Program Note

Fifteen Years of Suffering

Lee Myung-se’s *The Duelist* is one of the most important films in my life. I began writing a book about it 15 years ago. Judging by how long I’ve been working on it, I’ve spent a significant portion of my life contemplating this film. In the past, I used to think of my work as a music director as just a job, and believed cinema had little to do with philosophy.

*The Duelist* changed that. It made me realize that cinematic awareness can serve as a foundation for philosophical insight—one that cannot be reached through reading alone. The film does not have a clearly defined theme. Nor is it driven by dramatic narrative. It would score zero in terms of traditional storytelling. And yet, tens of thousands of people call themselves fanatics of this film. It wasn’t the story or star power that captivated them, but the film’s ability to offer a wholly new cinematic experience.

As you watch the movement and visuals, you begin to feel healed, even liberated. It’s not catharsis—it’s something else. A decentering from the things that burden you, from obsessions. Director Lee Myung-se is deeply aware of this perceptual power. I feel it is my duty, as a scholar, to articulate the philosophical value of that vision. That’s why I’ve been "suffering" for fifteen years.
(CHO Sung-woo)

Director

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  • Lee Myung-se
  • Director Lee Myung-se graduated from Seoul Institute of the Arts and began his film career in 1979 as an assistant director to Lee Jang-ho. He later worked under directors Kim Soo-yong, Hong Pa, Kim Jung-il, and Bae Chang-ho, before making his directorial debut with *Gagman* (1988).
    
    *Gagman* was more highly praised overseas than at home—critic Tony Rayns described it as “one of the most unique debut films in the history of cinema.” Known for his ability to exaggerate fleeting emotions and moments through striking visuals, Lee is without question one of Korea’s greatest visual stylists. His major works include *Nowhere to Hide* (1999), *Duelist* (2005), and *M* (2007).