A young woman eager to participate in China’s new market economy heads to Paris on a get rich quick scheme, only to see it backfire on her. In wrestling with the consequences of her actions she reevaluates her life and what she truly values Bitter Flowers captures the reality of Chinese women who become street girls by following Lina’s downward trajectory after landing in Paris. The idea of a woman leaving her hometown to earn money is all too familiar in Korea, so it’s no surprise we have sympathy, and certain affection, for the protagonist. One thing worth noting can be found in the scenes of her wandering around strange streets and her walking around inside, the camera following her in the distance like in documentaries. At the same time, the director uses frequent close-ups to inspire the viewer to focus on Lina’s facial expressions, and even her inner feelings. Portraying without exaggeration a group of “bitter flowers” who remorsefully bloom in Paris, the so-called “City of Light”, this film announces the birth of a new filmmaker to look out for this year. (RHEE Souewon)