Ieoh Island is the representative of Korean classic films, loved by cinephiles. It is a wonder how such a unique film was produced in the midst of Korean film stagnation in the 1970s. Back in the days, only 14 registered film companies were allowed to produce Korean movies under the system where film companies received foreign film import quota based on their production achievements of "an excellent film." As a result, it was not important for film companies to release Korean films, but to make a profit from running foreign films. That is how director Kim Ki-young was able to make the film relatively freely after receiving an order from a film company. In those days, major directors were able to produce films up to their interests within the standards of "excellent film" without having to worry about the good running. 

Ieoh Island started as a type of "literary films" that adapted a novelist Yi Chong-jun's book, but turned into the most unique film in the Korean history. From criticism about Korean society in the 1970s by using a mythical space, contrasts between tradition and modern, life and environmental pollution to belief in the legendary three founders of Korea and phallicism, this film tells us a story in multi-layered themes impressively. As you would expect, the scenario and the feature presentation had to go through dual censorship by the government. However, the most significant "scene of necrophilia," which many cinephiles like to talk about, was not included in the scenario and was not included in the feature presentation review for the censorship. Only because it was included in the negative (original) film, we can still watch this scene.

Included in this Blu-ray is a commentary by Chung Sung-ill the film critic and director in last May. Chung Sung-ill gives us an interesting insight about the significance of Ieoh Island in the director Kim Ki-young's filmography and sophisticated analysis and explanation of the entire movie in line with the tragedy of contemporary Korean history. Also included is an interview with an actress Lee Hwa-si, filmed at Kim Ki-young Special Exhibition Hall of Korean Film Museum last April, and she introduces many behind-the-scenes stories during filming. This Blu-ray also has a special supplementary. That is a replica of Ieoh Island scenario and will help you understand how Kim Ki-young's directing made the film so special, making this Blu-ray a valuable collection. Additionally, a booklet contains an essay on the director and the film by Lee Yeon-ho, a film critic and the author of "The Legendary Stigma: Kim Ki-young, a film director" (2007).