Korean Film and History

Cinema has become a battleground upon which history is made, and this interdisciplinary book examines the relationship between film and history, with special reference to South Korean cinema. Korean cinema functions as a medium of inventing national history and identity, forging cultural collective memory, and establishing its legitimacy. The Colonial Period and Korean War have been major topics shaping the narrative of nation in North and South Korean films.

Format: Hardback
Length: 222 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Cinema has emerged as a dynamic arena where history is etched, serving as a prominent mass medium of the twentieth century. The re-enactments of historical events in film traverse the realms of reality and fantasy, blending documentary and fiction, representation and performance, entertainment and education. This interdisciplinary volume delves into the intricate relationship between film and history, exploring the connections between historical research and filmic (re-)presentations of history, with a special focus on South Korean cinema.

As with all national film industries, Korean cinema plays a pivotal role in shaping national history and identity, as well as establishing its legitimacy—both in forgetting the past and remembering history. Moreover, Korean films contribute to the formation of cultural collective memory. Given Korea's history as a colonized and divided nation, its approach to the filmic depiction of history differs significantly from that of colonial powers such as Western or Japanese cinema. The Colonial Period (1910–1945) and the Korean War (1950–1953) stand out as pivotal periods that have significantly shaped the narrative of the nation in North and South Korean films.

In this book, we embark on a captivating exploration of the evolving modes, impacts, and functions of screen images that engage with history in Korean cinema. By examining the changing ways in which history is depicted on the silver screen, we aim to provide valuable insights for students and scholars of Korean history, film, media, and cultural studies. This comprehensive study offers a deep understanding of the historical significance and cultural implications of Korean cinema, shedding light on its role in shaping the nation's identity and fostering a collective memory.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032245010