A Woman Judge
Hong Eun-Won, 1962, 85 min
Korean with English subtitles

"“I will defend her to the end!” Heo Jin-suk, the titular protagonist of Hong Eun-won’s first film – and only the second Korean feature by a woman director – is defending her mother-in-law who has confessed to murder, but she could be speaking for all women’s rights. A model student from a modest background, Jin-suk defies familial and social barriers to become a judge, but succumbs to pressure to marry the handsome and wealthy Kwon Gyu-sik, although it’s really his father (and boss) who is keen on her. Into this modern comedy of manners comes first melodrama, as Gyu-sik falls for his secretary Miss Oh; then tragedy and tension, when a family member is poisoned. The investigation is intricately crafted in conflicting flashbacks, and the trial beautifully staged, as Jin-suk switches from the judge’s seat to mount her defence, save her family, and prove that honest, hard-working women can have it all in this almost-lost and lovingly-restored Golden Age drama." – LKFF

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Part of the London Korean Film Festival's celebration of a century of Korean cinema.

The London Korean Film Festival (LKFF) presents it's 14th edition, taking place from 1st-14th November in London before embarking on the annual tour 18th-24th November. The Special Focus, and much of this year’s festival programme, highlights the historic milestone of 100-years of Korean cinema along with an exciting mix of UK and International premieres, guests and events across a diverse set of strands; Cinema Now, Women's Voices, Documentary, Hidden Figures: Ha Gil-jong, Artist Video, Animation and Mise-en-scène Shorts.

More info: http://koreanfilm.co.uk