A thrill-a-minute actioner from China and a moving South Korean drama about a unique family reunion have taken the top prize at Asia’s largest film festival, with judges lauding both for their "original" takes. "Savage", from first-time Chinese director Cui Si-wei,
A thrill-a-minute actioner from China and a moving South Korean drama about a unique family reunion have taken the top prize at Asia’s largest film festival, with judges lauding both for their « original » takes.
« Savage », from first-time Chinese director Cui Si-wei, pits a forest ranger against gold thieves in a snowy mountain range and won praise from the New Currents award jury at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) for being « strikingly accomplished and riveting ».
South Korean production « Clean up », from debut feature director Kwon Man-ki, charts the tale of a struggling woman who is offered a salvation of sorts when she meets someone from her past.
It is a film with « perfect control and masterful psychological development, » the jury statement read.
BIFF’s New Currents award comes with prizes of $30,000 for the two most impressive efforts from first- or second-time Asian filmmakers and there had been a buzz around town after screenings of « Savage » in particular. The film now looks certain for wide commercial release in China and beyond.
Veteran South Korean director Kim Hong-joon, who led the New Currents jury, said the judges were unanimous in their decision to award « Savage » its prize.
« [It shows] a mastery of genre cinema, with multi-dimensional characters and thrilling action sequences, » said Kim.
