San Diego Asian Film Festival 2009

In South Korean director Yang Ik-joon’s first feature film he also plays the role of Sang-hoon, who has a lowly job that requires a tough fist and an emotionless heart. Breaking into the homes and private lives of troubled families, he suffers from lingering memories of his own dysfunctional family and an abusive father whose existence he cannot bear. After living an empty life of fistfights and profanity, Sang-hoon becomes hopeful when he becomes closer with his seven year-old nephew and a high school girl who seems to know more about life than a teenager should. Regaining hope that things life will improve, he is determined to mend the wounded things in his life. But things may not be as easy as they seem for a petty criminal like Sang-hoon.

This film’s original title in Korean literally translates into “Poo Fly”, a common reference to a worthless, pestering scumbag. The English title, BREATHLESS, describes the way Sang-hoon breathlessly tries to run away from hardships in life. This independent production is rightly praised for having overcome its low budget, and the fact that the majority of the cast is first-time acting for the big-screen. Mostly set in the gritty alleyways of the city, the audience is sure to feel annoyed by the “petty fly“—yet eventually feel sympathy for the hopeless creature. This is a breakthrough film no one should miss. – Jini Shim

Screening sponsor:
Korean Cultural Center of Los Angeles