Bong Joon Ho: Power and Paradox

‘I think even the most mundane of daily aspects, of individuals, all carry a political-social context with them.’

– Bong Joon Ho

Korean cinema can be divided into two eras: before and after the emergence of director Bong Joon Ho. The advent of the 21st century marked a new beginning for Korean film, of which he played a pivotal role. With films that spanned everyday life and the realms of alternative or futuristic worlds, he balanced critical acclaim with commercial heft. His themes explore power through paradox, where control meets chaos, and humour intertwines with horror, laying bare the intricacy of societal systems; with audiences better positioned to identify the structures of power that his characters appear oblivious to. The tension between visibility and blindness creates a striking irony – a hallmark of Bong’s work. This season includes all of Bong’s features, alongside an early short that reveals a brilliance fully formed, all of which have conjured a compelling and immensely entertaining cinematic universe.

To book tickets and learn more about the programme, please visit BFI