[Review] The Isle
11-13-01 | 07:09 AM
#1
Thread Starter
DVD Talk Legend
[Review] The Isle
I know I said I wouldn't do any more reviews, but if you don't want to read them, then don't... If you feel I'm cluttering up the forum, then go ahead and let a moderator know - if he agrees with you, then I'll gladly stop and comply. I just think there's a few people here that are interested, so I'll continue until I hear otherwise. 
If you're thinking of trolling my threads, then you've got issues. 
Ok - The Isle
You've seen this at DDDHouse or HKflix and have been a little curious... The provocative cover makes it look like some sort of Cat III title or something, but it's so not that. This is a very very disturbing film. I haven't seen The Piano, but I know enough about it to say that these films have alot in common. I've seen a bit of The Piano - enough really... and The Isle is sort of in the same realm. Before I go on, let me say that the rest of this will probably contain uncloaked spoilers - this film is best seen not knowing what to expect. That said I'll get on with it.
The Isle is about this mute girl who lives on the bank of this little fishing area. She makes money by driving fishermen out to these little isolated floating platforms with tiny shelters on them - they look like little cottages, but they are about the size of a walk-in closet and the roofs are too low for someone to stand up. It's basically just there so they can catch a few 'z's and perhaps have some shelter in case it rains. So this girl takes these fishermen out in her little run down motorboat and drops them off - then periodically she goes from platform to platform selling supplies like food, bait, coffee, prostitutes, whatever...
She ends up falling for this one guy who is fairly quiet. Instead of fishing, this guy makes little toys by bending copper wire. He falls for her as well. Their relationship is very bizarre... I don't even know how to describe it. They represent the most dysfunctional couple in the world. Eventually the cops come and do a shakedown of the fishing area going platform to platform checking IDs... Apparently, criminals go there thinking it's a good place to lay low until things cool off - but the cops are wise to it.
I'm not doing this film justice because I don't want to spoil anything for you in case you feel like watching it. Just trust me when I say it's one of the more bizarre films you're likely to see... it's more of an art film like The Piano is (if you consider it an art film). If you're looking for a little soft-porn, forget it. This is not such a movie. There's nothing sexy going on here at all. In fact - this film is highly disturbing. It even read somewhat high on my gross-out meter... and not much grosses me out. This film has self-mutilation (severe), defication (mild), animal cruelty (high), and animal mutilation (severe). This film would never have gotten past the ASPCA because they abuse actual animals. They could never make the claim that no animals were hurt in this film because I'm certain they were. If you can't stomach such things, look elsewhere.
With that warning though - I have to say that this film was really good. As disturbing as it was - I liked it. It's not going to be for everyone, but some people are really going to like it. I wouldn't get it if you're looking for shock value either because it moves really slow. This is a really atmospheric film that's difficult to watch. It's not for horror buffs either. I guess people who are into Faces of Death and films like The Piano who are a little disturbed themselves will find something here. I don't think that describes me, but I still found it to be a gripping film.
I have to give this a
with a score of 8/10 - the caveat is that most people won't like this film. It's a really good film though and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.
The DVD is a nice presentation - I think it's Region 3 NTSC. Subtitles are easy to read and all that. It was totally worth picking up for me.
If you're thinking of trolling my threads, then you've got issues. Ok - The Isle
You've seen this at DDDHouse or HKflix and have been a little curious... The provocative cover makes it look like some sort of Cat III title or something, but it's so not that. This is a very very disturbing film. I haven't seen The Piano, but I know enough about it to say that these films have alot in common. I've seen a bit of The Piano - enough really... and The Isle is sort of in the same realm. Before I go on, let me say that the rest of this will probably contain uncloaked spoilers - this film is best seen not knowing what to expect. That said I'll get on with it.
The Isle is about this mute girl who lives on the bank of this little fishing area. She makes money by driving fishermen out to these little isolated floating platforms with tiny shelters on them - they look like little cottages, but they are about the size of a walk-in closet and the roofs are too low for someone to stand up. It's basically just there so they can catch a few 'z's and perhaps have some shelter in case it rains. So this girl takes these fishermen out in her little run down motorboat and drops them off - then periodically she goes from platform to platform selling supplies like food, bait, coffee, prostitutes, whatever...
She ends up falling for this one guy who is fairly quiet. Instead of fishing, this guy makes little toys by bending copper wire. He falls for her as well. Their relationship is very bizarre... I don't even know how to describe it. They represent the most dysfunctional couple in the world. Eventually the cops come and do a shakedown of the fishing area going platform to platform checking IDs... Apparently, criminals go there thinking it's a good place to lay low until things cool off - but the cops are wise to it.
