Io Island (1977)

Io Island (1977): A Masterpiece of Macabre Mysticism and Social Satire

Kim Ki-young's 1977 mystery film, Io Island, also known as Iodo, stands as a mesmerizing and often bizarre journey into the depths of Korean folklore, identity, and the unsettling clash between tradition and modernity. Adapted from a 1974 novel by Lee Cheong-jun, the film unfurls a complex, time-shifting narrative centered on a businessman's investigation into the disappearance of a journalist connected to a mythical island. What begins as a quest to clear his name of a suspected murder quickly devolves into a hypnotic exploration of a matriarchal island community, where ancient shamanistic beliefs and a chilling "curse" on male inhabitants intertwine with themes of environmental degradation and patriarchal societal pressures. Kim's distinctive, pioneering style is evident throughout, employing a labyrinthine flashback structure and captivating cinematography to build a relentlessly tense and unsettling atmosphere that defies easy categorization, blending elements of mystery, horror, and social commentary.

Io Island is a masterclass in atmosphere and thematic depth, showcasing why Kim Ki-young is revered as one of Korean cinema's most influential directors. The film's bizarre and often disturbing elements, including its notoriously graphic climax, serve as a potent satire of Korea's marital system and gender roles. The desolate, almost otherworldly setting of the island, populated primarily by women whose lives are dictated by ancient superstitions and the harsh realities of their environment, provides a haunting backdrop for the unfolding mystery. Despite some minor acting imperfections, which can be attributed to the film's age, the film's audacious vision and unique blend of folklore and political commentary solidify its place as a significant work in Korean cinema, influencing modern greats like Bong Joon Ho.

Director: Kim Ki-young
Cast: Lee Hwa-si as Sohn Min-ja (the barmaid), Choi Yun-seok as Cheon Nam-seok, Kim Chung-chul (also listed as Kim Jeong-cheol) as Sun Wu-hyun, Park Jung-ja as the shaman, and Park Am as the editor-in-chief of Jeju Ilbo.
Special Info/Trivia: The film is based on a novel by Lee Cheong-jun. It was shown at the 28th Berlin International Film Festival. Io Island has been cited by renowned Korean directors like Bong Joon Ho and Park Chan-wook as an influential work. The film was subjected to harsh censorship in its home country, with the full uncut version being unavailable for a long time. Kim Ki-young's wife, who produced his films, was a dentist, which might explain the close-up dental work seen in the movie. The film's plot also touches upon themes of industrial pollution and the destruction of nature.