Welcome to Dongmakgol
Dir: Park Kwang-hyun
2005
*****
Park Kwang-hyun's 2005 film Welcome to Dongmakgol was a really pleasant surprise. I'd heard good things from credible sources, so expectations were already fairly high but were then soon blown out of the water. Welcome to Dongmakgol is that rare type of film that pops up completely unexpectedly and takes you by surprise, one that will make you wonder just why more people don't make these kinds of film and why the hell didn't I hear about it when it came out? It's unique angle makes this a war film like no other but also highlights perfectly what damage is made through war and what really is worth fighting to protect. The similarities between madness and innocents is also wonderfully handled and will make you look at things a little differently for a couple of hours but the film will stay with you for much longer. Perfect storytelling and a wonderful film. Highly recommended.