Just In: A Traveler’s Needs: Isabelle Huppert leads Hong Sang-soo’s latest enigma
2/5 starsKorean filmmaker Hong Sang-soo returns to the Berlin International Film Festival with his latest film A Traveler’s Needs, another modestly scaled piece – albeit this time featuring that icon of world cinema, Isabelle Huppert.Despite Huppert’s presence, there is no discernible change in style from a director who might be dubbed a master of inaction.Huppert plays Iris, a mystery woman in Korea. When we first meet her, she is teaching a young woman French, which seems to be her way of supporting herself in the country.Dressed in a distinct green cardigan, straw hat and summer dress, she uses a cassette recorder to aid her work and has a habit of inquiring about the woman’s innermost feelings. Soon, formalities give way and she is drinking the Korean alcoholic drink makgeolli with her...
