Watch On the Occasion of Remembering the Turning Gate

On the Occasion of Remembering the Turning Gate is a visually stunning film directed by Hong Sang-soo in 2002. The movie follows the life of Gyung-soo, a struggling actor who goes on a trip to Chuncheon to clear his head after a painful breakup with his girlfriend. On his journey, he meets two women, Sun-young and Choi, who challenge him in different ways and leave a significant mark on his life.

Gyung-soo, played by Kim Sang-kyung, is an introverted young man who seems like a lost soul. He is, in many ways, the embodiment of the confusion of youth, which makes him relatable. Despite his artistic ambitions, he appears to lack confidence and direction, and his self-doubt is heightened by his love life's failures. However, although we follow his journey, he is sometimes an observer, and the camera favours close-ups, giving us a better view of his reactions and facial expressions and the emotions boiling underneath them. This choice is vital since the film is more about Gyung-soo's internal journey than his external one.

The first woman he meets is Sun-young, played by Choo Sang-mi, who has a confident and upbeat personality, which contrasts with Gyung-soo's reserved nature. She is a gregarious dancer who is friendly and welcoming, and their friendship seems to grow naturally. The interactions between these two characters are delightful, and it's easy to understand why Gyung-soo comes back for a second visit. Even though they have different personalities, they complement each other in sentiment, and the relationship seems destined to grow into something more.

The second woman he meets is a more complex figure who goes by the name of Choi, played by Lee Mi-sook. She is a mysterious and elusive figure, who lives alone in a remote cabin in the forest. On their first meeting, Gyung-soo is drawn to her beauty, and they engage in a lengthy conversation that lingers in the memory long after the film's ending. She is an alluring presence, and we can understand why Gyung-soo is drawn to her, but her motives remain opaque throughout the story, leaving us wondering if her interest in him goes beyond a casual flirtation.

The Turning Gate, mentioned in the title, is a traditional Korean entertainment site. It serves as a metaphor for the film's themes, which include constant change, how we strive for a meaningful connection, and the fleeting nature of life. The location represents a place of reunion and also an escape from reality into a world of artistic reflection. It is a ritual of sorts, a way of resetting and commencing life anew.

Hong Sang-soo's direction and cinematography are exceptional, showcasing the beauty of the Korean landscape while also highlighting the nuances of the characters' interactions. The camera captures their faces and body language in intimate detail, which adds depth to the story's emotional core. The film's visual and technical elements are symbolic of the narrative structure, which relies on repetition and variation of events, making it feel like a dance with continual transformations and missteps.

On the Occasion of Remembering the Turning Gate is a slow-moving but beautiful film that examines the human condition against the backdrop of beautiful scenery. It deals with universal themes of youth, failed relationships, self-doubt, and renewed hope. The romance at the heart of the story is captivating, even though it is not expressed in the traditional sense. It's a film that deserves to be seen by a wider audience who appreciates the artistry and power of movie-making.