Edited by Hwang Hong Sun
Translated by Yu Jin Kim
Director Kim Dae Woo’s films, such as Forbidden Quest, The Servant, and Obsessed, delve into hidden desires and their far-reaching consequences. His latest release titled Hidden Face continues this exploration, once again captivating audiences with his signature blend of aesthetic and erotic storytelling.
Hidden Face is a remake of the Colombian film of the same name. It reimagines the original premise of a lover trapped in a secret room as a fresh new story. The film offers a unique narrative as it unfolds through the perspectives of its three protagonists—Sung Jin (played by Song Seung Heon), his missing fiancée Soo Yeon (Cho Yeo Jeong) and Sung Jin’s new love interest Mi Ju (Park Ji Hyun). Following each character’s point of view, the movie builds up to a thrilling twist as the deliberately concealed gaps in the narrative are pieced together like a puzzle.
The premise of Soo Yeon being trapped in a secret room, silently observing as Sung Jin and Mi Ju grow closer in her absence, creates a tantalizing tension. The mix of emotions—self-loathing, anger, guilt and an uncontrollable descent into desire—felt by someone forced to watch their lover with someone else may not be entirely new, but it remains both gripping and compelling.
Song Seung Heon, Cho Yeo Jeong, and Park Ji Hyun also deliver exceptional performances. Following his role in Obsessed, Song Seung Heon portrays a character struggling with repressed desires and the harsh realities of life. Cho Yeo Jeong provides a strong foundation for the story by skillfully depicting the downfall of an arrogant character. Park Ji Hyun, who plays the pivotal role of Mi Ju, shines with a powerful presence that transcends the pre-release buzz about her nude scenes. Her performance drives the narrative forward with intensity.
In the film, the house serves as a space where the characters’ desires unfold. It is clear that significant effort has been put into creating captivating cinematography. Behind the elegant exterior lies a shabby, eerie secret room that reminds us of a person with a dual nature. The stark contrast between light and shadow inside and outside the room vividly conveys the characters’ emotions and shifts in their relationships. Since the three characters pursue music and are part of an orchestra, classical music is skillfully utilized, adding sophistication to a film simmering with desire.
There’s room for improvement as well. The altered ending feels somewhat abrupt. Park Ji Hyun’s nudity also comes across as a little too excessive, and the focus on desire can feel overly intense at times. Even so, the film reimagines the unique premise of the original in a fresh and intriguing way and delivers entertainment beyond expectations. The question remains: will the audience connect with director Kim Dae Woo’s ambitious attempt to explore the characters’ sophisticated desires? (7/10)
>> Shocking Scenes of ‘Hidden Face’ Spark Praise for Park Ji Hyun: ‘Her Acting Is Insane’
Editor Hwang Hong Sun: A Korean movie buff who wishes that the warm messages in good works will warm up this world at least by one degree Fahrenheit.
