Bong Joon-ho’s Secret Debut Unearthed in New Documentary on Netflix
The hidden treasure of Oscar-winning filmmaker Bong Joon-ho’s early career has finally been revealed in a new documentary titled Yellow Door: ’90s Lo-fi Film Club. Bong’s first-ever movie, Looking for Paradise, remained unknown to the world for three decades, but this eye-opening film sheds light on his formative years and the group of passionate young cinephiles who formed the Yellow Door. The documentary, which is currently streaming on Netflix, highlights the rise of one of South Korea’s most prominent directors and his enthralling journey from aspiring filmmaker to global sensation.
Emerging from obscurity, Looking for Paradise captures the tale of a trapped gorilla yearning for a different life. Shot in Bong’s basement in 1992, the film showcases the stuffed gorilla’s dreams of encountering a real banana tree while battling animated excrement that takes the form of a worm. Until now, only members of the Yellow Door film club, including Bong himself, had the privilege of experiencing this remarkable debut.
Renowned for his critically acclaimed works such as Parasite, which made history by winning South Korea’s first-ever Academy Award, Bong Joon-ho has solidified his position as a visionary director. However, the documentary reveals a lesser-known period in South Korean cinema, back when the industry struggled to gain recognition abroad, and local film enthusiasts were passionately seeking new content to broaden their horizons.
The Yellow Door film club, named after the color of their office entrance, became a sanctuary for Bong and other budding filmmakers. They were immersed in a world of poor-quality VHS tapes and foreign films without subtitles, but the group happily devoured these cinematic gems due to their unyielding passion for the art form. Bong’s infatuation with movies led to his extensive collection of VHS tapes, and it was through his meticulous analysis of films like Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather that he honed his craft.
The documentary showcases charming moments from the members’ early days, including blurry photographs that captured their youth and raw enthusiasm. Comprised of individuals who often referred to themselves as social misfits, the Yellow Door film club provided a haven for those who felt disoriented after the political liberalization of South Korea in the 1990s. This intimate glimpse into Bong’s debut film and the club’s collective memories offers a revealing perspective on the director’s creative evolution.
Yellow Door: ’90s Lo-fi Film Club not only immortalizes Bong Joon-ho’s secret debut but also acknowledges the diverse paths taken by the Yellow Door members since their time together. While some continue to contribute to the world of cinema, others have found their calling in speech therapy, education, and academia. However, Bong’s dedication to the film industry remains unwavering, as expressed by Lim Hoon-ah, a Yellow Door member who describes cinema as a romantic fantasy, but for Bong, it is his reality.
As viewers embark on this cinematic journey, the documentary not only offers a glimpse into Bong Joon-ho’s hidden treasure but also delves into the world of passionate cinephiles unearthing their dreams and aspirations. With its captivating storytelling and relatable anecdotes, Yellow Door: ’90s Lo-fi Film Club presents a portal to the past, illuminating the evolution of one of South Korea’s most illustrious directors.
