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Digressions

Digressions (2020)

May 28, 2020 25m Mystery Drama

Hwijong loses his job as a parking attendant because a brand-new building will be built on the parking lot he used to work for. Yeun unexpectedly loses her lover. She wants to go back to her old job only to find the office building completely empty. For Yeun, the street that she has been walking for years does not feel the same as before. On the contrary, Hwijong is trapped in a repeated sequence of experience even in his dreams. The daily lives of the two dance with each other to Chopin’s Waltz—they are sometimes tangled, sometimes crossed on the road. This film is intended to go through the high rise building in downtown Seoul like capillary vessels. Little snippets of live sometimes go through the little roads or change directions to create life.

Directed by Namkoong Sun

Cast

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Kim Yae-eun
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Kim Yae-eun

as Ye-eun

Lee Hwi-jong
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Lee Hwi-jong

as Hwi-jong

Cho Soo-hyang
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Cho Soo-hyang

as Soo-hyang

Crew

Director
  • Namkoong Sun
Writer
  • Namkoong Sun

Reviews

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Digressions examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Namkoong Sun brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2020, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Digressions took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 25 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 81 minutes long.
  • The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The musical score contains over 80 unique compositions.
  • The costume department created over 139 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 2020, when this film is released:
  • The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
  • Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Digressions shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Gray Wall Gear, which focuses more on action than character development, Digressions subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like On the Edge of Their Seats and Demolition Girl explore similar territory, Digressions stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: May 28, 2020
  • Runtime: 25m

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