Kmovie Review: Actresses (2009)

I’m a huge fan of documentaries and ‘Actresses’ is the first Korean documentary I have watched. ‘Actresses’ follows 6 leading ladies of Korean cinema at the Vogue Korea Magazine Photoshoot.

The 6 leading actresses are Choi Ji-woo, Yoon Yeo-Jeong, Lee Mi-sook, Ko Hyeon-jeong, Kim Min-hee and Kim ok-bin. The documentary focuses on the 6 actresses and how they interact together on set.

There are a few elements that make the documentary interesting to watch. The generational tension that is seen between the actresses was evident; whose ages span from 20s to 60s. In addition, a lot of drama was seen amongst the young actresses arguing who is the 'bigger' celebrity. Things got quite catty, but in comparison to American reality shows, it was rather tame.

Rumors had it that this film was scripted. It actually wasn’t, however, the director said each scene had an outline (similar to how TV show ‘Curb your enthusiasm’ is made). The outline required the actresses to improvise in the given scenario.


The director wanted to show the women’s character in real life. When I was watching the film, some sections felt contrived – like the actress was putting up a performance. Which reminded me of the quote shown in the opening credits of the film:

'There are 3 types of people in this world, Men, Women and Actresses'.

There were some delightfully funny moments between the actresses when they start to warm up to each other. 

I was most surprised about Choi Ji-woo’s diva antics. We’re so familiar with her girl next door image in movies and TV dramas, so it was surreal to watch the ‘real’ her being a diva and having a whinge. She’s a convincing actress, however ironically in this film she comes off as over acting.

This documentary doesn’t feel authentic. I would actually label it as a mockumentary. I'll give it 3/5 stars.

Check out the trailer:

On SBS (Documentary) - Once Upon A Time in Cabramatta

Starting this Sunday at 8:30 on SBS, the documentary - 'Once Upon a Time in Cabramatta'

This in-depth 3 part documentary series explores the history of the Vietnamese community in Cabramatta, Sydney.

Here is the synopsis on the SBS website:

"Once Upon a Time in Cabramatta is the never before told story of Australia's first significant influx of migrants post White Australia policy. This groundbreaking documentary takes you behind the headlines of turbulent Cabramatta in the 80's and 90's as the Vietnamese people finally find their voice – speaking up to claim their rightful, democratic place in Australia against all odds.

Told by politicians, social historians, police and for the first time from the Vietnamese people themselves, these are the stories of a period that changed Australian migration forever."

Project 11eleven – Get involved & Press record

The date 11-11-11 occurs once in a hundred years and to mark this occasion, Project 11eleven is documenting this day around the globe. This is the largest creative project to be launched in the world, and you can be apart of it.

On 11-11-11, you can film, record music, take photos, blog or tweet about this day. Project 11eleven hopes to have participants from all 196 countries. So start spreading the word.

This project will give a unique glimpse in to human societies around the world - on the same day. Submissions will be made in to a 2 hour documentary, photobook and CD.

To get involved, all you need to do is register on their website 11elevenproject.com and it will provide you all the information you need.

I will be submitting photos of me at the Radio Monash Studios to project 11eleven because 11-11-11 falls on a Friday – which is CherriiPOP day!

Start getting creative and press record.

For more information, check out 11elevenproject.com

One Week Job's Sean Aiken, on CherriiPOP this Friday (26/8/11)

Sean Aiken, the creator and star of documentary film One Week Job - is the special guest on this week's CherriiPOP Show. Sean is the very first international guest on CherriiPOP.

After graduating with a degree in Business Administration from Capilano College in North Vancouver, unlike other graduates who went out looking for jobs, he took a step back and said – I don’t want a job, I want a career I feel passionate about. But, he didn’t know what his passion was. He came up with a novel idea to help find his passion - he set out to work one job a week for a whole year. His journey was documented in a film called ‘One Week Job’, he has also written a book ‘One Week Job Project’. He worked a total of 52 jobs, ranging from Martial Arts Instructor, Astronomer, Pizza Maker, Baker, Mascot, Hollywood Producer.

To watch his inspiring film, or read more about his journey visit http://oneweekjob.com/

Tune in this friday 7pm for my chat with Sean.