The film 'Birth' (2022) by Yoo Ji-young is a harrowing drama that explores the social and personal anxiety of pregnancy. It has received accolades such as the Citizen Critics' Award at the 27th Busan International Film Festival and the Festival Choice at the 48th Seoul Independent Film Festival. The film follows the story of Jae (played by Han Hae-in), a promising young writer, and Geon-woo (played by Lee Ju-han), her roommate and lover, as they navigate the unexpected news of Jae's unplanned pregnancy. The film delves into themes of personal choice, societal expectations, and the struggle for autonomy, offering a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the challenges faced by modern women. The film's direction, screenplay, and cinematography maintain a documentary-like realism, with a classical style and extensive use of long, static shots. The performances by Han Hae-in and Lee Ju-han are commanding and nuanced, bringing depth and vulnerability to their characters. Overall, 'Birth' emerges as a poignant and precise exploration of desire and autonomy, offering a timely critique of the societal pressures women face.
In other news, the film 'Birthmark', starring Shabeer Kallarakkal and Mirnaa, had its OTT premiere on Aha. The film was released in theaters on February 23 and received unfavorable reviews. Directed by Vikram Shreedharan and written by him along with Sriram Sivaraman, the film follows a couple, Daniel and Jennifer, as they go through pregnancy and move to a natural birthing center in the hills. Daniel, an army soldier with severe PTSD symptoms, starts behaving strangely, causing concern for Jennifer and their unborn children. The film also stars PR Varalakshmi, Indirajith, Porkodi, and Deepthie. The technical crew includes cinematographer Udhay Thangavel, music composer Vishal Chandrashekhar, art director Ramu Thangaraj, and editor Iniyavan Pandiyan. However, the film received negative reviews due to its chaotic rhythm, odd directorial choices, overpowering soundtrack, and weak screenplay. [03d73758] [836b7bef]