Lousy Films Had To Come First--Im Kwon-taek, Korean Director

Im Kwon-taek has been an important figure in the Korean film world for about thirty-five years, directing both commercial and artistic successes, tackling subjects that have led to controversy at times, and garnering a number of awards. Born in 1936 in the southern part of Korea, Im debuted with Dumangang-a Jalitkora (Good-bye! Duman River) in 1961. His films won the Grand Bell (Korea's top award) in 1978 (Jokbo or The Family Tree Book), 1979 (Gitbal Obnun Gisu or The Hidden Hero), 1981 (Mandara), 1982 (Abengo Gongsugundan or Abengo Air Green Berets), 1985 (Gilsodom) 1987 (Yonsan IIgi, or Diary of King Yonsan). Other films have won the Korea Paeksang Arts Grand Award (1976, Wangsimri; 1983, Angae Maeul) and Yongpyong Award (1987, Ticket). Mandara was selected to compete in the 1982 Berlin International Film Festival, as was Gilsodom in 1986.