603 East Liberty Street
Ann Arbor , MI
2015 | 94 minutes | Directed by Im Kwon-taek
Revivre (Hwa-jang) is an emotional drama starring veteran actor Sung-kee Ahn (Silmido, Unbowed) and Kim Gyu-ri (Doomsday Book) and directed by Im Kwon-taek. The Korean title 'Hwa-jang' has two meanings: 'makeup' as in lipstick or eye shadow and 'cremation.' It is a play on words that speaks to the somber nature of the film.
Mr. OH, who is in his mid-fifties, loses his wife after a four-year battle with cancer and proceeds with the funeral arrangements. His daughter’s long and unrelenting weeping has Mr. OH recall the same kind of outburst his wife let out when she was informed of a relapse. An executive at a major cosmetics company, Mr. OH was an extremely devoted husband who took great care of his sick wife. Soon, the funeral home becomes filled with guests including his corporate staff who are obliged to bring authorization- required documents for Mr. OH with them despite the occasion. With the upcoming winter collection release, there are too many issues for him to decide, but Mr. OH is distracted, not by the funeral but by a guest clad in black: his female staff member whom he carries feelings for.
Check out reviews in Variety and the Hollywood Reporter.
