🎞️International Cinema Unit 12 – Taiwanese & South Korean New Wave Cinema

Historical Context

• Taiwanese New Wave Cinema emerged in the 1980s during a period of political and social change in Taiwan
• Martial law lifted in 1987 allowed for greater creative freedom and expression in filmmaking
• South Korean New Wave Cinema developed in the late 1990s and early 2000s following the democratization of South Korea
  • Coincided with the Asian financial crisis of 1997 which impacted the film industry
• Both movements marked a departure from previous filmmaking styles and themes in their respective countries
• Filmmakers sought to explore more personal, realistic, and socially conscious stories
• Influenced by Western art cinema and neorealism movements
• Reflected the changing identities and aspirations of Taiwanese and South Korean societies during these periods of transition

Key Filmmakers and Their Works

• Hou Hsiao-hsien (Taiwan) known for his long takes, minimal dialogue, and realistic portrayal of everyday life
  • Notable films include A City of Sadness (1989), The Puppetmaster (1993), and Flowers of Shanghai (1998)
• Edward Yang (Taiwan) explored themes of urban alienation, family dynamics, and modernization
  • Notable films include Taipei Story (1985), A Brighter Summer Day (1991), and Yi Yi (2000)
• Tsai Ming-liang (Taiwan) known for his slow-paced, minimalist style and exploration of urban isolation and sexual desire
  • Notable films include Rebels of the Neon God (1992), Vive L'Amour (1994), and The River (1997)
• Park Chan-wook (South Korea) known for his visually striking, violent, and psychologically complex films
  • Notable films include Joint Security Area (2000), Oldboy (2003), and The Handmaiden (2016)
• Bong Joon-ho (South Korea) blends genre elements with social commentary and dark humor
  • Notable films include Memories of Murder (2003), The Host (2006), and Parasite (2019)
• Lee Chang-dong (South Korea) explores themes of marginalization, trauma, and human connection
  • Notable films include Peppermint Candy (2000), Oasis (2002), and Burning (2018)

Themes and Narrative Styles

• Focus on personal stories and individual experiences rather than grand historical narratives
• Exploration of identity, alienation, and the impact of modernization on traditional values
• Realistic portrayal of everyday life and the struggles of ordinary people
  • Often set in urban environments and dealing with issues of class, gender, and family dynamics
• Use of long takes, minimal dialogue, and slow pacing to create a contemplative and immersive viewing experience
• Non-linear narratives and fragmented storytelling techniques to reflect the complexity of memory and experience
• Incorporation of ambiguity and open-ended conclusions leaving room for viewer interpretation
• Blending of genre elements (thriller, romance, comedy) with art cinema sensibilities

Visual and Aesthetic Characteristics

• Emphasis on naturalistic lighting and minimalist set design to create a sense of realism
• Long takes and static camera shots to allow scenes to unfold organically and capture the rhythm of everyday life
• Use of wide shots and deep focus to situate characters within their environments
• Careful composition of frames to convey emotional states and power dynamics between characters
• Muted color palettes and understated visual style to reflect the somber or contemplative tone of the stories
• Incorporation of urban landscapes and modern architecture as visual motifs
  • Reflects the changing face of Taiwanese and South Korean cities during periods of rapid development
• Experimental use of sound design and music to create atmosphere and underscore themes

Social and Political Commentary

• Addressing the legacy of colonialism, authoritarianism, and political repression in Taiwan and South Korea
  • Examining the impact of these histories on individual lives and collective memory
• Critiquing the rapid modernization and Westernization of society and its effect on traditional values and ways of life
• Exploring issues of class inequality, social hierarchy, and the marginalization of certain groups (women, LGBTQ+ individuals, the working class)
• Commenting on the changing nature of family structures and gender roles in modern society
• Reflecting on the trauma and psychological impact of historical events such as the Korean War and the White Terror in Taiwan
• Challenging dominant narratives and official histories by presenting alternative perspectives and forgotten stories
• Subverting genre conventions to interrogate societal norms and expectations

Global Impact and Reception

• Taiwanese and South Korean New Wave films gained critical acclaim at international film festivals
  • Cannes, Venice, Berlin, and Toronto film festivals
• Introduced global audiences to a new generation of East Asian filmmakers and their unique cinematic visions
• Helped to establish Taiwan and South Korea as major players in the international film industry
• Influenced filmmakers around the world with their innovative storytelling techniques and visual styles
• Contributed to a growing interest in and appreciation for Asian cinema in the West
• Sparked discussions about the role of cinema in representing national identities and addressing social issues
• Paved the way for future generations of Taiwanese and South Korean filmmakers to gain international recognition

Comparison with Other Film Movements

• Shared similarities with other international new wave movements such as French New Wave and Iranian New Wave in terms of challenging conventional filmmaking practices and addressing social issues
• Drew inspiration from Italian Neorealism's focus on everyday life and use of non-professional actors
• Parallels with the Japanese New Wave of the 1960s and 1970s in terms of exploring themes of alienation and the impact of modernization
• Contrasted with the more commercially-oriented and genre-based filmmaking of Hong Kong and other East Asian industries at the time
• Represented a shift towards more personal, auteur-driven cinema in the context of Taiwanese and South Korean film history
• Influenced by and in dialogue with other contemporary art cinema movements such as the Chinese Fifth Generation and the American independent film scene

Legacy and Influence on Modern Cinema

• Established Taiwan and South Korea as important centers of global art cinema
• Paved the way for future generations of filmmakers to experiment with form and content
• Helped to diversify the range of stories and perspectives represented in East Asian cinema
  • Opened up space for more marginalized voices and experiences to be heard
• Influenced the development of new genres and styles in Taiwanese and South Korean cinema such as the "Korean New Wave" and the "Taiwanese Urban Realist" movements
• Inspired filmmakers around the world to explore more personal, socially-engaged, and formally innovative approaches to storytelling
• Contributed to a growing global appreciation for the unique cultural and artistic traditions of Taiwan and South Korea
• Continues to be studied and celebrated by film scholars and cinephiles as a major turning point in the history of East Asian cinema
• Legacy can be seen in the work of contemporary Taiwanese and South Korean filmmakers who continue to push the boundaries of the medium and engage with pressing social and political issues