

Starting April, we’re immersing ourselves in the films of the deeply humanistic and socially engaged filmmaker Lee Chang-dong. One of the most influential voices in Korean cinema working today, Lee produced just six feature films in a career spanning over two decades. As his earlier work has recently been beautifully digitally restored, we’re proud to present all six masterpieces for you to (re)discover.
Lee began his career as a novelist, and didn’t leap to directing until his forties. As a filmmaker, he consistently focuses on the human experience, particularly of those living on the fringes of society, not shying away from infusing sharp social commentary while always exhibiting compassion and respect for his characters. His films explore alienation, poverty, mental health, and trauma in the lives of individuals who, despite their hardships, are in search of meaning and redemption. Through their stories, Lee offers a subtle yet poignant critique of the status quo in Korean society.

Oasis (2002)
A young man released from prison visits the widow of the man he killed drunk-driving and becomes infatuated with his cerebral palsy-stricken daughter.
- Kijkwijzer 12
- Geweld
- Seks

Poetry (2010)
A sexagenarian South Korean woman enrolls in a poetry class as she grapples with her faltering memory and her grandson’s appalling wrongdoing.
- Kijkwijzer 12
- Eng
- Groftaalgebruik

Burning (2018)
Deliveryman Jongsu is out on a job when he runs into Haemi, a girl who once lived in his neighbourhood. She asks if he’d mind looking after her cat while she’s away on a trip to Africa. On her return, she introduces to Jongsu an enigmatic young man named Ben, who she met during her trip. One day Ben tells Jongsu about his most unusual hobby.
- Kijkwijzer 16
- Geweld

Peppermint Candy (1999)
In the spring of 1999, a group of old friends gather to celebrate their 20 year reunion. Among the group is Yeong-ho, a cold, unhappy man, whose demeanor puts a damper on the festivities. The seriousness of Yeong-ho’s depression becomes apparent when he climbs a railroad bridge and looks like he might jump. At this crucial moment, memories of seven crucial episodes from Yeong-ho’s past flood his mind.
- Kijkwijzer 16

Green Fish (1997)
Returning home and finding his town drastically changed, a former soldier falls in with gangsters.
- Kijkwijzer 16
- Geweld

Secret Sunshine (2007)
Shin-ae moves to her recently late husband’s hometown. Despite her efforts to settle in this unfamiliar and too-normal place, she finds that she can’t fit in. After a sudden tragedy, Shin-ae turns to Christianity to relieve her pain, but when even this is not permitted, she wages a war against God.
- Alle leeftijden
Specials

KINO presents: 70mm celluloid film
Read and check out our short documentary about the ultimate 70mm format. Programmers Jan and Frank explain what makes it so special and share the story of our search for the DP70 projector.

Kaboom Anime Series
KABOOM Animation Festival presents a continuing series of the best anime classics Japan has to offer. On every third Wednesday, from September to January, KINO screens a favorite animated feature.

Björk: Cornucopia
We're screening the highly anticipated concert film Björk: Cornucopia recorded live in Lisbon, captures the celebrated artist’s groundbreaking tour that mesmerised audiences worldwide for five years.