The Coast Guard

There is all possibility that "The Coast Guard" should be considered as an autobiographical tale.We all know that director Kim Ki Duk has never acknowledged this fact in media.As he has strongly depicted every facet of South Korean society,"Hae Anseon" must be hailed an offbeat film which gave him a once in a lifetime chance to depict South Korean military as he must have had witnessed disturbing events in the past. There is something unique about this film as its universal appeal makes audiences believe that whatever that has happened to South Korean soldiers might also happen to some other military men in some other country.Kim Ki Duk suggests that life at an army base is no joke.He has made good use of documentary style realism to draw a visceral portrayal of innocent,young military men whose job is to guard borders between North Korea and South Korea.Some scenes might be devoid of reality but it is hoped that they would be accepted by viewers despite their shortcomings as a film director needs some kind of artistic liberty. There are two major issues with this film.Common people have been shown in bad light.Some of the women audiences might also appear to be a tad apprehensive as their images have not been correctly depicted in this rather raw and violent film.