Kim Ki-duk

Quick Facts: Who was Kim Ki-duk?

Subject:

Kim Ki-duk

Known for:

Acclaimed South Korean director known for idiosyncratic, art-house cinema and intense themes.

Born:

1960-12-20

Died:

2020-12-11

Century / Era:

1960s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Kim Ki-duk (Korean: 김기덕 [kim ɡidʌk̚]; 20 December 1960 – 11 December 2020) was a South Korean filmmaker, noted for his idiosyncratic art-house cinematic works. His films have received many distinctions in the festival circuit, rendering him one of the most important contemporary Asian film directors. His major festival awards include the Golden Lion at 69th Venice International Film Festival for Pietà (2012), a Silver Lion for Best Director at 61st Venice International Film Festival for 3-Iron (2004), a Silver Bear for Best Director at 54th Berlin International Film Festival for Samaritan Girl (2004), and the Un Certain Regard prize at 2011 Cannes Film Festival for Arirang (2011). and Spring (2003), included in film critic Roger Ebert's Great Movies. Two of his films served as official submissions for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film as South Korean entries.

Career & Major Achievements

He gave scripts to several of his former assistant directors including Juhn Jai-hong (Beautiful and Poongsan) and Jang Hoon (Rough Cut). Kim was born on 20 December 1960 in Ponghwa, North Kyŏngsang. In 1990, he went to Paris to study fine arts, but instead he spent two years working there on the streets as a portrait painter. He served for five years in the South Korean marine corps, becoming a non-commissioned officer. After returning to South Korea, Kim began his career as a screenwriter and won first prize in a screenplay contest held by the Korean Film Council in 1995.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In the following year, Kim made his debut as a director with a low budget movie titled Crocodile (1996). The film received sensational reviews from movie critics in South Korea. Kim said that his international breakthrough occurred with The Isle at the Toronto International Film Festival. His 2000 film Real Fiction was entered into the 23rd Moscow International Film Festival. The film was praised by numerous critics, including critic Peter Bradshaw, who considered the film to be his masterpiece and one of the great works of modern Korean cinema.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1960 (1960-12-20): Birth of Kim Ki-duk — Acclaimed South Korean director known for idiosyncratic, art-house cinema and intense themes.
2. 1990: 1990 Milestone — In 1990, he went to Paris to study fine arts, but instead he spent two years working there on the streets as a portrait painter.
3. 1995: 1995 Milestone — After returning to South Korea, Kim began his career as a screenwriter and won first prize in a screenplay contest held by the Korean Film Council in 1995.
4. 1996: 1996 Milestone — In the following year, Kim made his debut as a director with a low budget movie titled Crocodile (1996).
5. 2000: 2000 Milestone — His 2000 film Real Fiction was entered into the 23rd Moscow International Film Festival.
6. 2003: 2003 Milestone — and Spring (2003), included in film critic Roger Ebert's Great Movies.
7. 2012: 2012 Milestone — His major festival awards include the Golden Lion at 69th Venice International Film Festival for Pietà (2012), a Silver Lion for Best Director at 61st Venice International Film Festival for 3-Iron (2004), a Silver Bear for Best Director at 54th Berlin International Film Festival for Samaritan Girl (2004), and the Un Certain Regard prize at 2011 Cannes Film Festival for Arirang (2011).
8. 2020 (2020-12-11): Passing & Historical Legacy — Kim Ki-duk passed away on 2020-12-11, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Notable Quotes by Kim Ki-duk

“I've done a lot of cruelty on animals in my films. And I will have a guilty conscience for the rest of my life.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Kim Ki-duk

True or False: “Kim Ki-duk won major festival awards for different films in the same year, 2004.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): He won Best Director at the Berlin International Film Festival for Samaritan Girl and also at the Venice Film Festival for 3-Iron, both in 2004.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Kim Ki-duk