This darkly evocative entry from Korean director LeeSong Hee-il says a lot without saying much at all. The film revolves around brooding flight attendant Kang Won-gyu, who returns to Seoul for a night's layover after years abroad (most recently in Germany) in search of the thugs who gay-bashed him and his friend. Once there, he hooks up with a motorcycle courier, Tae Jun Lee, for what at first seems like a brief sexual encounter, but ultimately becomes a protracted journey of self-discovery. Kang is clearly damaged goods: unable to express himself except through violence (or an angst-filled drag on a cigarette), he struggles with both the past and the sudden affection of Tae. In one moving scene, Kang finally relents to joining Tae on a motorcycle spin about town. As the courier speeds up, he tells Kang "you'll fall off – so hold me tight." But, of course, he can't.
Sept. 27, 9:15 p.m. Pacific Cinematheque; Oct. 3, 12 p.m. Granville 5