and civil. Established in 1802 by Napoleon ...
.
In 2013, a museum dedicated to Im opened in Busan, on the
Dongseo University Centum City Campus.
A documentary on Im, ''
Cloud, Encore
''Cloud, Encore'' () is a 2018 South Korean documentary film directed by Jung Sung-il. Shot in 2012 while Korean filmmaker Im Kwon-taek began filming his 102nd feature ''Revivre'' (2014), it reveals the secrets of the movie master from beginning to ...
'' (2018) by well-known film critic-turned-director
Jung Sung-il
Jung Sung-il (October 21, 1969) is a South Korean retired competitive figure skater. He is the 1991 Winter Universiade silver medalist. He placed as high as sixth at the World Junior Championships (1988) and 14th at the World Championships ...
, will made its world premiere at the
23rd Busan International Film Festival
The 23rd Busan International Film Festival was held from 3 October to 13 October 2018 at the Busan Cinema Center. A total of 324 films from 79 countries were screened at the festival, including 115 world premieres and 25 international premieres. ...
in 2018.
Personal life
He married the actress Chae Ryeong (
ko), who appeared in several of his films. Their two sons Im Dong-joon and Im Dong-jae (the latter uses the
stage name Kwon Hyun-sang
Im Dong-jae (born July 2, 1981), better known professionally as Kwon Hyun-sang, is a South Korean actor.
Career
Kwon Hyun-Sang made his acting debut in the 2008 horror movie ''Death Bell'', which was followed by supporting roles in several film ...
) are also active in the film industry.
Filmography
Accolades
*
Asian Film Awards
Asian may refer to:
* Items from or related to the continent of Asia:
** Asian people, people in or descending from Asia
** Asian culture, the culture of the people from Asia
** Asian cuisine, food based on the style of food of the people from Asi ...
:
**Lifetime Achievement Award
*
Asia Pacific Film Festival
The Asia-Pacific Film Festival (abbreviated APFF) is an annual film festival hosted by the Federation of Motion Picture Producers in Asia-Pacific. The festival was first held in Tokyo, Japan, in 1954.
History
The festival was first held in Tok ...
**Special Jury Award ''Chunhyang'' (2000)
**Best Director and Best Film ''Sibaji'' (1987)
*
Berlin International Film Festival
The Berlin International Film Festival (german: Internationale Filmfestspiele Berlin), usually called the Berlinale (), is a major international film festival held annually in Berlin, Germany. Founded in 1951 and originally run in June, the fest ...
**
Golden Bear
The Golden Bear (german: Goldener Bär) is the highest prize awarded for the best film at the Berlin International Film Festival. The bear is the heraldic animal of Berlin, featured on both the coat of arms and flag of Berlin.
History
The win ...
: ''
Gilsoddeum
''Gilsoddeum'' is a 1986 South Korean drama film directed by Im Kwon-taek. It was entered into the 36th Berlin International Film Festival.
Plot
In 1983 KBS launched a campaign to reunite families torn apart in the Korean War three decades ear ...
'' (nominated) (
1986
The year 1986 was designated as the International Year of Peace by the United Nations.
Events January
* January 1
**Aruba gains increased autonomy from the Netherlands by separating from the Netherlands Antilles.
**Spain and Portugal enter ...
)
**Golden Bear: ''
The Taebaek Mountains
''The Taebaek Mountains'' () is a 1994 South Korean film directed by Im Kwon-taek.
Plot
The film originates from the great river story ''Taebaegsanmaek'' consisting of 10 volumes written by Cho Jeong-rae. The story describes generational conflict ...
'' (nominated) (
1995
File:1995 Events Collage V2.png, From left, clockwise: O.J. Simpson is acquitted of the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman from the year prior in "The Trial of the Century" in the United States; The Great Hanshin earthquake str ...
)
**
Honorary Golden Bear
The Honorary Golden Bear (german: Goldener Ehrenbar) is the Berlin International Film Festival
The Berlin International Film Festival (german: Internationale Filmfestspiele Berlin), usually called the Berlinale (), is a major international fil ...
(2005)
*
Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes Festival (; french: link=no, Festival de Cannes), until 2003 called the International Film Festival (') and known in English as the Cannes Film Festival, is an annual film festival held in Cannes, France, which previews new films o ...
