Review of A Brighter Summer Day (1991) by Matt R — 02 Mar 2010

I've been thinking about this movie almost non stop since I saw it Sunday. I'm SO grateful for the chance to have seen this, in it's uncut four hour(!) version. Nothing short of enlightening. Subtle chaos and nuanced characterization.

The visual motif of shining lights in darkness... searching for something is impressive and inspiring. One character talks to his son about education as a means to find truth. Sticking to your values and principles is what he tries to live his life by and impart to his son- yet his resolve is severely tested by police interrogations. That scene is echoed later. The father asks for leniency on his son's behalf at school. But after his son attacks the school official, the weary father cannot even chastise his son. Instead he offers to give up smoking in order to pay for his eyeglasses. Absurd and beautiful at the same time!

I'm not sure how much more to add. I don't want to give away too much- and it would take awhile to do that anyway! I was thoroughly mesmerized and really enjoyed the experience of trying to keep up with all the characters and there nicknames and secrets. Almost EVERY character (20+) had at least one great scene or moment. Love, despair, integrity and humor. An exchange between the hero and his girl: You're just like all the rest. You want to please me and then you want me to please you. Why can't you accept me the way I am?

An intimate epic I can't recommend enough. Moved me to tears.