Haebyonui yoin 2006

J. R. Jones, Chicago Reader: Reminiscent of Godard's Contempt, but writer-director Hong Sang-soo--South Korea's foremost chronicler of romantic maneuvering--is more aptly compared to Eric Rohmer for his subtle comedy. Read more

Jeff Shannon, Seattle Times: A richly satisfying film that compassionately probes the human heart while preserving its elusive mysteries. Read more

Noel Murray, AV Club: Woman On The Beach is a stripped-down, witty explication of how we all get stymied by the impulses and options inherent in the simple act of living. Read more

Jonathan F. Richards, Film.com: You won't need a degree in Korean cinema to anticipate that complications will arise. Read more

Jan Stuart, Newsday: An elegant serving of comic Seoul food from director Hong Sang-soo. Read more

Jack Mathews, New York Daily News: The scenery's great and the performances adequate, but wake me when it's over. Read more

V.A. Musetto, New York Post: The pace is leisurely, the humor sly, and the cast superb. All in all, a civilized way to spend two hours. Read more

Andrew O'Hehir, Salon.com: A marvelously acted and memorably atmospheric picture. Read more

G. Allen Johnson, San Francisco Chronicle: Woman on the Beach, perhaps [director Hong's] most accessible film (and often a funny one, too), is a good introduction, even if it is not a masterpiece. Here's hoping more of his films see the light of an American day. Read more

David Fear, Time Out: Newcomers intoxicated by Hong's amorous pileups and power plays will hopefully treat the movie as the gateway to an incredible back catalog. Read more

Todd McCarthy, Variety: A wonderful, serious-minded romantic comedy-drama about a film director's uncertain relations with two successive women while trying to write a script at an off-season beach resort, this is Korean buff favorite Hong Sang-soo's most accessible film. Read more

J. Hoberman, Village Voice: [An] immaculately constructed movie. Read more