A Traveler’s Needs

Anyone who doesn’t usually stay in a cinema for the closing credits won’t get a choice in the matter with Yeohaengjaui pilyo, from prolific South Korean filmmaker Hong Sang-soo. This is because, in addition to directing the film, he also wrote it, produced it, edited it, was the cinematographer, composed the music; and other key production roles were simply not needed given the minimalist nature of the piece. In short, Sang-soo’s name is the only one that appears, and the credits may be over before a viewer has a chance to stand up.

Isabelle Huppert is Iris, an enigmatic Frenchwoman living in South Korea. She exists in the here and now, and nothing is disclosed about her past. She’s simply… there. Iris wanders the city, drinking vast amounts of makgeolli (rice wine) and tutoring a handful of students in French. She lives with her new friend Inguk (Ha Seong-guk) and is elated that she’s earning a modest income in her adopted home.

At first glance, the entire feature may appear modest, but this doesn’t allude to the warmth and emotional intelligence that the film possesses – all while apparently doing very little. The biggest conspicuous conflict occurs between Iris and a student who is unsure about the proposed flashcard system, and it’s a stretch to call this a conflict. It’s all comfortingly amiable; Iris’s story is filled with small pleasures enjoyed with congenial people. Huppert is wonderful, and she’s given Iris a sly sense of humour.

The clearly low-budget digital format of the movie might be off-putting for some, but the simplicity of presentation strengthens the storytelling. There are no distractions, and the actors are allowed to play their scenes almost as a series of one-act plays that connect beautifully. Conversations run on with few changes of camera angle (and generally no changes at all). This could certainly appear cheap and listless, but it’s quite the opposite. The director’s minimalist style is distinctive in the fact that it’s barely noticed. A film by Hong Sang-soo is like a gentle stroll on a warm day, and the journey is a pleasurable one.

Oliver Johnston

A Traveler’s Needs does not have a UK release date yet.

Read more reviews from our Berlin Film Festival 2024 coverage here.

For further information about the event visit the Berlin Film Festival website here.