Black Hair (Geomeun meori)

Korea 1964, 115 min, English subtitles

“Cinéma noir” from Korea: In his masterpiece from the 1960s, Lee Man-hee constructs a classical tragedy set in the gangster milieu. When “Godfather” Dong-il learns that his lover, “Black Hair” Yeon-sil has betrayed him with one of his opium-addicted followers, he must restore his honor, whether he wants to or not. On his orders, her face is disfigured and she is driven away. But when he sees “Black Hair” again, his resolve softens and he violates the laws of the “Organization.” Dong-il confesses and calls on his people to punish him.