Directed by Ki-Duk Kim
Review by David Carter


Released by Tartan Video
Running Time: 115 minutes
Rating: NR
Color format: Color
Audio/Subtitles: 5.1 Dolby Digital, 5.1 DTS Surround Sound Korean/English & Spanish Subtitles
Region Code: 1, NTSC
Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen
16:9 Enhanced: No
Special Features: Interview with Director, Introduction by Director
Trailer Online: No

South Korean director Ki-duk Kim uses his films for more than just artistic expression. He also infuses them with social commentary and insight into South Korean culture, often into complex and disturbing aspects of the society. Kim has the ability to approach these difficult topics with a sensitivity and skill that doesn't exploit them for the sake of the film, but instead helps give the viewer a greater insight into the situations. His film ADDRESS UNKNOWN deals with a variety of difficult situations all stemming from the Korean War.

ADDRESS UNKNOWN focuses on the eccentric residents of a small, poor village surrounding an American military base. The three main characters are outcasts among a group of people who are outcasts themselves. Chang-guk is the son of an American solider and is ostracized for his mixed heritage. His status prevents him from finding work, and he only has one friend, the shy and withdrawn Ji-hum. Ji-hum lives in the shadow of his war hero father and is picked on because he doesn't attend school. Ji-hum falls in love with Eunok, a young girl with an injured eye. The trio makes an unlikely group of friends, but they all share the common problem of having something beyond their control that prevents them from being accepted by their society. Unfortunately for them, changes in Eunok's life start a chain reaction that negatively affects them all.

Ki-Duk Kim has a very lyrical, dreamlike directing style in most of his films, and he especially plays this up in ADDRESS UNKNOWN. Moreso than in some of his other works, Kim goes uses visuals to tell the story, rather than dialogue. There are several powerful scenes in the film, including one stand out image where all three characters have injured right eyes, mirroring Eunok's situation. The film is very demanding on the actors, and all of the principles rise to the challenge to give excellent performances.

Tartan Video consistently does top-notch jobs on the Asian films they release in the US. ADDRESS UNKNOWN receives the same high-quality presentation on its DVD as well. The sound mix is very well done and the anamorphic widescreen visual presentation looks very good also. Kim appears on the disc to give an introduction to the film and a brief interview. As with the other interviews that he has done for his other Tartan releases, he gives greater insight to not only the technical aspect of making the film, but also into the artistic side of the film itself.

Ki-Duk Kim's films can sometimes be hard to watch. Though technically brilliant, the emotional power can be difficult for some viewers to take. There are several scenes in ADDRESS UNKNOWN that will stick with you for a while after the film is over. Don't let this dissuade you from watching it, however. It's a powerful film that most film lovers will be glad they exposed themselves to.