Asako In Ruby Shoes

On August 8th, there was a headlining movie on the entertainment page of Japanese newspapers. It was because Shochiku Co., Ltd., the embodiment of Japan's living history of film and its pride, joined forces with Korea's top distribution and production company, Cinema Service and Koo & Film, to bring the film, "Asako in Ruby Shoes." This is a Japanese film industry, whose achievements have been recognized and have brought you filmmakers Yasujiro Ozu, Akira Kurosawa, ShoheiImamura, Kitano Takeshi etc. This is a Korean film industry, recently gathering interest from world cinema. "Asako in Ruby Shoes" is being made through the full-scale coalition of top production companies from both countries, a perfect system of cooperation from the funding to the cast and crew.


A young Korean man and young Japanese woman get to know each other through a coincidental act of fate. They yearn for each other and eventually meet in this 'city love-graphy.' At a glance, Seoul and Tokyo may look alike, but their histories and the thoughts of their residents are very different. "Asako in Ruby Shoes" shows the rendezvous and love of a man and woman from 'the near yet so far' cities of Seoul and Tokyo. By an act of coincidence, the two cities cross over and the man and woman brush by each other. Their fates, though unfamiliar and unlikely to come together, blossom into a beautiful love.


There are many movies that deal with cities. However, "Asako in Ruby Shoes" is unlike any movie and presents the 'Aesthetics of City Films of the 21st Century,' which has not been shown before. Unlike the cities that are becoming unified, the people grow apart, like fragments. "Asako in Ruby Shoes," like the minute detail points of 'pointillism,' approaches the human psyche subtly, giving us a view of the complete picture they have achieved. From a weary house in Seoul to the brilliant neon signs of Tokyo streets, to even Alaska, defined by its refreshing skies and snows. The scenery of these colorful cities, captured in sensuous images, is waiting for us.


In the 20th century, people called the internet an 'ocean of information.' However, now, the internet is an 'ocean of communication,' where isolated people are waiting to meet. For people make homepages and wait for strangers to visit, as if leaving the front door open. And even inside a commercial site, filled with capitalistic desire, there exists yearning and excitement of finding a first love or old friends. Within a square monitor, you can click onto what you desire without anyone watching. The merchandise you want, the story you want, even the love that you've been dreaming of.