Samaria (2003)

AKA: Samaritan Girl

Director: Kim Ki-duk

Writer: Kim Ki-duk

Producer: Kim Ki-duk, Jeong-min Bae, Jeong-min Baek

Cast: Gwak Ji-Min, Seo Min-Jeong, Lee Eol

Running Time: 95 min.

Plot: See Review below.

Availability: This title is available at HKflix.com

EQUINOX21'S REVIEW: Kim Ki-duk’s newest movie, Samaria, takes on the problem of child prostitution in a way only Kim Ki-duk can present it.  In what could have been a tremendously risqué and dangerous film to make, he takes on the subject in such a way that the focus is taken off the actual act and onto the mentality of the two children who are taken advantage of by their pedophile clients.

The movie is told in 2 (or possibly even 2 and a half, depending on how you look at it) different parts.  The first focuses on Yeo-jin, who manages her friend Jae Yeong’s prostitution endeavors in attempt to earn enough for the two of them to travel to Europe, and who eventually takes over the “business” when Jae Yeong dies.  The second part focuses on Yeo-jin’s father, a detective who discovers his daughter’s horrible secret and does everything in his power to undermine it (without letting her know that he’s aware of it).  This second part of the movie is what really makes an impact.  The father follows Yeo-jin around and makes sure the guys who want to sleep with her don’t get that chance.  His despair at what his daughter has gone through makes all his actions understandable, and even forgivable.

Even though Samaria dealt with a subject that should not be a matter of “entertainment”, what Kim Ki-duk does with it makes it a real joy to watch.  The story really makes it stand out as one of the year’s great movies (so far).  Everyone who likes Kim Ki-duk’s artistic (and sometimes difficult to watch) films should definitely check out Samaria.

EQUINOX21'S RATING: 8.5/10