As always with Hong's films, Oki's Movie goes through stretches where it seems aimless and self-indulgent, followed by stretches where it's sharp, funny, and poetic.
80
Time OutDavid Fear
Time OutDavid Fear
Forget the snark about him ransacking Eric Rohmer's bag of tricks; the gentle ironies and droll, bitter wit here prove Hong is the French New Waver's heir apparent.
80
Village Voice
Village Voice
If the characterizations are fleeting, the recessive mood is not: Hong's signature observational style is at once offhanded and astute, romantic and lightly chilled.
Viewed as a single experience, Oki's Movie is a curious oddity worthy of multiple viewings and lengthy contemplation, but its tricky formalism makes it less overtly satisfying on an emotional level.
50
Slant MagazineNick Schager
Slant MagazineNick Schager
Hong Sang-soo once again corroborates auteurist theory at the same time that he reveals the potential shortcomings of its practice.