Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The sole Asian contender for the Berlin film festival's Golden Bear top prize, minimalist South Korean breakup drama "Come Rain, Come Shine", met with jeers from critics Thursday.
It tells the story of a woman who announces to her husband she is leaving him but, before she goes, spends one last day with him in their home - an experience that fills them both with longing and regret.
"Saranghanda, Saranghaji Anneunda", as the film is called in Korean, features long takes of shifting weather patterns, wistful gazes out of windows at falling rain, sparse dialogue, little music, and a pared-down plot.
It was the fourth Berlinale outing for director Lee Yoon-ki, and his first competition entry.
But despite the prominent cast including Lim Soo-jung, who last appeared at the festival in 2008 in Park Chan-wook's quirky "I'm a Cyborg But That's OK", and Seoul heart-throb Hyun Bin, critics loudly booed the bleak picture.
"I know I have more of a spotlight on me in the competition so the reaction might be more critical but I'm happy for the exposure," Lee said.
The 45-year-old director, who studied business management at the University of Southern California before becoming a film-maker, was asked by a French reporter whether Korean audiences might be more responsive to the picture.
"It's not a mainstream film, not everyone will like it," he said. "Of course it is the hope that we have as directors that a lot of people will want to see our movie but that is not always the case."
Hyun defended the film's art-house ambitions.
"We need slow-moving films that go deep into the emotions of their characters. If you only have an audience for action films then we won't have a lot of development in the industry," he said.
"I'd like to make a contribution to seeing a broader range of films made in Korea."
"Come Rain, Come Shine" is one of 16 contenders for the festival's Golden and Silver Bear prizes, which will be handed out a gala ceremony Saturday by a jury led by Italian-American actress and director Isabella Rossellini.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments