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Weather is always emotional and sensual. In The Breaking Ice, weather becomes an integral part of the film’s narrative. Set in a small Chinese border city of Yanji, the film’s snow-covered cityscape and icy…

Anthony Chen’s The Breaking Ice introduces a visually captivating yet imperfect journey through the states of matter – ice, water, and steam. The film extends an invitation for reflection on the nature of human…

Dancing on the edge of crime and action, with a frequent glimmer of comedy, is Ryoo Seung-wan's newest cinematic offering, Smugglers. Set in South Korea during the 1970s, Seung-wan grants the audience a riveting…

Ryoo-Seung wan trained his flashlight on a familiar sunken treasure chest, scraped off the barnacles, and crowbarred it open. After nearly a decade, the South Korean filmmaker decided it was time to rekindle the…

Smugglers is director Ryoo Seung-Wan’s fresh attempt at a crime thriller and action-comedy that captures many of the desired characteristics of the genre that fans are looking for: well-placed comedic moments and expertly choregraphed…

Occasionally, I will watch a scene in a film and think, “this is something I never knew I needed to see, but I am very glad I did”; and I am sure, like myself,…

Ryoo Seung-wan Smugglers blew me away. With the combination of the film’s mise-en-scene, cinematography, and captivating storyline, I was left inspired by Ryoo Seung-wan’s attention to detail. In a way I find that many action/thriller…

From ILO ILO to his latest film, The Breaking Ice, marks Anthony Chen's tenth year in the industry and showcases his ability to capture and convey the subtle nuances of everyday emotions. Throughout his…

Ranking among the iconic images of international cinema is the euphoric sprint across the footbridge in Francois Truffaut’s Jules et Jim. Shot straight-on using a handheld camera that trembles in tune with their every…

Anthony Chen’s The Breaking Ice is a hauntingly beautiful film illustrating the relationship between three young adults who navigate their personal struggles through an unexpected, briskly blooming friendship. One is held down by the…