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Bardo

Bardo (2022)

Jul 09, 2022 20m Horror

During the period of mourning lasting 49 days after her mother’s death, Seon is told that her mother was actually a daughter of a shaman family and will be reborn as her daughter. Seon is doubtful about this story. She wants to prove that her mother’s chronic headache was not due to repudiation of serving Sea God. However, on the 49th day after mother’s death, Seon delivers a daughter and believes the baby is her mother. She disappears into the sea with her baby.

Directed by Jung Ji-hyun

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Jung Ji-hyun
Writer
  • Jung Ji-hyun

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Thematic Analysis

This Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Bardo presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.

Director Jung Ji-hyun 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2022, 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 Bardo took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 20 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 79 minutes long.
  • The film contains approximately 869 individual shots.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.

Historical Context

  • In 2022, when this film is released:
  • Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
  • Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

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

Unlike Smugglers, which focuses more on action than character development, Bardo subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like The Last of the Sea Women and Everglow explore similar territory, Bardo stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

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: July 9, 2022
  • Runtime: 20m

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