Korea's unique fizzy, fermented rice wine, makgeolli, has a cinematic counterpart in the films of director Hong Sang-soo. Known for his unconventional storytelling and primitive craftsmanship, Hong's work has found favor with film programmers worldwide. His latest film, 'A Traveler's Needs,' featuring acclaimed actress Isabelle Huppert, is generating interest even among skeptics of Hong's style.
In the film, Huppert portrays Iris, a mysterious Frenchwoman with eccentric tendencies. Her character remains enigmatic, engaging in peculiar habits like playing the recorder poorly in public spaces. The storyline unfolds in Seoul, with Iris's motives and background left ambiguous, adding to the intrigue.
