In the realm of Korean cinema, filmmaker Hong Sang-soo presents a film that initially seems to hold many secrets within its IMDb logline. “A French woman drinks -makgeolli in Korea after losing her means of income, then teaches French to two Korean women,” it simply states. And indeed, this is the core narrative that unfolds.

"A Journey of Desperation and Discovery in Korean Cinema"

Isabelle Huppert: The Magnetic Force

Isabelle Huppert, as Iris, brings a unique charm to the screen. Despite the film's lack of a traditional enjoyable narrative, she manages to draw the viewers in. Her character, a French woman adrift in South Korea with unknown reasons, takes on the task of teaching French to private clients. She employs a rather unconventional method where she asks her clients to examine their feelings in the moment and then translates them into French. This approach shows her resourcefulness and determination. For instance, when she interacts with her clients, one can see the effort she puts into making them connect with the language on an emotional level. It's as if she's trying to offer them a lifeline in a foreign land. However, not all clients respond positively to her methods. There are moments when the dialogue seems to lag, as if it were an afterthought. This adds to the overall sense of awkwardness that permeates the film.

The Plodding Pace and Moments of Boredom

Sang-Soo's newest film is a rather sparse affair. Instead of building a sense of meaning through silence or subtextual urgency, it often plods along at a snail's pace. There are moments that feel either improvisational or non-impactful. In some dialog cases, it even borders on the quality of a porn movie in its delivery. Take, for example, the scene where a client practices guitar for several real-world minutes. It seems to go on forever without adding much value to the story. The same can be said about the mother of Iris' seemingly naïve roommate, who spends a good chunk of the film discussing bills and whether Iris can be trusted. This setup becomes tiresome quickly, not in a way that makes the film good in the end, but in a way that leaves the viewer feeling bored. It's as if the film is dragging its feet and not engaging the audience.

Korean Life: Glimpses and Realism

Amidst the awkwardness and boredom, there are glimpses of Korean life that add some texture to the film. The presence of -makgeolli, the popular rice wine in Korea, is a small but significant detail. However, we never really learn if it holds any specific meaning or symbolizes anything. It's just there, adding a touch of authenticity to the Korean setting. These glimpses give the viewer a sense of what life might be like for a French woman in Korea. It shows the everyday aspects and the cultural differences that Iris has to navigate. It's these small details that make the film feel more than just a story about a French woman teaching French; it becomes a window into a different world.