MASTER OF THE DARK
Tatler Singapore|February 2024
South Korean director Park Chan-wook has bent the imaginations of many with his aesthetics of extreme violence. But beyond the tongue cutting and neck biting is his sympathetic and humanistic take on our nature
Zabrina Lo
MASTER OF THE DARK

It was as quiet as the grave in the main hall of Hong Kong's M+ museum when Park Chan-wook strode in for his film masterclass in December last year-a very deliberate metaphor when it comes to the award-winning South Korean director best known for his canon of brutally violent cinema.

Park's rare visit to Hong Kong was to promote his latest feature film Decision to Leave (2022), which is his first release in six years. Fans, museum staff and the media were curious to see what new and twisted method he would employ to sentence his characters to death after three decades of bewildering imaginations-the antagonist in Oldboy (2003) puts a bullet in his brain; in Lady Vengeance (2005), a child murderer is mutilated by the victims' families who queue up one by one with knives and scissors, wearing raincoats to avoid blood splatter; in Thirst (2009), a male vampire locks a human whose wife he has turned into a vampire in a cabinet pinned to the bottom of a frozen lake, then sacrifices himself and his female counterpart to the sun.

So it is a little surprising to see-spoiler alert-less of his signature cut-throat violence in the conclusion to his latest film, which won Park the best director award at Cannes Film Festival in 2022. We watch as a murder suspect, played by Lust, Caution Chinese actress Tang Wei, digs herself a grave at the beach, lies in it, and allows herself to be consumed by the rising tide. The detective who was investigating her husbands' homicides (yes, plural), and has fallen in love with her follows her to the beach, bypassing her burial spot as he calls out her name, the audience painfully aware of her fate beneath the waves.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM TATLER SINGAPOREView all
Old-World CHARM
Tatler Singapore

Old-World CHARM

Professional photographer and content creator Zipeng Lee takes off to Switzerland to experience some of the country’s most storied heritage hotels

time-read
4 mins  |
October 2024
THE World ACCORDING TO Redzepi
Tatler Singapore

THE World ACCORDING TO Redzepi

Renowned Noma chef René Redzepi and executive producer Matt Goulding unpack Apple TV's new eight-part docuseries, Omnivore, and its exploration of humanity through food

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2024
COURAGE OF CONVICTION
Tatler Singapore

COURAGE OF CONVICTION

Tatler speaks to Bing Chen, Prabal Gurung and Kevin Lin to discuss how their non-profit Gold House is changing the future of the Asian diaspora

time-read
8 mins  |
October 2024
INDUSTRIALI
Tatler Singapore

INDUSTRIALI

Exploring the important sustainability efforts taking place beyond obvious industries

time-read
8 mins  |
October 2024
THE BALL'S INHER COURT
Tatler Singapore

THE BALL'S INHER COURT

China's most celebrated tennis star Li Na opens up about her career, influencing young athletes and her continuous learning journey

time-read
6 mins  |
October 2024
Love Story
Tatler Singapore

Love Story

Set in Paris, Graff's new bridal campaign marries the timelessness of love and diamonds

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
Over the Rainbow
Tatler Singapore

Over the Rainbow

The inspirations behind Hermés creative director for jewellery Pierre Hardy's latest and gorgeously colourful high jewellery collection surprise and delight

time-read
4 mins  |
October 2024
Twist and Turn
Tatler Singapore

Twist and Turn

Bvlgari's debut Tubogas jewellery collection reimagines a classic technique with 16 stunning creations

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2024
Game On
Tatler Singapore

Game On

From diamond‑set carabiner‑inspired clasps to a carbon fibre cuff, Chanel knocks it out of the park with Sport, an audacious and innovative high jewellery collection unlike any other

time-read
6 mins  |
October 2024
The Wrist Taker
Tatler Singapore

The Wrist Taker

Shipping scion and basketball team owner Hendi Widodo unlocks his vault of rarefied timepieces

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024