Chunhyang

Just from reading the DVD cover I knew I wouldn't be able to show the whole film in the classroom. "A Masterwork! Both Exotic and Erotic" according to the Boson Globe. Immediately I wondered if the use of "exotic" was another example of Edward Said's argument the West and Orientalism. However, the idea of seeing a new interpretation of a "classic tale" was intriguing.
The film did not disappoint. The cinematography was beautiful and picturesque. The storyline familiar: boy finds girl, family & class obligations/conflict rears its ugly head, yet a happy ending is possible. Bollywood without the musical in the classic sense. However, the narrator is singing the story. When the film began I had to check to see if the subtitles were working as the older man was singing, but there was no translation. A few (more than I care to admit) minutes later, I realized that it was because he was telling the story. Reminiscent of the Spanish film "Carmen".
The intimate moments between Mongryong & Chunhyang were tasteful and necessary to the storyline BUT they make it impossible to show in the classroom. The segment about Ying and Yang and the visual of the couple was artsy, but I will have to stop it before the artsy part to ensure that it doesn't gets processed differently.
I will also use the scenes associated with Mongryong's studies, exam, and official examiner position.
For those Institute members who may have received one: watch it! I'm glad I did.