STROKES OF FIRE

In a time of political and social unrest in 19th century Korea, uncouth, self-taught painter Jang Seung-up explores his natural talent amidst the repressive world around him.

This sprawling portrayal of 19th century painter Seung-up Jang won Im Kwon-taek the Best Director Prize in Cannes. Strokes of Fire is both tribute to, and inspired by, the great artist’s work, with “shots so full of passion and perception that they could almost be paintings themselves.” —A.O. Scott