KIM Ki-duk’s Latest May not Screen Commercially in Korea
Following the explosive success of
Pieta, which drew record crowds for an indie film and clinched the coveted Golden Lion during last year’s Venice International Film Festival, many are highly anticipating
KIM Ki-duk’s latest oeuvre. According to distributor
Finecut,
Moebius is the indie auteur’s most controversial film yet. Reinforcing such a claim is the news that the Korea Media Ratings Board (KMRB) has assigned the film a restricted rating, which may prevent it from been screened commercially in the country.
Films with restricted ratings are only permitted to exhibit in specialist cinemas, however at present, no such venues exist in South Korea. This effective ban, pending the chance of an appeal or the possibility of a recut version being submitted for review, was decided upon by KMRB based on content they felt to be “highly violent, terrifying and harmful to underage audiences.” Furthermore, they expressed their belief that “The unethical and unsocial expressions of sexual activity between immediate family members make it only suitable for screening in limited theatres.”
The film’s future at home is currently uncertain (though it is permitted to screen in certain approved festivals, such as Busan) but it’s prospects overseas are looking strong following a slew of sales deals clinched by Finecut last week and rife speculation that the film will bow during this year’s Venice International Film Festival.