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Hello everyone!

Sorry for the long, unexpected hiatus.

Suffice to say, I was feeling a deep, stultifying sense of ennui leading up to this blog’s recent 17-year anniversary, frankly. In hindsight, I really needed a break.

But simply opening up this page and just writing is already doing wonders for getting that spark back. And if it happens to be posting about this film screening that enables this soft restart, with more regular and longer posts soon to follow, then I’ll gladly take advantage!

This announcement is not just a means to that end though!

If you’re reading this, you’re probably already familiar with Blue Is the Warmest Colour (2013, but released in 2014 in Korea). You’ll know it’s controversial, for reasons well covered by Manohla Dargis in a 2013 article in The New York Times (free registration required). You may have strong opinions of your own too, which I’d be very interested to hear.

Because while I’ve read so much about it these past 10 years, I haven’t actually watched it myself yet.

Okay, that’s not technically true. Yes, I am indeed a cishet male. I won’t insult your intelligence pretending I haven’t perused certain scenes on Netflix. But, unlike watching it on Netflix, with all the distractions of home, in the cinema I’ll be forced to watch it in its entirety for its full 3 hours. Giving me lots of time to judge its problematic elements for myself.

Which is why I’m so excited to watch it at Corner Theater / 모퉁이극장 here in Busan next week, as it’ll probably be my first and last opportunity.

And even without this particular screening, I must really give a shoutout to Corner Theater itself too. With its constant line-up of arthouse and classic films, for half the price of regular cinemas, an uncomplicated online booking process (no downloads!), and the staff showering you with free film posters, let’s just say it’s not just been ennui that’s been preventing me from writing these last few months!

Thoughts on the film? See you there? ;)

Source: @corner_theater.

If you reside in South Korea, you can donate via wire transfer: Turnbull James Edward (Kookmin Bank/국민은행, 563401-01-214324)