French actress Isabelle Huppert is a performer of remarkable versatility, but even her substantial star power can't quite keep afloat this low-key Korean comedy about the clash between Western and Eastern cultures. In Another Country consists of three overlapping stories created by an aspiring screenwriter (Jung Yumi)—with each tale featuring Huppert as a Frenchwoman named Anne who finds herself as the sole European at a Korean beach resort. Although she plays different characters in each of the stories—a filmmaker, a filmmaker's lover, and a vacationing divorcee—she encounters recurring characters, most notably a muscular if none-too-bright lifeguard (Yoo Jung-sang). Huppert, speaking in English rather than French, injects as much energy and charm as possible into her three roles, and her chemistry with Yoo Jung-sang is frequently entertaining. But the fey concept eventually becomes somewhat tiresome, and In Another Country ultimately offers little insight into its ostensible subjects, including infidelity, disparate cultures, and the filmmaking process. Still, filmmaker Hong Sang-soo deserves kudos for being able to attract Huppert to such an unusual project. A strong optional purchase. (P. Hall)
In Another Country
Kino Lorber, 89 min., in English & Korean w/English subtitles, not rated, DVD: $29.95 Volume 28, Issue 4
In Another Country
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
Order From Your Favorite Distributor Today: