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Review

Pansori is an ancient operatic Korean art form, performed by few in contemporary Korea. One of that country's most popular folk stories is that of Chunhyang, the daughter of an 18th-century courtesan whose love for her husband would inspire a nation. Director Im has combined pansori and the rapturous story of Chunhyang to make a luscious costume drama of true love, fidelity and class struggle. Framed in a pansori performed by Korean master Cho Sang Hyun, the film chronicles the love affair between Mongryong, the handsome son of a provincial governor, and the beautiful Chunhyang. Though of different classes, they secretly marry, only to be separated when Mongryong moves to Seoul to attend university. While her husband is away, Chunhyang attracts the attention of the new, corrupt governor, which places her in harm's way. Director Im, a Korean legend with over 90 films to his credit but with this film receives his first American release, embues Chunhyang with the sweetness of a fable and the sweep of epic storytelling. Though American audiences may initially find the pansori narration a bit distracting, the art form soon grows on you, adding another dimension of time and place to this glorious tale. (Korean with English subtitles)