Why is it that the words “melodrama” have such a bad conation nowadays? I mention this because when I say Writer/Director Kim Yong-Hwa’s The Moon is a wonderfully melodrama sci-fi thriller it’s meant as the deepest of compliments. A spiritual cousin to films like Apollo 13, Gravity, and The Martian. Like those films, it uses intelligence, teamwork, and cooperation as the touchstone for the work to bring an astronaut home after a disastrous mission leaves them stranded in an impossible situation.
After a tragedy on the level of the NASA Challenger Crash, leaves the KASC (South Korea’s equivalent of NASA) gutted and in disarray. Years later South Korea has pushed forward and created a second chance for themselves. The KASC has a planned trip to the moon looking for a new energy source that could be the key to an abundant energy source. While closing in on the moon an accident leaves a single Astronaut Hwang Sun-Woo (Do Kyung-Soo) stranded. Sun-Woo’s only chance may be the disgraced former director of KASC Kim Jae-Kook (Sol Kyung-Gu).
The Moon isn’t just a rescue mission film but one about loss, grief, atonement, and recovery. The script is adroit enough to understand that any sci-fi epic only benefits from layers of grounded drama. There are some moments that many will look at as emotionally cloying but nothing that other films haven’t done. The Moon understands this and leans into its emotionality as much as it does the tension and twists and turns as the mission continually goes from bad to worse to biblical.
Kim working with cinematographer Kim Young-Ho has created a visually arresting epic on par with Hollywood studios. Like Hollywood blockbusters, the film has created amazing set piece after set piece that works on the biggest screen possible with stunning FX and stunt work that will leave one breathless.
The Moon is truly a great piece of action drama that sticks its landing. This one should not be missed.
The Transfer
The transfer provided to Well Go USA is another winner in a long line of winners. The digitally shot film looks crisp and sharp on Blu-Ray. The handsome image has no issues with handling anything the VFX-heavy film has to throw at it. The only way this one could look any better is if Well Go USA released a 4K UHD version of the film.
The Extras
They include the following;
Behind the Scenes
Character Bios
Trailer
Note: if one starts with the first the Blu-ray will play all three.
Behind the Scenes (4:16) – an all-too-brief look at the making of the film. Great B-roll and interview footage from the making of the film. In Korean with English Subtitles.
Character Bios (3:42) – a quick EPK featurette where the actors discuss their respective characters along with director Kim. In Korean with English Subtitles.
Trailer (1:25)
The Final Thought
Well Go USA continues its wonderful curation of some of the best Genre films from all over Asia, and The Moon is no exception. Recommended!!!
South Korea goes to The Moon in writer/director Kim Yong-Hwa’s Sci-Fi Melodrama Epic. New to Blu-ray from Well Go USA.
The Film
Note: This film deals with issues of suicide.
Why is it that the words “melodrama” have such a bad conation nowadays? I mention this because when I say Writer/Director Kim Yong-Hwa’s The Moon is a wonderfully melodrama sci-fi thriller it’s meant as the deepest of compliments. A spiritual cousin to films like Apollo 13, Gravity, and The Martian. Like those films, it uses intelligence, teamwork, and cooperation as the touchstone for the work to bring an astronaut home after a disastrous mission leaves them stranded in an impossible situation.
After a tragedy on the level of the NASA Challenger Crash, leaves the KASC (South Korea’s equivalent of NASA) gutted and in disarray. Years later South Korea has pushed forward and created a second chance for themselves. The KASC has a planned trip to the moon looking for a new energy source that could be the key to an abundant energy source. While closing in on the moon an accident leaves a single Astronaut Hwang Sun-Woo (Do Kyung-Soo) stranded. Sun-Woo’s only chance may be the disgraced former director of KASC Kim Jae-Kook (Sol Kyung-Gu).
The Moon isn’t just a rescue mission film but one about loss, grief, atonement, and recovery. The script is adroit enough to understand that any sci-fi epic only benefits from layers of grounded drama. There are some moments that many will look at as emotionally cloying but nothing that other films haven’t done. The Moon understands this and leans into its emotionality as much as it does the tension and twists and turns as the mission continually goes from bad to worse to biblical.
Kim working with cinematographer Kim Young-Ho has created a visually arresting epic on par with Hollywood studios. Like Hollywood blockbusters, the film has created amazing set piece after set piece that works on the biggest screen possible with stunning FX and stunt work that will leave one breathless.
The Moon is truly a great piece of action drama that sticks its landing. This one should not be missed.
The Transfer
The transfer provided to Well Go USA is another winner in a long line of winners. The digitally shot film looks crisp and sharp on Blu-Ray. The handsome image has no issues with handling anything the VFX-heavy film has to throw at it. The only way this one could look any better is if Well Go USA released a 4K UHD version of the film.
The Extras
They include the following;
Note: if one starts with the first the Blu-ray will play all three.
Behind the Scenes (4:16) – an all-too-brief look at the making of the film. Great B-roll and interview footage from the making of the film. In Korean with English Subtitles.
Character Bios (3:42) – a quick EPK featurette where the actors discuss their respective characters along with director Kim. In Korean with English Subtitles.
Trailer (1:25)
The Final Thought
Well Go USA continues its wonderful curation of some of the best Genre films from all over Asia, and The Moon is no exception. Recommended!!!
Well Go USA’s Blu-Ray edition of The Moon is out February 28th
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