Ghost Lovers (1974) Shin Sang-ok traditional ghost story
6160DVD
original Hong Kong/Korean/Chinese
title YAN NU HUAN HUN
director Shin Sang-ok
Ching Lee · Lin Wei-Tu · Chan Shao-Hung · Chen
Feng-Chen
A moody,
traditional, atmospheric HK ghost film shot in Korea by one of their
legendary filmmakers, Shin Sang-ok (MY
MOTHER AND HER GUEST). Hong Kong actress Ching Lee plays Sung
Lien-hua, a chronically ill maiden hanging onto life as she awaits the
arrival of Han, her betrothed. But enroute, he is robbed and beaten;
Shun dies before Han can join her. Now, her ghost is unable to enter
heaven until she marries to her soulmate and consumates their love.
North
Korean dictator Kim Jong-Il was a huge movie fan. He especially like
the films of South Korean director Shin Sang-Ok and he wanted Shin to
make a monster movie for him. When the filmmaker refused, Dictator Kim
kidnapped Shin Sang-Ok and his wife. They were forcibly taken to North
Korea and forced to make PULGASARI.
Shortly before the final edit, the two sought and were granted asylum
in the United States. The movie was released in 1985. Shin Sang-Ok returned
to his home in South Korea where he continued his career. He died in
April 2006 after complications during a liver transplant, at age 79.
Hong
Kong/Korean co-production with optional English subtitles, 92 minutes;
widescreen format,
DVD encoded for ALL REGION NTSC, playable on any American machine.
Extras include theatrical trailer.
