Contested film released with English subtitles

The most controversial movie of the year, "Too Young to Die," is showing with English subtitles in Seoul.

The movie opened nationwide last Friday and Miro Space in Insa-dong, Jongno decided to run it with English subtitles until Dec. 19.

"Insa-dong is a tourist attraction with many foreigners, which makes the right place to show the quality film with English subtitles," said a staff member of Miro Space.

"Too Young to Die," directed by Park Jin-pyo, seemed destined never to make it to the big screen in Korea. The Korea Media Rating Board cracked down on it for its graphic depiction of the love -- and the love life -- of a married couple in their 70s.

The decision of the board to not approve the film fueled a controversy. However, after darkening a small portion of the movie, which featured oral sex, the film was permitted to open.

The movie shows at 3:10, 4:30, 5:50 and 7:10 p.m. Miro Space is in the second basement of Insa Art Plaza. Take subway line No. 3 (orange), get off at Anguk Station, or subway line No. 1 (dark blue) to Jonggak Station. For more information, call (02) 722-1874.

Also showing in Seoul with English subtitles is "Jiltuneun Na-ui Him" (Jealousy Is My Middle Name), directed by Bak Chan-ok, at ArtSonje Center on Tuesday. This screening is part of the Women Filmmaker's Festival. The ArtSonje Center is reachable by taking subway line No. 3 and using exit 1 at Anguk station. For more information, call (02) 733-8945.

by Chun Su-jin