I'm not doing this film justice because I don't want to spoil anything for you in case you feel like watching it. Just trust me when I say it's one of the more bizarre films you're likely to see... it's more of an art film like The Piano is (if you consider it an art film). If you're looking for a little soft-porn, forget it. This is not such a movie. There's nothing sexy going on here at all. In fact - this film is highly disturbing. It even read somewhat high on my gross-out meter... and not much grosses me out. This film has self-mutilation (severe), defication (mild), animal cruelty (high), and animal mutilation (severe). This film would never have gotten past the ASPCA because they abuse actual animals. They could never make the claim that no animals were hurt in this film because I'm certain they were. If you can't stomach such things, look elsewhere.
With that warning though - I have to say that this film was really good. As disturbing as it was - I liked it. It's not going to be for everyone, but some people are really going to like it. I wouldn't get it if you're looking for shock value either because it moves really slow. This is a really atmospheric film that's difficult to watch. It's not for horror buffs either. I guess people who are into Faces of Death and films like The Piano who are a little disturbed themselves will find something here. I don't think that describes me, but I still found it to be a gripping film.
I have to give this a
with a score of 8/10 - the caveat is that most people won't like this film. It's a really good film though and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.The DVD is a nice presentation - I think it's Region 3 NTSC. Subtitles are easy to read and all that. It was totally worth picking up for me.
11-13-01 | 07:15 AM
#2
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Austin, TX
Re: [Review] The Isle
Originally posted by Trigger
I know I said I wouldn't do any more reviews, but if you don't want to read them, then don't... If you feel I'm cluttering up the forum, then go ahead and let a moderator know - if he agrees with you, then I'll gladly stop and comply. I just think there's a few people here that are interested, so I'll continue until I hear otherwise. If you're thinking of trolling my threads, then you've got issues.
I know I said I wouldn't do any more reviews, but if you don't want to read them, then don't... If you feel I'm cluttering up the forum, then go ahead and let a moderator know - if he agrees with you, then I'll gladly stop and comply. I just think there's a few people here that are interested, so I'll continue until I hear otherwise.
If you're thinking of trolling my threads, then you've got issues.
Well, I'm one of the intrested, so I say keep it up...
Thanks for the review
11-13-01 | 12:07 PM
#4
DVD Talk Limited Edition
I got this dvd from a woman friend. She watched it once and then gve me the dvd telling me she would not be watching this any more since it was to disturbing for her.
I have to say this is a very disturbing movie but a keeper in my korean dvd collection.
Kahuna
I have to say this is a very disturbing movie but a keeper in my korean dvd collection.
Kahuna
11-13-01 | 01:15 PM
#5
DVD Talk Hero
Saw it at our Fantasia film fest last summer. It is a disturbing film that will appeal to people who like films like Audition for example.
You can go here (english/movie listings/Isle (The) ) for some more info and a trailer:
http://www.fantasiafest.com
You can go here (english/movie listings/Isle (The) ) for some more info and a trailer:
http://www.fantasiafest.com
11-13-01 | 03:36 PM
#6
Thread Starter
DVD Talk Legend
Originally posted by gabegarwick
Good to see you back Trigger!
I may have to think a while on this movie... I usually don't care for freaky movies, however, you now have my curiosity piqued.
cheers,
Gabe
Good to see you back Trigger!
I may have to think a while on this movie... I usually don't care for freaky movies, however, you now have my curiosity piqued.
cheers,
Gabe
Major spoiler:
Spoiler:
It's a beautiful film in a morbid sort of way, but it's genuinely disturbing. It's a keeper for me though. I haven't finished Audition, but that sounds like a fair comparison from what I've seen so far.
11-13-01 | 04:44 PM
#7
Member
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Foggy Bottom, DC
Re: [Review] The Isle
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Trigger
[B]I know I said I wouldn't do any more reviews, but if you don't want to read them, then don't... If you feel I'm cluttering up the forum, then go ahead and let a moderator know - if he agrees with you, then I'll gladly stop and comply. I just think there's a few people here that are interested, so I'll continue until I hear otherwise. If you're thinking of trolling my threads, then you've got issues.
Trigger,
I certainly don't think that you clutter up the forum at all, but find you reviews informative and insightful. After all, this forum is for "Intl. DVDs, Region Free Players, RCE, Hong Kong DVDs & More" and reviews of int'l dvds certainly do fit the bill.
Of course, some may object to having one person review these movies, but these objections are groundless because anyone can "post [a] reply" if they so wish, and present their own views if they so wish.
Keep up the good work!
GoPeglegs!
PS I dunno if I'll get this one, either, but at least I know that I won't get something that I may regret!
[B]I know I said I wouldn't do any more reviews, but if you don't want to read them, then don't... If you feel I'm cluttering up the forum, then go ahead and let a moderator know - if he agrees with you, then I'll gladly stop and comply. I just think there's a few people here that are interested, so I'll continue until I hear otherwise.
