Chi-hwa-seon (2002)

Synopsis: IM Kwon-taek's ninety-fifth film tells the story of renowned nineteenth-century painter JANG Seung-up (Choi Min-Sik), an artist whose revolutionary work - and persona - has forever changed the face... IM Kwon-taek's ninety-fifth film tells the story of renowned nineteenth-century painter JANG Seung-up (Choi Min-Sik), an artist whose revolutionary work - and persona - has forever changed the face of Korean art.

CHIHWASEON (PAINTED FIRE) begins in the 1850s, when KIM Byung-moon (AHN Sung-ki) saves the young JANG Seung-up from being beaten by a group of drifters. In return, JANG draws him a picture, and as Kim carefully examines the child's rough drawing, he notices the extraordinary potential of the young boy. Years later, KIM Byung-moon becomes JANG Seung-up's mentor and encourages him to pursue the life of an artist. KIM eventually gives JANG the pen name of Oh-won.

Later on his life, JANG Seung-up meets Mae-hyang, a daughter of a Yangban (social elite) who attracts him deeply. Although their passion is strong, they are eventually forced to separate when she runs away from catholic persecution.

JANG Seung-up eventually leaves his house and wanders about in pursuit of "true art," soon realizing that it is through pleasure that he can produce his greatest works. Oh-won's life is thus marked by the paradox of his inspiration derived by addiction to alcohol and convoluted love affairs with women.

As JANG continues to search for artistic transcendence, he stretches the limits of traditional Korean art, rapidly becoming a worldwide artistic reference - and one of Korea's national legends. -- © Kino International [More]

Starring: Min-sik Choi, Sung-Kee Ahn, Ho-jeong Yu, Yeo-jin Kim

Starring: Min-sik Choi, Sung-Kee Ahn, Ho-jeong Yu, Yeo-jin Kim, Ye-jin Son

Director: Kwon-Taek Im

Director: Kwon-Taek Im
Producer: Tae-Won Lee
Composer: Young-dong Kim
Studio: Kino International

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