Movie

THE FACE READER ‘Gwansang izle‘ (2013)

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Song Kang-ho is the future.
If you’ve read any of my previous posts you’ll know I have a great regard for this actor.
A performer of such sensibilities that make him one of the most interesting screen actors of this century.

Here he plays Nae Kyung, a Face Reader, one who is adept at physiognomy, the assessment of a person’s character or personality by the study of their outer appearance especially the face.

Set in 1455 in the political world of the King and his potential usurpers, Han Jae-rim directs this historical tale of intrigue and conspiracy

Nae Kyung is lured into the employ of a Madame working in the city and is noticed by the Vice Premiere to the King, Kim Jong-so (Baek Yun-shik) and consequently finds himself working for the palace, getting involved in the political web that disgraced his father years before.

This film begins very light-heartedly and gradually progresses toward drama and tragedy. I recently read that this is quite a staple of period pieces from Korea, the only period piece I saw before this was the excellent Untold Scandal (also scored by this films composer, Lee Byung-woo).
It is a very enjoyable piece yet it lacks that bit of extra magic to elevate it to the heights it could have reached.

The cast are all on point and although Song Kang-ho is billed as the lead this is very much an ensemble piece.
Lee Jung-jae (The Housemaid, The Thieves, New World) is subtle in his snake-like portrayal of the King’s brother, Prince Suyang. Jeung Jo-suk is brilliant as Nae Kyung’s brother in law and provides all the great comedy moments early on, working as a great double-act with Song Kang-ho. Kim Hye-su takes on the challenge of being the only major female character in an ostensibly male dominated film (war usually is on screen) and relishes the opportunity.

This film is an historical epic that takes the viewer on a journey into territories unknown (especially non-Koreans) and that is all good.
An above average experience filled with wonderful moments and dastardly intrigue.

3.1/5

BUY THE BLU-RAY DVD HERE

RICHARD PRYOR: OMIT THE LOGIC (2013)

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The cost of genius.

There is no doubt that Richard Pryor was a genius when it came to comedy. He literally changed the face of stand up and what was possible in that world. His legacy is still felt to this day in the works of Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, Katt Williams and hell, just about most famous comedians.

Damon Wayans said at a tribute show “Richard Pryor defined the game of stand-up comedy and comedy itself, and if you haven’t stole from Richard, then you’re probably not that funny.”

Too true.

His physical comedy is like a ballet between him, his material and the audience.

The genius is documented here in this warts and all film that doesn’t shy away from the more difficult side of the late (or even early) comedian’s life.

Charting his journey with an early appearance on Johnny Carson’s show all the way to his death in 2005, we get to see his many wives, successes, failures and addictions through the eyes of friends and family.

When someone is that talented it often goes hand in hand that they may very well be a tortured soul. It is said that many artists self-medicate in one-way or another. If you feel so much being a sensitive, sometimes there has to be a way to escape that intensity. It’s just a fact that certain souls need an outlet to decompress. Look at the history, artists like to experiment and it definitely informs their work, unfortunately it sometimes destroys them.

Richard Pryor famously used his experiences in his routines and this is one of the things about great stand- ups, they lay themselves bare, at least when it come to the stage. It is why we love them. Comedians can say anything and the great ones do and do it well.

Marina Zenovich directs this documentary that, while not being as comprehensive and definitive as it could be, still gives us some interesting talking heads (Robin Williams, Paul Mooney, Whoopi Goldberg, Mel Brooks amongst them) and informs us a little bit more about this great man.

To understand the affect Richard Pryor has had on the world of comedy this quote by the brilliant Dave Chappelle sums up his influence:

“Richard Pryor, undisputed champion of the world, greatest of all times, case closed, period, exclamation point.”

3.3/5