Ep1150: IndieSeen: By the Stream (2024) - Movie Review
Ian and Sujewa return with a heated look at a chill movie: Hong Sang-soo's By the Stream!
Kim Min-hee stars as Jeo-nim, an instructor at a Seoul women's college. After a scandal leaves her without a director for her class's segment in an upcoming skit competition, she recruits uncle Choo Si-eon (Kwon Hae-hyo)--a disgraced former director--to help. Over several meals, rehearsals, and meaningful walks, truths are revealed and new relationships bloom.
In this spoilerfiic and contentious review, Ian and Sujewa debate the wisdom of talking about another Hong Sang-soo film; Ian had previously banned all discussion of the auteur's work on the show, but was convinced that this one was different. How much should an audience have to read into a screenplay--and do writer/directors have a responsibility to meet them more than halfway? Does a movie have to make the most of its many alleged themes--or is it okay to just go on a two-hour ride and not think too much about the weight of the ideas being presented?
Also, just who is the main character in By the Stream?
(In retrospect, one of Ian's arguments on this point is shaky--see if you can spot it.)
The guys hash all of this out, and provide an update on Sujewa's in-progress movie, 53 Spaceships!
Note: Due to a week chock full of technical difficulties, this episode was released much later than intended (it was supposed to coincide with a limited theatrical run of By the Stream at Chicago's Gene Siskel Film Center). See the "Show Links" below for info on how you can see this film on the big screen.
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Show Links
Watch the By the Stream trailer.
By the Stream recently finished a limited run at Chicago's Gene Siskel Film Center--but will play several theatres/events in the coming months. Check the Cinema Guild website for dates and venues.
Support Sujewa's new film project, 53 Spaceships, the latest adventure of Cosmic Disco Detective Rene!
Check out Sujewa's latest podcast venture, This Arthouse Life!
Watch Sujewa's latest film, Cosmic Disco Detective Rene for free on YouTube!
Rent The Secret Society for Slow Romance (the predecessor to Cosmic Disco Detective Rene).
Follow Sujewa on X.
Check out all the episodes in our “IndieSeen” Playlist!
