FILM-FORWARD.COMReviews of Recent Independent, Foreign, & Documentary Films in Theaters and DVD/Home Video
CHI-HWA-SEON (PAINTED FIRE)
Set in exotic 19th century Korea, Chi-hwa-seon vividly portrays the legendary Korean
painter Jang Seung-up, or "Ohwon" as he was called. Set during the invasion of Japan and China,
Ohwon is a child beggar with amazing artistic talent. Only when a noble patron saves him from
bully beatings is his gift recognized. To show his gratitude, Ohwon takes a scrap piece of paper
and draws the patron a portrayal of daily life - the introduction of a prodigy. The patron leads
Ohwon to an environment where he can further polish his skills. Through his drawings, Ohwon, not surprisingly, soon gains acclaim
and fame. In the midst of political revolt, he himself is politically innocent and ignorant, which,
as a blessing in disguise, enables him to create art comforting to the people of his
devastated country. However, despite his success and celebrity, Ohwon gradually senses an
emptiness in himself and in his art. Constantly suffering inner turmoil, he
isolates himself from society and lives the life of a caveman, ever so cruelly digging into his
inner soul for higher potential. Sadly he is never complete. He quietly vanishes from the world
and becomes a legend. This deliberately-paced depiction of Ohwon's life is without doubt inspiring, heartrending, and eye-opening.
Like Ohwon's paintings, the direction by Im Kwon Taek is powerful, beautifully photographed, and
sensational.
DVD Extras: Most interesting is the display of the actual art of Jang Seung-up, who
was first recognized for his meticulous reproductions of East Asian masterpieces. Jang
Seung-up's art is exhibited next to the original masterpiece, and the two are astonishingly almost
unidentifiable. Followed are several of his original paintings, a rare view of his genuine art that
also appeared in the film. The theatrical trailer, however, is strangely focused on the sensationally erotic
elements of the film. Hazuki Aikawa, journalist, director of the documentary Yancha
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