Set in two locales emblematic of South Korea at this moment in its headlong rush for economic development-a country town that's turning into a new city, and a sleazy suburb of Seoul over which gangs fight for control-Green Fish is the most highly regarded movie of the year in Korea. The directorial debut of novelist Lee Chang-Dong, it is finely balanced between violent action, intense emotion, and thoughtful reflection. Makdong, fresh out of military service, is drawn by chance into the orbit of gang boss Bae and his mistress Miae. Bae seems like the kind of father he always wanted, and Miae seems interested in becoming the girlfriend he's never had. Only gradually does Makdong grasp that Bae's relationship with Miae is sadomasochistic, and by then he's already out of his depth.-Tony Rayns, Vancouver Festival