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CHIHWASEON (PAINTED FIRE) Send This Review to a Friend
Add another legendary artist to those who have suffered, suffered, suffered in biographical movies. This time distinguished South Korean director Im Kwon-taek, who has made 95 films, introduces us to Jang Seung-ub, legendary 19th century painter known by the pseudonym of Oh-won. Choi Min-sik chews the scenery playing the artist, who boozes, womanizes, has a terrible temper, sometimes destroys his work in fits of rage and goes through life in a struggle to find true art instead of just painting what sells. Heard of the problem before?
Interest is added with fleeting historical references, such as a late-century peasant revolt and persecution of Catholics. Oh-won's environment is portrayed as tumultuous and dangerous, and there is drama in how he navigates through the morass. But he is also terribly self-destructive.
"Chihwaseon" gains from lovely photography and glimpses at the type of art that the subject represents. There are interesting and unusual scenes depicting the custom of an artist painting in front of a gathering assembled to witness him in action. Much is made of traditional respect for a master and disgrace for not adhering to protocol. There is a welcome aesthetic to the work that compensates for some of the overwrought drama, and a window is opened on an artist important to Korea's cultural background. A Kino International release.
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