**
Best Director Best Director is the name of an award which is presented by various film, television and theatre organizations, festivals, and people's awards. It may refer to:
Film awards
* AACTA Award for Best Direction
* Academy Award for Best Director
* BA ...
''Chihwaseon'' (2002)
*
Grand Bell Awards (Korea), Best Director
**''Testimony'' (''Jungon'') (1974)
**''Jokbo'' (Genealogy/Family Tree) (1979)
**''Mandala'' (1981)
**''Ticket'' (1986)
**''Yeonsan ilgi'' (''Diary of King Yonsan'') (1988)
*Hankuk Play and Film Arts Awards (Korea), Best Director
**''Wangshibri'' (''A Byegone Romance'') (1976)
**''Nakdongkaneun heureuneunga'' (''Commando on the Nakdong River'') (1976)
**''Angae maeul'' (''Village in the Mist'') (1983)
*
Hawaii International Film Festival
The Hawai'i International Film Festival (HIFF) is an annual film festival held in the United States state of Hawaii.
HIFF has a focus on Asian-Pacific cinema, education, and the work of new and emerging filmmakers. HIFF’s primary festival is ...
**Best Feature Film ''Chunhyang'' (2000)
*
International Film Festival of India
**Lifetime Achievement Award
*
Korean Film Critics Awards, Best Director
**''Gilsoddeum'' (''Gilsodom'') (1986)
**''Ticket'' (1986)
*
16th Moscow International Film Festival
The 16th Moscow International Film Festival was held from 7 to 18 July 1989. The Golden St. George was awarded to the Italian film '' The Icicle Thief'' directed by Maurizio Nichetti.
Jury
* Andrzej Wajda (Poland – President of the Jury)
* Ge ...
**Golden St. George: ''
Come Come Come Upward'' (1989) (nominated)
*
Busan International Film Festival
The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF, previously Pusan International Film Festival, PIFF), held annually in Haeundae-gu, Busan (''also'' Pusan), South Korea, is one of the most significant film festivals in Asia. The first festiv ...
**Netpac Award ''Chunhyang'' (2000)
**The Asian Filmmaker of the Year (2021)
*
San Francisco International Film Festival
The San Francisco International Film Festival (abbreviated as SFIFF), organized by the San Francisco Film Society, is held each spring for two weeks, presenting around 200 films from over 50 countries. The festival highlights current trends in i ...
**Akira Kurosawa Award (1998)
*
Shanghai International Film Festival
The Shanghai International Film Festival (, French: ''Festival international du film de Shanghai''), abbreviated SIFF, is one of the largest film festivals in East Asia.
"China's biggest film festival" according to the Hollywood Reporter. Nex ...
**
Golden Goblet - Best Director ''Seopyeonje'' (1993)
*
Singapore International Film Festival
The Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) ( Chinese: 新加坡国际电影节) is the longest-running film festival in Singapore. Founded in 1987, the festival has a focus on showcasing international films and providing a global platform fo ...
**2001 Silver Screen Award - Best Asian Director ''Chunhyang'' (2000)
**2014 Silver Screen Award - Honorary Award
Notes
See also
*
Cinema of Korea
The term "Cinema of Korea" (or "Korean cinema") encompasses the motion picture industries of North and South Korea. As with all aspects of Korean life during the past century, the film industry has often been at the mercy of political events, ...
*
Legion of Honour
The National Order of the Legion of Honour (french: Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur), formerly the Royal Order of the Legion of Honour ('), is the highest French order of merit, both military and civil. Established in 1802 by Napoleon ...
*
List of Legion of Honour recipients by name (I)
*
Legion of Honour Museum
External links and references
*
Page about the Korean New Wave at asianinfo.org*
*
a
asianfilms.org*
*, p. 342-343.
Naver Cast - Im Kwon-taekDoosan Encyclopedia - Im Kwon-taek
{{DEFAULTSORT:Im, Kwon-taek
1936 births
Chevaliers of the Légion d'honneur
Living people
South Korean film directors
People from Jangseong County
Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Director winners
Fellini Gold Medalists
Honorary Golden Bear recipients
Recipients of the Ho-Am Prize in the Arts
Best Director Paeksang Arts Award (film) winners