I'm A Cyborg [2006] [DVD]

Just a PSA that although this appears to be at European a Blu-ray "All Regions" is listed on the packaging and it works on my US Blu-ray player.The original title was "I'm a Cyborg, but that's OK" but it seems to have been changed simply to "I'm a Cyborg" for the European release.

Actually 3.5 stars.After having watched Chan Wook Park's popular and high quality Vengeance trilogy of films, I had to try this one, too, if only because I'd also seen a "favorite film" blurb about it in a UK film mag. I'm happy that this is finally coming out in Region 1 ; I've had to borrow multi-region players for my previous (R3) DVD.To start with, "Cyborg" is one of those gray area, caught-in-the-middle movies. Either it will be too little for some, or too much for others. Park's fans, used to his dark tone and violence, might find this one too light or too sweet or too awkward a juxtaposition of tones. Others reading its description as a surreal romantic dramedy (which it is, to a point) might be disturbed or turned off by the psych ward setting, the confused narrative, some of the harsher language, the violent sequences, and/or various disturbing themes and subjects that pop up. I'm reminded somewhat of Terry Gilliam's "Brazil," which has a similar love it / hate it divide."Cyborg" is the story of a young woman who is, for reasons that are (mostly) explained over the course of the film, absolutely convinced she is a cyborg, talking to electronic appliances and having weird "Terminator"-style fantasies of blasting the orderlies, and licking batteries in the cafeteria. She also has her own cold and cyborg-type philosophy of life, literally illustrated by children's book drawings of "Seven Deadly Sins." She befriends a fellow patient with a history of stealing who likes ping-pong and trading/transferring the problems of the other patients, a bewildering and varied group with many quirks.The story is inevitably confusing on the first viewing, being told anti-chronologically, surreally, with dream sequences and multiple PoVs, so it takes some patience, a subtle attentive mind, a second viewing, and perhaps an after-movie peek at the film's Wikipedia article to understand what's going on.Although I found it confusing, I also found it at turns disturbing, illuminating, and sometimes even charming, and so worth seeing. Interesting score, which insists on a comic witty vibe despite the harsher plot elements, and some fantastic visuals, especially the main title sequence.Ultimately, it's one of those movies you have to try or rent before buying.

I stumbled across this film purely by accident and was intrigued enough by the title to make the purchase. I'm glad that I did. It's now on my re-watch list.This movie is quirky, surrealistic, sad, violent and dramatic while also being the exact opposite at the same time. It's funny, heart-warming, intelligent, and romantic at the other end of the spectrum. For Rain's (aka Bi and real name Jung Ji Hoon - a top Korean singing star) first movie, he did an excellent acting job. He is a kleptomaniac that not only steals physical items, but also steals personalities form people. Of course the other patients at the hospital actually believe that he can steal their personalities therefore they lost those traits' that he "steals". Doing this he helps the main actress throughout the show to cope and survive. He slowly falls in love with her while finding ways to help her get through the trauma that got her hospitalized in the first place.Some thought the ending was a little unclear, but I thought it was appropriate. You're left with a visual that can be interpreted into many different scenarios. Ultimately, I felt that the director made the right choice with that ending, because you have to remember that this movie is about two young and flawed individuals that have found each other in a mental institution of all places. Who knows what happens to the two of them? I'm glad that I can make up my own "happily ever after".

I had never heard of this movie before, but the synopsis just sounded so interesting that I had to check it out. I did not regret my decision. This film is amazing. Great story, great characters, highly original, and very hilarious. The opening is so bizarre and yet so utterly engrossing. After the first minute of the film I knew i would not be able to stop watching. One of the most effective opening hooks I've ever seen in any movie.I did personally think the movie was just a little bit too long (nearly 3 hours). When I show it to my friends now there are a few scenes that I skip over and I turn the movie off after the amazing climactic scene in the cafeteria (the one that ends in applause and great catharsis). I feel like stopping it there ends the film on a much more powerful note. Basically I cut it down to just the plot about Young-Goon not eating and learning to live as a human while believing she's a cyborg. And I take out some of the sub-plot of trying to figure out what her grandma said was her true-purpose.This isn't the sort of movie that casual movie viewers are going to pick up and watch on their own, but if they do somehow chance to watch it, they will probably love it. All of my casual friends who I've shown it to have absolutely loved it, so I feel comfortable recommending it to just about everyone (maybe not younger viewers unless you skip the three bloody/violent scenes).This film is amazing! It is now in my top 3 favorite movies of all time!

I've been dying to see this movie since falling in love with the director's work.Unfortunately I opened my DVD thinking it was compatible with my player (I overlooked its PAL format, my bad) because it states clearly "All Regions." However the DVD case clearly states "Region 2" only so the page technically lied to all of us or the company is unaware of its own products. I'm sure the DVD is fine if your device is Region 2 designed. DON"T BUY thinking it will work on a Region 1 or 3 or 4 (etc) device. If you purchase beware the return policy

I have to confess that, after losing myself in Park Chan-Wook's vengeance trilogy in HD and enjoying "Thirst" just as much on its own discrete and perverse merits, I had been somewhat reluctant to watch my copy of "I'm a Cyborg" on blu ray in case it did not reach those challenging, but ultimately rewarding, highs. Last night, I opened up a can of ice-cold Polish beer, loaded the disc, turned off the lights and just watched it. I need not have harboured any concerns as it turned out. The opening credits alone are a thing of pure beauty and contain more creative and innovative nous than any pre-digested, recycled, items of pseudo-cinematic interest that Hollywood has offered me for years. The transfer flaunts a clarity and tapestry of hues that are, arguably, some of the most overwhelming that I have experienced recently. This alone, matched to a plot that subverts expectations and veers of at abrupt angles, would have repaid the initial investment ten-fold. That is merely the start though. Add in some breathtaking performances by the young Korean leads, backed up splendidly by some of the director's stalwart repertory company of established character actors and the delirium continues.I went to bed with the imagery of the film seasoning my brain and tenderising my imagination. I woke up this morning, made a brew and, as it was still dark, I watched the film again.It gave up yet more of its imaginative treats. There are more to follow I am sure. Funny, disturbing, emotionally rich, evocative, intelligent, awkward, discretly erotic and charming, this film (despite a psychiatric ward setting that might scare off some overly sensitive types)is a rare find. I adore it and, if you bemoan the brainless, pastry-cutter style of contemporary mainstream fantasy and give this a spin yourself, you might enjoy it just as much. I hope so.

I'm A Cyborg shows a completely different side to the director of some of Korea's most disturbing psychological thrillers including the critically acclaimed Old Boy and Lady Vengeance, both from Park Chan-Wook's Vengeance Trilogy.Beautiful cinematography and fascinating characters keep this madcap fantasy alive and you are kept on your toes whilst following the plot as there are many digressions into the surreal. I have a large Tartan Asia / Tartan Asia Extreme collection and this film really takes pride of place and is one of my top 5.

A beautiful and delicate view. A little ray of light to pop into your brain every now and then. I hope that like me when people see this film they share it amongst friends.

Similar to "David & Lisa' but an interesting Korean take

what an amazing movie. worth a watch.