Movies by Hong Sang-soo

The Women Who Passed by him

I recently watched “Oki’s Movie,” “Ha Ha Ha,” “The Day He Arrives,” and “Like You Know It All”. Hong Sang-soo’s films are very interesting because they are filled with the director’s own views on love, life, and love of movies. I think Hong Sang-soo probably had a hand in some of the actresses used in his films, so it’s even more interesting to watch them while thinking that your ex-girlfriend is being played by your current girlfriend.

His current girlfriend is Kim Min-hee. “Director Hong Sang-soo doesn’t write scenarios properly. Even if you are told the story, you can’t predict how the story will change, and even the director doesn’t know. In the end, you don’t even know if you are the main character or not.,” said Kim Min-hee. Director Hong Sang-soo is still married, so it’s an adulterous love affair, but I wonder if there will be a movie made in the future with his real wife ✖ his current girlfriend ✖ the director. ・・・・

This is a scene from “Oki’s Movie” where the main character, filmmaker Zing, addresses the stage.

Moderator: If not, I’ll ask a question from my side. You told many stories in this film. What did you want to tell the most in this film?

Zing: I’m sorry, I was drunk…

Moderator: Did you drink? (Chuckles)

Zing: I simply made a film. I didn’t have a theme in mind. I think this film is similar to meeting people. For example, if you meet a person today, you judge him/her as such. But if you meet the same person the next day, you see a different side of him/her and make a different judgment. My hope is that this film will become something similar to something that is alive. That’s why you can’t start a film with a single theme. We don’t see a film just for its theme. It’s because of our childhood training that we see it that way. “What is the theme of this film?” You know, But in fact, when I watch a movie, I am moved even without that. I’m not interested in what’s collected in a funnel. It’s very simple.

Moderator: But you all seem to have other interests. Did a question come to mind? (To the woman who raises her hand.) So, give that person the microphone.

Woman: I have a personal question. I wasn’t going to come today, but I wanted to ask the director… I heard this directly from my best friend. She was going out with the director. Do you remember her? She’s the director’s student.

Zing: That’s your question?

Woman: Is it wrong to ask this question? She broke up with the guy she was dating when she met the director. I know the man, too. He still hates the director. He broke up with the girl he promised to marry. I don’t want to ask you a bad question, but… do you remember, four years ago?

Zing: I don’t remember.

Woman: Four years and you forgot? How can that be?

Zing: I don’t know where you heard this, but I’m a married man. Do you know that?

Woman: I know. You were married then too. It’s not something I heard somewhere. I heard it directly from my best friend. She broke up with the director and told me in tears. Her boyfriend told me the story too. Can’t you remember?

Zing: (in distress) I’m in trouble… (laughs)

Woman: I’m in trouble too. Why can’t you remember? You changed her life!

Zing: That’s your question? Why are you asking me that? I don’t remember. As you know, there have been many rumors about me since I became the director. But it’s wrong to spread misunderstandings by asking such a question in this place. This is a place to talk about movies.

Woman: A director’s movie is about the director, right? I’m paying to see it. And it’s not a rumor. I’ve heard it first hand!

Zing: (exasperated) What do you want to know?

Woman: She met the director and became a cripple. Her life is over! What else do you want me to ask?

Zing: (exasperated) I have no memory of this. Don’t tell me something I don’t know.

Moderator: Hey, stop. That’s it for the questioners. I’m sure there are other people who want to ask questions… (chuckles)

Zing: One last thing…I’m not making a movie right now. Okay? I’m not making a movie. Not the kind of film I would show you.

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