Lee Man-hee (director)

Lee Man-hee (1931-1975) was a prominent South Korean film director known for his stylistic experimentation and diverse body of work spanning various genres. He is considered one of the most important figures in Korean cinema history.

Born in Seoul, Lee Man-hee began his film career in the early 1960s, quickly establishing himself as a versatile director capable of producing both commercially successful and critically acclaimed films. His films often explored themes of war, social alienation, and the complexities of human relationships, pushing the boundaries of cinematic expression within the context of the restrictive censorship prevalent in South Korea during that era.

Some of his most notable films include The Marines Who Never Returned (1963), a war film known for its gritty realism; Black Hair (1964), a melodrama; Full Contact (1970), an action film; and Late Autumn (1966), which has been remade several times and is considered a classic of Korean cinema. Holiday (1968), a film exploring the plight of North Korean defectors, was banned by the government shortly after its release and is now considered a lost film, with only fragments surviving.

Lee Man-hee was noted for his innovative camerawork, editing techniques, and his ability to elicit powerful performances from his actors. Despite his relatively short career, cut short by his untimely death from illness at the age of 43, Lee Man-hee left a lasting impact on Korean cinema and continues to be studied and celebrated by film scholars and enthusiasts. His influence can be seen in the work of subsequent generations of Korean filmmakers.