Tale of Cinema

Tale of Cinema

Directed by Hong Sang-soo

Produced by Jeonwonsa Film, mk2 Films

200589 min6.8 / 10

A melancholic, introspective drama about isolation and connection in Seoul, where cinema becomes a bridge between suicidal despair and the possibility of human encounter.

In Seoul, a suicidal student meets a young woman who decides to join him in his fatal gesture. Dongsoo, an unsuccessful filmmaker, spots a beautiful young woman, who happens to be the lead actress in the film he has just seen. Their stories will cross paths thanks to their love for cinema.

Questions people ask

  • Is Tale of Cinema sad? Yes, very. More sad than 96% of films.

  • Does Tale of Cinema end with hope? Barely. Less hopeful than 78% of films.

  • Is Tale of Cinema scary? Not especially. Less frightening than 65% of films.

  • Is Tale of Cinema violent? Not especially. Less violent than 64% of films.

  • Is Tale of Cinema easy watching? About average. Almost exactly mid-range.

These describe how the film comes across, measured across the whole film and compared with other well-known films. They are not a content list — nothing here was counted or checked scene by scene, so for age-suitability or specific content use a classification board or a dedicated content-warning service.

61/ 100

Cinnamon Score

How much this film gives you that nothing else will, and whether it delivers.

Familiar shape, done well.

Rarity67

How unlike any other film this one feels

Surprise56

How much more it delivers than it promises

Love60

How much audiences actually like it

The highest scores in the catalogue →

Ensemble

Like Tale of Cinema

Nearest across the full emotional profile.

Same Mood as Tale of Cinema

Nearest on what's most distinctive about this one.

Like Tale of Cinema, But Darker

Similar, pushed toward heavier and more intense.

Like Tale of Cinema, But Lighter

Similar, pushed toward warmer and easier.

Like Tale of Cinema, But Less Popular

Same territory, far fewer people have seen it.

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