Written

Written, directed by Byung-woo Kim and released in 2008, presents a unique story concept wrapped inside a strange, beautiful, and enigmatic world. The film stars Bo-yeong Kim in a captivating central performance, with Jin-seok Lee and Sang-hyeok Lee in significant roles. It introduces us to a narrative structure that challenges the conventional storytelling formats, ensuring it leaves an unpredictable and intriguing impact on its viewers.

The dark ambiance of the movie sets the tone right from the beginning, where the lead character, an anonymous writer (Jin-seok Lee), takes a mysterious contract from a quiet, wheelchair-bound man (Bo-yeong Kim). The man wants the writer to novelize his life, making for an exciting premise as the plot establishes connections between the writer's narrative fiction and the wheelchair man’s reality.

The writer produces some strange and punishing tasks and the wheelchair man offers glimpses into the depth of his suffering. The physical torment the protagonist endures seems at once mystical and metaphorical, adding further depth to the mysterious plot. Bo-yeong Kim delivers an impressive show as the protagonist who, despite being a pawn in the writer's plot, starts transforming into the author of his life story.

Jin-seok Lee as the writer excels in his role, moving seamlessly between being monstrous and empathetic. His performance represents a man caught in a moral and ethical dilemma, crafting a narrative that could either liberate or further constrain his central character.

Meanwhile, Sang-hyeok Lee amps up the intrigue in the narrative. Even as viewers grapple with the emerging ambiguity, the cast's compelling performances keep them hooked, searching for meaning amidst the darkness that shrouds the narrative.

The mysterious and otherworldly nature of the film is accentuated by the beautifully eerie cinematography. The visuals contribute to the narrative's disorienting and dread-infused atmosphere, supporting the challenging narrative with a corresponding visual flair. Written's camera work encapsulates both the literal and metaphorical aspects of the film, heightening its eerie feel while highlighting the characters' emotions and struggles.

The movie's pacing deserves a special mention. The gradual unraveling of the story, accentuated by the nuances of character development, ensures that the audience remains gripped. At first, one may feel overwhelmed; yet, as the story unfurls, it is hard not to get entirely absorbed in this visually arresting, complex narrative.

The film's score provides an eerie backdrop to the story, further enhancing the mood of despair and dread. It effortlessly complements the performances, camerawork, and storyline, seamlessly blending into the fabric of the film.

Written offers an existential commentary that goes beyond its horror-thriller genre. It pushes its characters, as well as the viewers, into contemplation about concepts of fate, free will, and the cruel games destiny plays. It raises questions about who has the real sovereignty over human lives - the person who is living it or some unseen, higher power, or random circumstances?

Moreover, the movie intriguingly explores the relationship between a writer and his characters, questioning where the boundary lies if the characters could retaliate. It observes how reality and fiction can intertwine and play out in synchrony - extending beyond the realm of typical narration into a realm where narrative also becomes a theme.

Written, in essence, is a genre-bending offering, shrouded in mystery and powered by well-etched characters. Ideal for fans of thought-provoking cinema, this film successfully merges human drama with philosophical musings. The amalgamation of such diverse elements imbues the film with a unique charm and turns it into a cinematic experience that's haunting, insightful, and leaves a lasting impression.

Byung-woo Kim's Written is undoubtedly a must-watch for those who appreciate films with depth and aesthetic cinematic quality. The viewers might have to untangle the layered narrative - but isn't it precisely what makes any cinematic experience more rewarding?