Review: Bleak Night (2011)

A month ago I posted a review on SuckSeed and wrote how it is a fun and carefree portrayal of teenage life. Now imagine if the film goes through a rabbit hole and emerges as its exact opposite: something gloomy, controversial. You get Bleak Night, an independent flick from South Korea.

One of the few foreign films shown during the recently concluded Cinemalaya, Bleak Night chronicles the days leading up to a young man's suicide. Told through flashbacks, it is a part-mystery-part-drama film that tackles plenty of issues concerning teenage life.

A short excerpt from my review:

Bleak Night is grimmer, darker, and, if stereotypes of the “student bully” are indications of the genre being too formulaic, then breathe well knowing that this latest offering from South Korea shows exceptional prowess in handling such matter, resulting in a viewing experience that is both memorable and heartbreaking.

Head on over to Japan Cinema to read the rest.