Method
Where to Watch Method
Method is a 2017 Korean film that falls into the genre of drama and romance, directed by Pang Eun-jin and produced by Lim Choong-geun. The film stars some of the most well-known actors in the Korean film industry, including Park Sung-woong, Oh Seung-hoon, and Yoon Seung-ah. The narrative of Method revolves around the blurred lines between reality and acting and the complicated relationships formed in the process.
Park Sung-woong plays the character of Jae-ha, a mid-age actor who has honed his acting skills through decades of experience in the Korean film industry. Despite his fame and success, Jae-ha struggles with feelings of ennui and dissatisfaction towards his life and career—until he is given an opportunity to revive his passion. He is cast in a new play called "Unchain," opposite the young and promising actor, Young-woo, portrayed by Oh Seung-hoon. Young-woo is a rising star in the industry, known for his unorthodox acting technique and distinctively enigmatic personality.
The plot twists when Jae-ha's wife, Hee-won, played by Yoon Seung-ah, gets involved in the production as the play director. Hee-won is headstrong, charismatic and holds her ground in the largely male-dominated film industry. Her directorial vision and methods bring an additional level of intensity to the fraught dynamics on set.
As the trio starts working on the production, they find themselves wholly engulfed in the complexity of their characters. The play’s intense and emotional story seeps off the stage and into their personal lives, testing boundaries and relationships. Jae-ha and Young-woo methodically begin embodying their characters, blurring the lines between their reel and real lives. This powerful engagement with their roles brings about a dichotomy in their professional and personal lives and has shattering consequences on their intimately entangled relationships.
Director Eun-jin, through Method, brings forth a unique storyline that explores the intriguing world of method acting. It portrays how the enchantment of the limelight can soon turn into a haunting obsession that threatens to dismantle personal lives. The film skillfully unravels the delicate intricacies of the characters' evolution as they navigate through their emotional complexities. The portrayal of intense passion, jealousy, rivalry, and the fear of losing oneself creates an electrifying and captivating viewing experience for the audience.
Method is densely packed with emotions and delivers an intense cinematic experience to the viewer. Layered with meaningful dialogues and skillful storytelling, it peels back the curtain on the acting industry, offering a raw and unvarnished look at the cost of absolute immersion into one’s craft. The film's exploration of the thin boundary between the actor’s real and reel life serves as a gripping narrative paradigm.
The compelling performances of the lead cast further add to the charm of the movie, marking Method as a must-watch for all Korean drama or acting enthusiasts. The talented Park Sung-woong beautifully portrays the confusion and angst of a man lost between his role and reality. Yoon Seung-ah excellently depicts a woman caught in the complicated world of theatre, managing personal and professional lives. Oh Seung-hoon pulls off the mysterious, young actor with ease, keeping viewers intrigued with his enigmatic charm.
The movie, while offering suspenseful acting and a gripping storyline, also touches on the topic of same-sex relationships, which is still a sensitive subject in Korean society. This inclusion subverts the traditional genre stereotypes and draws attention to its broader sociocultural discourse.
In conclusion, Method is a thought-provoking, captivating film that offers a deep and sophisticated narrative spectrum. It is a vivid portrait of the tumultuous world of acting, where the boundaries of reality and fiction blur, and the actors experience life-altering consequences. With its compelling character portrayals and fascinating storyline, it is a fitting tribute to the craft of acting—its intricacies, challenges, and the profound impacts it can have on those who immerse themselves in it.
Method is a Drama movie released in 2017. It has a runtime of 82 min. Critics and viewers have rated it moderate reviews, with an IMDb score of 6.9..