4 April 2008

The title may prompt images of a historical fantasy set in an enchanted kingdom, but the Princess Aurora of the title is, in this film at least, a cartoon character whose image adorns a sticker left at the scene of two murders committed by what looks to be a serial killer who is just warming up. Assigned to the case are seasoned detective Oh, who is preparing to leave the force and become a pastor, and the younger, rebellious Jung, who is still looking to prove himself. Oh begins to suspect that the murderer is a beautiful woman named Jung Soon-jung, but tells no-one of his belief, in part because she is his ex-wife. He even starts to develop a theory as to the reason behind the killings, but he maintains his silence, and as the body count increases his moral dilemma complicates.

The directorial debut of Korean actress Pang Eun-jin (who co-starred in the brilliantly titled 1997 film 7 Reasons Why Beer Is Better Than a Lover / Maegjuga aeinboda joheun 7gaji iyu), Princess Aurora (Orora gongju) is a violent revenge drama that has inevitably drawn comparisons with the work of Park Chan-wook, although whether Pang's film measures up to the high standard set by Park will be interesting to see.

You'll get your chance on 23rd June 2008 when Princess Aurora is released on UK DVD by Tartan at the RRP of £14.99. As the price point suggests, this is a movie-only disc with anamorphic widescreen presentation and Dolby 5.1 surround sound.