Second time Pusan (Busan) International Film Festival visitor Takeshi Kitano showed his new look -- short hair dyed white -- to his Korean fans, revealing himself to be something of a comedian, a trait seldom seen in his movies.
The acclaimed director maintained a cool demeanor at the festival, giving short but sometimes shocking answers to questions at the press conference on Nov. 22 at the Paradise Hotel. People only saw him smile later at the media party, which was held near the fish market, when Kitano held hands with festival chairman Kim Dong-ho as he sat on a tatami mat eating Korean-style sashimi and drinking soju.
Dolls, Kitano's latest film, was chosen as the closing film for the festival, another testimony to the support enjoyed by the Japanese director in Korea. Kitano's Golden Lion winner Hanabi (1997), Kikujiro No Natsu (1999) and Brother (2000) have all been shown at the Busan film festival. Dolls was also a contender at the Venice Film Festival earlier this year.
PHOTO: YU SEN-LUN, TAIPEI TIMES
When asked about his new film, which consists of three love stories, Kitano gave a surprising answer saying that for him the film is not about love. "It is rather a violent story," he said.
Beginning with a scene from traditional Japanese bunraku drama with puppets acting out a sad but beautiful love affair, the film tells the stories of three couples. A strong element of fate is involved and each of the relationships ends with a tragedy. The film is a visual treat, featuring actresses such as Miho Kanno and with a beautiful scene of two lovers walking through a red maple forests and then having their bodies tied together with a red rope. Part of the credit should undoubtedly go to fashion designer Yoji Yamamoto who lent his talents to the movie.
For Kitano, the film, despite its sadness, is about meeting one's destined lover. For him, coming back home from work every night and seeing his sleeping wife on her pillow reconfirms this element of destiny. "I wouldn't mind dying during sex," he said.
Awards at the Seventh Pusan International Film Festival
New Currents Award for best new film by an Asian director
Winners:
Jealously is My Middle Name, directed by Park Chan-ok
The Rite ... A Passion directed by K.N.T. Sastry
Special Mention:
Too Young to Die, directed by Park Jin-pyo
Korean Cinema Award for outstanding contributions promoting Korean cinema:
Alain Jacques Louis Patel
FIPRESCI (Federation Internationale de la Presse Cinematographique) Award for outstanding feature film from a new Asian director:
Too Young to Die directed by Park Jin-pyo
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