Extreme Festival: A Hilarious Journey through Cultural Festivities
"Extreme Festival," the debut feature film by director Kim Hong-ki, takes audiences on a side-splitting adventure into the world of regional cultural festivals in South Korea. This delightful comedy centers around the challenges faced by startup event management company Jealousy Is Our Motto as they organize and execute a regional festival.
The film follows CEO Hye-soo, played brilliantly by Kim Jae-hwa, who finds herself in over her head when the local administration suddenly changes the festival's name and purpose at the last minute. This unexpected twist means that the meticulously prepared historical play must be modified. To make matters worse, the governor, with his unconventional ideas, insists on giving the play a post-pandemic treatment, much to the dismay of the performing theatre troupe. As if that weren't enough, the governor also wants his performance artist son to participate.
With a shortage of staff and creative ideas, Hye-soo's boyfriend and business partner, Sang-min (Park Kang-sub), enlists the help of former employee Leo, while the enthusiastic local girl Eun-chae joins the team as an intern, seeking an escape from her family situation. As they strive to make the festival a success, they encounter unexpected obstacles that will test their resilience and sense of humor.
Kim Hong-ki's debut film finds its comedic strength in the challenges faced by startup companies during their initial projects. The film accurately portrays the last-minute hiccups, the struggles of managing a team with limited resources, and the need to accommodate demanding clients. The character of Hye-soo embodies the importance of perseverance, and Kim Jae-hwa's honest performance strikes a perfect balance between believability and humor, keeping the audience engaged throughout.
While the festival provides the backdrop for the story, the film truly shines when it delves into the lives of its characters. Eun-chae, portrayed by Jang Se-rim, represents the aspirations of young South Koreans, eager to break free from their confined lives and find any job that offers an escape. Through a poignant early scene, Eun-chae's longing for a different world is poignantly conveyed. Similarly, Leo, played by Park Kang-sub, embodies the struggles of a repressed artist facing creative blockages. Kim skillfully explores the transient nature of fame through Leo's interactions with a Japanese rockstar character, shedding light on the challenges faced by celebrities as they age. The film also cleverly comments on the difficulties encountered by performing arts troupes in the modern era. Remarkably, the first-time director manages to incorporate all of these themes within a tight 93-minute runtime without sacrificing the film's humorous tone.
The cinematography, focused on a single location that creates a play-like atmosphere, remains unobtrusive, allowing the comedic performances to take center stage. The music, though sparingly used, effectively enhances the scenes, with the opening credits featuring an enjoyable piece. Precise editing keeps the pacing tight, ensuring that the film maintains its comedic rhythm without losing momentum.
While the cultural and historical significance of the festival might not be fully explained to unfamiliar audiences, "Extreme Festival" succeeds in delivering relevant and entertaining content. Its universal appeal lies in its ability to provoke laughter while exploring pertinent themes. Director Kim Hong-ki presents a delightful comedy that celebrates the joy and challenges of cultural festivities, making "Extreme Festival" a must-see for anyone seeking a hilarious and heartwarming cinematic experience.
Extreme Festival (2023) - info
- Release date: 7 Jun 2023
- Genre: Drama
- Director: Kim Hong-ki
- Writer: Kang Ji-hyun-I, Kim Hong-ki (
- Stars: Kim Jae Hwa, Jo Min Jae, Park Kang Sub
Extreme Festival (2023) - Trailer
Source: HanCinema