If you're thinking of trolling my threads, then you've got issues. Trigger,
I certainly don't think that you clutter up the forum at all, but find you reviews informative and insightful. After all, this forum is for "Intl. DVDs, Region Free Players, RCE, Hong Kong DVDs & More" and reviews of int'l dvds certainly do fit the bill.
Of course, some may object to having one person review these movies, but these objections are groundless because anyone can "post [a] reply" if they so wish, and present their own views if they so wish.
Keep up the good work!
GoPeglegs!
PS I dunno if I'll get this one, either, but at least I know that I won't get something that I may regret!
Last edited by gopeglegs!; 11-13-01 at 04:46 PM.
11-13-01 | 09:57 PM
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 456
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: XXX
Re: [Review] The Isle
Originally posted by Trigger
I just think there's a few people here that are interested, so I'll continue until I hear otherwise.
I just think there's a few people here that are interested, so I'll continue until I hear otherwise.
so i guess you bought this from DDDHouse. hope i can find the place.
have you seen Lies? An Affair? A Beauty? A Night On The Water? some other interesting korean movies?
i have these beautiful korean-movie posters in my folder for a while. now it's time to go shopping.
11-13-01 | 11:16 PM
#10
Thread Starter
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Re: [Review] The Isle
Originally posted by pum
Trigger, I'm interested. very much.
so i guess you bought this from DDDHouse. hope i can find the place.
have you seen Lies? An Affair? A Beauty? A Night On The Water? some other interesting korean movies?
i have these beautiful korean-movie posters in my folder for a while. now it's time to go shopping.
Trigger, I'm interested. very much.
so i guess you bought this from DDDHouse. hope i can find the place.
have you seen Lies? An Affair? A Beauty? A Night On The Water? some other interesting korean movies?
i have these beautiful korean-movie posters in my folder for a while. now it's time to go shopping.
11-14-01 | 02:39 AM
#11
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 909
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Vancouver, Canada
Hmmm
Found it to be more of an exercise in camera work rather than a competent movie. The director would be well advised to stick to DOP and such rather than directing the entire movie. A few gimmicky sensationalistic moments don't make for a movie. Good idea but poorly executed with the exception of the great camera setups.
11-14-01 | 02:42 AM
#12
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 456
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: XXX
Re: Hmmm
Originally posted by Furious
Found it to be more of an exercise in camera work rather than a competent movie. The director would be well advised to stick to DOP and such rather than directing the entire movie. A few gimmicky sensationalistic moments don't make for a movie. Good idea but poorly executed with the exception of the great camera setups.
Found it to be more of an exercise in camera work rather than a competent movie. The director would be well advised to stick to DOP and such rather than directing the entire movie. A few gimmicky sensationalistic moments don't make for a movie. Good idea but poorly executed with the exception of the great camera setups.
but hey! are you filmmaker? your opinion is just like one.
11-14-01 | 02:55 AM
#13
Thread Starter
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Hmmm
Originally posted by Furious
Found it to be more of an exercise in camera work rather than a competent movie. The director would be well advised to stick to DOP and such rather than directing the entire movie. A few gimmicky sensationalistic moments don't make for a movie. Good idea but poorly executed with the exception of the great camera setups.
Found it to be more of an exercise in camera work rather than a competent movie. The director would be well advised to stick to DOP and such rather than directing the entire movie. A few gimmicky sensationalistic moments don't make for a movie. Good idea but poorly executed with the exception of the great camera setups.
<small>Few films produced in Korea have generated such a polarized response as The Isle. Most domestic critics abhorred the film, except for a few who gave it four stars. It bombed at the box office, despite an expensive marketing campaign. In the international community it has been met with revulsion, cheers, and an invitation to the Venice Film Festival. The film is certainly a mixed bag -- as for myself, I find it somewhat of an embarrassment.
The movie takes place in a rural fishing area, where a groundskeeper tends after a set of floating cottages, selling her body to the visiting fishermen. Indeed, the setting is one of the most memorable aspects of the film: misty and remote, as well as being the perfect male fantasy. Into this environment comes an ex-cop, on the run from the law after killing his lover. The groundskeeper, who speaks not a word throughout the film (although she does make telephone calls offscreen), becomes fascinated with this man, and the two embark on an intense and hurtful relationship.
The Isle is nothing if not sensational. From early bits which make the audience squirm, the film gradually climaxes in some horrifying scenes of self-mutilation, which are nonetheless played for laughs by the director. The film is shocking, and it clearly anticipates moral outrage.
Yet on dramatic terms the movie falls apart. The characters' actions seem driven not by any internal motivation, but rather the director's efforts to drive his story forward. The film strives to achieve some sort of dramatic symmetry, but its efforts are so obvious that at times it feels like a parody of itself. Ultimately the film is dishonest with its viewers, and so it is hard to take it seriously.
