TEARS

Tears is a sad, funny and sexually forthright look at a group of lour underage teens in Seoul's underbelly. This second feature by Sang Soo Im doesn't fall prey to the excesses of the subject matter, constructing a small gallery of involving characters, terrifically played by first-timers. The film's refusal to take a judgemental stand on the kids' activities may raise some moral guardian's hackles Tears largely spins on the relationship between Han, a middle-class rebel, and Sa-ri, a genuine piece of social flotsam who's already moved beyond pain. Thanks to pretty fine casting Im manages to sustain interest in the kids through a blend of moods and sharply drawn characters rather than through any down-and-dirty minutiae of their lifestyle. One late sequence, where Han nervously introduces Sa-ri to his parents, with comically unexpected results, typifies the movie's fresh approach to familiar material. Tears captures the atmosphere of Seoul's Garibongdong district (a favoured area for stray teenagers) with unforced naturalism. A true discovery."—Vanefy