If someone broke into your home while you were away, you would be outraged. But what if the trespasser didn't steal anything from you? What if, instead, the person fixed appliances that needed it or made other improvements around your home? Would that make the fact that they invaded your privacy and security any less offensive? This is only one of the interesting issues confronted in a new foriegn film, "Bin jib (3 iron)."

A 3 iron is a golf club, rarely used by golfers, but it plays an extremely important role in this film. The main character is a nomadic young man who seems to have no ties. He has no home, family, or job. He survives by living in the empty homes of families who are away on vacation. While squatting in their homes, he makes repairs and does other chores, ultimately moving on to the next empty house once he believes he's overstayed his welcome. When he enters one home he believes to be empty, a young woman is there. More curious than afraid, the woman watches the intruder from the shadows when she determines that he isn't a threat.

After accidentally revealing herself to him, the stranger runs away, but the woman's face stays in his mind until he sneaks back into her house to see her again. She realizes he has returned, but before she can enjoy his presence, her husband suddenly comes home and they have a violent altercation. The handsome intruder defends the woman with a 3 iron and the two run away together. As an abused wife, the young woman is searching for an escape from her destructive husband, and this handsome stranger is determined to save her. Traveling with him, she begins to adapt to his lifestyle and the two eventually fall in love. Their new life together seems destined when they find a house in which the owner has died. The two lovers take over the home as if it was theirs, but their bliss is destroyed when they're caught and accused of killing the house's owner. It becomes a trial for them to figure out how to prove their innocence and restore their romance.

Originally released in fall of 2004, this film was shown at the Sundance film festival this year and is finally being released to wider (but limited) audiences in the US. Kim Ki-Duk, who directed, wrote, produced, and edited this film, was able to complete filming in only 16 days! The popular Korean film maker's movie was well recieved at Sundance, and for good reason. Not only is this film well directed and brilliantly acted, but it is simply beautiful to watch and so unique in its minimal use of dialogue. If you're fortunate enough to have this film shown in your area, be sure not to waste the opportunity to see it.


Extra Extra! Tidbits About the Movie...
*Quote - "We are all empty houses waiting for someone to open the lock and set us free." - Kim Ki-duk