End of Winter
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End of Winter (Korean: 철원기행; RR: Cheorwongihaeng) is a 2014 South Korean drama film. Directed by Kim Dae-hwan in his feature debut and a project of the Graduate School of Cinematic Content at Dankook University, it explores the breakup of a family. It made its world premiere at the 19th Busan International Film Festival in 2014 and won New Currents Award.
Synopsis
Kim Sung-geun's (Mun Chang-gil) wife, two sons and daughter-in-law gather in Cheorwon for his retirement ceremony as he ends his teaching career at the Cheorwon Technical High School. While eating at a Chinese restaurant, he drops the bombshell and announces he plans to get a divorce. Without explaining his decision, it leaves his shocked wife Yoon Yeo-jung (Lee Young-ran) angry and speechless, and the family in confusion. When heavy snow prevents them from leaving, they are forced to stay at Sung-geun's apartment, leading to an uncomfortable time together as they seek shelter from the cold winter.
Cast
- Mun Chang-gil as Kim Sung-geun
- Lee Young-ran as Yoon Yeo-jung
- Kim Min-hyeuk as Kim Dong-wook
- Lee Sang-hee as Hye-jung
- Hur Jae-won as Su-hyung
- Park Chan-yun
Reception
BIFF's jury head Iranian director Asghar Farhadi: "It impressed us with its stylistic consistency, its skillful exploration of family relations, its elegant mastery of cinematic space, and its great ensemble cast."
The Hollywood Reporter: "First time filmmaker Kim Dae-hwan makes an impression with a well acted and recognizable snapshot of family strife."
Screen International: "Kim Dae-hwan's impressive and dispassionate debut feature tackles such (trials and tribulations of family life) issues with a sensible sense of restraint through its rich but subtle aesthetic as it follows a family on the verge of turmoil after the father suddenly announces he wants a divorce."
Pierce Conran: "End of Winter boasts strong performances and an admirably restrained yet intelligent mis-en-scene. However, in its resemblance to many other Korean family dramas...it will have trouble standing out from the pack."
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Recipient | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 19th Busan International Film Festival | New Currents Award | End of Winter | Won |
| 2015 | 18th Shanghai International Film Festival | Asian New Talent Award | Kim Dae-hwan | Nominated |
| 12th Yerevan International Film Festival | Silver Apricot for Feature Film | End of Winter | Won | |
| 9th Asia Pacific Screen Awards | Best Feature Film | Nominated | ||
| 2016 | 25th Buil Film Awards | Best New Director | Kim Dae-hwan | Nominated |
| 2017 | 4th Wildflower Film Awards | Best Director (Narrative Films) | Kim Dae-hwan | Nominated |
| Best New Director (Narrative Films) | Kim Dae-hwan | Won | ||
| Best Actor | Mun Chang-gil | Nominated | ||
| Best Cinematography | Kim Bo-ram | Nominated |
External links
- at HanCinema
- at the Korean Movie Database (in Korean)
- at IMDb