A Traveler's Needs (2024)
In a time when more and more filmmakers are taking longer and longer between projects, it is hard to think of many names producing work at the rate and consistency of South Korean filmmaker Hong Sang-soo. Walking into 2024 with 30 feature films to his name as director, including 6 features within the last 3 years, the filmmaker's schedule showed no signs of slowing down as he would debut 2 new features in 2024 with the first being A Traveler's Needs which debuted as part of the 74th Berlin International Film Festival and screens as part of the 2024 San Diego Asian Film Festival. The film follows a French woman named Iris (Isabelle Huppert) who is getting by in Seoul by teaching French and English. Through her unorthodox and often deeply personal lessons, both she and her students explore the power of language and the emotions of being able to be both heard and understood.
As with many projects from Hong Sang-soo, A Traveler's Needs' vision is uncompromising with the filmmaker being in charge of directing, writing, producing, editing, composing, and shooting the film meaning he has full control over the look and feel of every frame of runtime. As with much of his recent work, A Traveler's Needs is a slow and thoughtful film that attempts to present something as close to reality as possible. The film is not visually cinematic and the emotions often ebb and flow in a way not usually seen in written dialogue. The camera sits with a scene and a conversation, allowing the characters to naturally build dialogue as they work towards the meat of a scene without any sense of being rushed or forced. In some ways, Hong Sang-soo feels like the closest modern example of the genius of Yasujirō Ozu in his understanding of how to capture the everyday drama and emotions of life and project them in a way uniquely poignant and meditative.
Of course, it helps when the ensemble of performers in front of the camera are equally skilled and understanding of the film's vision. Huppert is perfectly playful and light, breathing a sense of personality and life into her character that plays well against the raw emotion of the cast around her. Both Lee Hye-young and Cho Yun-hee are quite impactful in their more emotive reflections that are so grounded that at times it feels like real people expressing themselves over a fictionalized performance. Kwon Hae-hyo also delivers strong work, but ultimately is not allowed to shine quite as bright as he does in Hong Sang-soo's other 2024 release, By the Stream.
This craft both in front of and behind the camera builds a perfectly paced and emotional ride through lost souls trying to find their place. The film is never overly venomous but still holds a weight as its characters trade emotions and thoughts. It is hard not to feel the authenticity behind these perspectives and stories. From feeling frustrated that one is not further along in their personal journey to trying to find the right words in a moment of authentic connection, the heart and soul of A Traveler's Needs reflects real-life experiences that are presented quietly and honestly. Hong Sang-soo is a filmmaker who thrives in his absolute faith and love for dialogue, wisely trusting that if the content is good, the audience will feel engaged. There is a rhythm and flow within A Traveler's Needs that feels effortless in execution but is one rarely felt within modern cinema.
With every new release, Hong Sang-soo further proves his talent and cinematic eye in a way that is both compelling and refreshing for the modern art form. The core of A Traveler's Needs is human in its rawest forms. The film uses the camera to capture the reality of the modern human condition without any tricks or illusions. The film doesn't need to be loud or brash, instead, it embraces its skillful filmmaking and builds through quiet conversation and meditation in a way that is still engaging and personable. There is plenty the modern industry as a whole can learn from Hong Sang-soo as proven through the success of A Traveler's Needs.
As with many projects from Hong Sang-soo, A Traveler's Needs' vision is uncompromising with the filmmaker being in charge of directing, writing, producing, editing, composing, and shooting the film meaning he has full control over the look and feel of every frame of runtime. As with much of his recent work, A Traveler's Needs is a slow and thoughtful film that attempts to present something as close to reality as possible. The film is not visually cinematic and the emotions often ebb and flow in a way not usually seen in written dialogue. The camera sits with a scene and a conversation, allowing the characters to naturally build dialogue as they work towards the meat of a scene without any sense of being rushed or forced. In some ways, Hong Sang-soo feels like the closest modern example of the genius of Yasujirō Ozu in his understanding of how to capture the everyday drama and emotions of life and project them in a way uniquely poignant and meditative.
Of course, it helps when the ensemble of performers in front of the camera are equally skilled and understanding of the film's vision. Huppert is perfectly playful and light, breathing a sense of personality and life into her character that plays well against the raw emotion of the cast around her. Both Lee Hye-young and Cho Yun-hee are quite impactful in their more emotive reflections that are so grounded that at times it feels like real people expressing themselves over a fictionalized performance. Kwon Hae-hyo also delivers strong work, but ultimately is not allowed to shine quite as bright as he does in Hong Sang-soo's other 2024 release, By the Stream.
This craft both in front of and behind the camera builds a perfectly paced and emotional ride through lost souls trying to find their place. The film is never overly venomous but still holds a weight as its characters trade emotions and thoughts. It is hard not to feel the authenticity behind these perspectives and stories. From feeling frustrated that one is not further along in their personal journey to trying to find the right words in a moment of authentic connection, the heart and soul of A Traveler's Needs reflects real-life experiences that are presented quietly and honestly. Hong Sang-soo is a filmmaker who thrives in his absolute faith and love for dialogue, wisely trusting that if the content is good, the audience will feel engaged. There is a rhythm and flow within A Traveler's Needs that feels effortless in execution but is one rarely felt within modern cinema.
With every new release, Hong Sang-soo further proves his talent and cinematic eye in a way that is both compelling and refreshing for the modern art form. The core of A Traveler's Needs is human in its rawest forms. The film uses the camera to capture the reality of the modern human condition without any tricks or illusions. The film doesn't need to be loud or brash, instead, it embraces its skillful filmmaking and builds through quiet conversation and meditation in a way that is still engaging and personable. There is plenty the modern industry as a whole can learn from Hong Sang-soo as proven through the success of A Traveler's Needs.