The film is not without some strengths. Director Kim Ki-duk has a rare talent for color and composition; in fact, before coming to film he studied painting in Paris. All of his works feature striking visuals, which makes one wonder what he might be able to accomplish with a strong screenplay. Also of note is the strong performance by actress Suh Jung, who built her career starring in a series of experimental independent films.
Ultimately, however, the film leaves the viewer with a sick stomach -- for its violence as well as its missed potential. No doubt The Isle will provide the people at Venice with a bit of controversy; it's just a shame they couldn't have picked one of the better films that this industry has to offer.</small>
The movie takes place in a rural fishing area, where a groundskeeper tends after a set of floating cottages, selling her body to the visiting fishermen. Indeed, the setting is one of the most memorable aspects of the film: misty and remote, as well as being the perfect male fantasy. Into this environment comes an ex-cop, on the run from the law after killing his lover. The groundskeeper, who speaks not a word throughout the film (although she does make telephone calls offscreen), becomes fascinated with this man, and the two embark on an intense and hurtful relationship.
The Isle is nothing if not sensational. From early bits which make the audience squirm, the film gradually climaxes in some horrifying scenes of self-mutilation, which are nonetheless played for laughs by the director. The film is shocking, and it clearly anticipates moral outrage.
Yet on dramatic terms the movie falls apart. The characters' actions seem driven not by any internal motivation, but rather the director's efforts to drive his story forward. The film strives to achieve some sort of dramatic symmetry, but its efforts are so obvious that at times it feels like a parody of itself. Ultimately the film is dishonest with its viewers, and so it is hard to take it seriously.
The film is not without some strengths. Director Kim Ki-duk has a rare talent for color and composition; in fact, before coming to film he studied painting in Paris. All of his works feature striking visuals, which makes one wonder what he might be able to accomplish with a strong screenplay. Also of note is the strong performance by actress Suh Jung, who built her career starring in a series of experimental independent films.
Ultimately, however, the film leaves the viewer with a sick stomach -- for its violence as well as its missed potential. No doubt The Isle will provide the people at Venice with a bit of controversy; it's just a shame they couldn't have picked one of the better films that this industry has to offer.</small>
11-14-01 | 02:31 PM
#15
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 722
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Royal Oak, MI
She sells her body to the local fishermen in the scene early on where the three guys are together playing cards. One of them leads her into the shack and they go at it. When they come out, the guy who gave her the old in-out in-out tells one of the others to pay her. They screw around for a bit, leading her to start to leave, whereupon the guy throws the money in the water. Pissed at being humiliated, she seeks revenge, which came in the "turd-cam" scene, via a handy icepick, if I recall right. Also, the fugitive who gets shot by the police acquires her services, even stopping in the middle when his line gets a bite. Fishing line, that is.
11-14-01 | 04:39 PM
#16
Mod Emeritus
A polite reminder to all....
Originally posted by Trigger
[1] If you feel I'm cluttering up the forum, then go ahead and let a moderator know - if he agrees with you, then I'll gladly stop and comply.
[2] If you're thinking of trolling my threads, then you've got issues.
[1] If you feel I'm cluttering up the forum, then go ahead and let a moderator know - if he agrees with you, then I'll gladly stop and comply.
[2] If you're thinking of trolling my threads, then you've got issues.
- For anyone that missed it, I for one already made it clear that reviews are always welcome here: they are an essential part of what the place is about: sometimes you will find a reviewer whose opinions more often than not coincide or diverge with your own and - either way - the review will be of some use in such cases.
- The second point goes without saying: there is absolutely no point entering a thread simply to harrass a particular poster; disagree with an opinion by all means but ill-willed personal attacks are a big no-no!
And please, as we always say, don't join in flamewars and negative online fights: use the "report post" link at the bottom of each article. If you are not part of the solution....
Benedict
[email protected]
Moderator, International DVD & Movie Forum
Last edited by benedict; 11-14-01 at 04:42 PM.
11-15-01 | 01:30 PM
#17
Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Toronto, Canada
The Isle was well shot, but the story development was lacking...
I like slow developing movies, but this did not have any big payoff.
It was interesting to see how both leads suffer througout the movie. It was quite depressing. The fish hook scenes really made me cringe... both times! YOW!
Not highly recommended, but worth the watch.
Anyone know if these fishing huts are really available in Korea, or is it just fiction created for the movie??
J.T.
I like slow developing movies, but this did not have any big payoff.
It was interesting to see how both leads suffer througout the movie. It was quite depressing. The fish hook scenes really made me cringe... both times! YOW!
Not highly recommended, but worth the watch.
Anyone know if these fishing huts are really available in Korea, or is it just fiction created for the movie??
J.T.
