Hyperbola of Youth

Han Hyeong-mo (1917-1999) or Han Hyung-mo was born in Uiju, Pyeonganbuk-do and studied art at the Shingyeong Art School. He first entered the movie business when he did the art work for his brother’s friend, director Choi In-kyu in the movie, Homeless Angel (Jib-eobsneun cheonsa) (1941). Afterward, he gained employment at the Dongbo Film Studios in Japan with the help of Choi In-kyu and learned film techniques. After the Korean Independence, he worked as a director of photography and made his directorial debut in the anticommunist film, Breaking the Wall (Seongbyeog-eul ttulhgo) (1949). During the Korean War he was put in charge of making propaganda films for the Korean military and it was during this time that he honed his craft in photography and directing. After the war, he directed The Hand of Destiny (Unmyeong-ui son) (1954), showing his ability as a genre director. He directed a movie based on Jeong Bi-seok’s novel Madame Freedom which caused much social controversy at that time, showing his own special brand of mise-en -scene. Director Han Hyeong-mo began his life in movies as an art director and director of photography. And through his continued interest in mise-en-scene and the technical aspect of films, he created a well-made genre of films, establishing himself as a major director of the 50s. His other works include Hyperbolae of Youth (Double Curve of Youth / Cheongchunssanggogseon) (1956), The Pure Love (Sun-aebo) (1957), The Devil (Ma-in) (1957), I am Alone (Na honjaman-i) (1958), A female boss (Yeosajang) (1959), and My Sister Is a Hussy (Eonni-neun Malgwallyang-i) (1961). —koreafilm.org