Bow, The (DVD)

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"The Bow" is an appropriate for the film as it seems to be a simple object, yet represents a multitude of aspects. The bow is used as for the Old Man´s archery as well as for his music. Of course, there´s also the symbolism of the arrow representing the penis, a point Kim makes almost too literally. The bow also represents the bow of the ship which is essentially the Girl´s entire world. Looking deeper into the relationship can yield various meanings. Is the Old Man keeping the Girl for his own carnal needs? Is he simply trying to protect the Girl from a cold and uncaring world? It´s not hard to debate that theory considering the forceful brutes that come aboard their ship.

"The Bow" has similar themes and trademarks that have popped up again and again in Kim Ki-duk´s past films. Like most of his films, there is very little dialogue. The main characters never speak, except during their divination ritual, and even then we never hear the words. The characters have no names either which ties into the Buddhist principal of removing the idea of self. Compared to Kim´s other films, "The Bow" has most in common with "3-Iron" in its depiction of a silent, unconventional romance and "Spring, Summer, Fall…and Spring" with its small, isolated setting cut off from the rest of the world.

VIDEO:
The video is presented in anamorphic widescreen with an aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The transfer is clean and accentuates the beautiful setting of the clean blue sea and clear skies. The colors of the fabrics and sashes stand out well.

AUDIO:
The audio is presented in the film´s original Korean language on two tracks; Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1. The dialogue is clear without a single, muddied word and the score is strong. This is a quiet, little film so don´t expect the audio to blow your speakers away.

EXTRAS:
The Making of The Bow is the standard behind-the-scenes featurette and it runs over half an hour. It features extensive behind-the-scenes footage, plus interviews with the cast and crew discussing the film and the meaning of it all.

There isn´t much else on the DVD other than a photo gallery and the film´s original theatrical trailer.

FILM VALUE:
Some might be turned off by unorthodox subject matter and the methods (no names, no dialogue) used to unfold the film. However, I found it to be a piece of refreshing filmmaking. Han Yeo-reum, who also starred in Kim´s "Samaritan Girl", pulls off a remarkable, minimalist as the Girl using only her face and body language. Hers is a surprisingly complex character within that quiet shell. I felt the film threw me a curveball during the end as Kim went a little too over-the-top and metaphysical. Still, "The Bow" is a unique film that can be found for those willing to travel off the beaten path.

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