The Bow (aka: Hwal)

This film continues in the same vein as Spring, Summer..., The Isle and 3 Iron.

The two main characters in which the story revolves don't speak - at least to us. Much like the films mentioned above, music is substituted for dialogue between these two characters and in turn leaves this film yet another poetic masterpiece from this great director.

If you are a fan of Kim Ki-Duk - particularly 3 Iron, Spring, Summer... or The Isle, this film is for you.

If you haven't seen these films or any of Kim's previous works, this is a "must have" addition to any DVD collection.

Korean Art-House director Kim Ki-duk does it again with his 12th film. A very interesting story focussed on the way people think, live, grow up and interact with one another.
The Bow has many similarities with one of Kim Ki-duk's other movies, "The Isle". The general feel is the same but the deeper meanings couldn't be further apart.
Once again directed in a very simplistic way, The Bow is based around a single vessel and doesn't leave the ocean setting for the entire 90mins. The story itself is ingenious with a lot of thought going into it, its jammed packed with metaphors which will have you pondering after only a few minutes.
This is primarilty an art house movie, like many others in the genre and Kim Ki-duk's other movies its very silent with the two lead characters never actually speaking. It's an action and visul driven movie yet like many other art house productions it doesn't feel slow. The lack of dialogue can often cause movies to drag on but Ki-duk is a master in his field and keeps you entertained throughout.

Overall: Much like you'd expect for Ki-duk, The Bow is a great film. It's filled with metaphors and is displayed with mind blowing visuals. A word of warning, this movie is a lot more metaphor driven than some of his previous films so if you're not too fond of looking between the lines you might not enjoy this movie as much.
If you're an art house fan you'll love this, Kim Ki-duk is truly one of the best in this field of cinema. If you like any of his other movies then you certainly won't be disappointed with this one!