South Korea’s submission for Best Foreign Language Film, Secret Sunshine is that rare movie that possesses the richness and complexity of a great novel, revealing new layers as it unfolds. A recent widow (Jeon Do-Yeon) and her young son adjust to life in a small country town after relocating from Seoul. Then, abruptly and without warning, the film shifts into thriller territory, only to end as a devastating study in human suffering (albeit one with dark comic overtones). Lee Chang-Dong (Peppermint Candy, Green Fish) navigates his switchblade reversals of comedy and despair, darkness and light with a master’s grace, as does Jeon in a revelatory performance for which she won the Best Actress prize at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. —New York Film Festival. Print courtesy CJ Entertainment.