Kim Ki-duk's PIETA Trailer Promises A Grim Yet Elegaic Return To Form

Though his early works were not appreciated in his home country - where he has long been considered a divisive figure - Korea's Kim Ki-duk was one of the dominant figures of the Korean Wave abroad, the director creating challenging and punishing, yet often beautiful, work such as The Isle, Bad Guy, The Coast Guard, Spring Summer Fall Winter And Spring and 3 Iron over an incredibly creative four year span.

But then Kim seemed to stumble a bit. His work from 2005 onwards became a little more inconsistent, with his biggest successes coming not as a director but as a producer / mentor to young talent with projects such as Rough Cut and Poongsan. Kim stepped away from the camera entirely between2008's Dream and 2011's return with documentary project Arirang but it appears he is now not only back but back on form with dark drama Pieta.

The film is about a brutal man who works for a cruel loan shark. Without any family or loved ones to worry about, he has no fear or hesitation when it comes to carrying out his evil deeds. One day, a mysterious woman shows up in his life, saying she is his mother. At first, he doesn't believe her, having no memories of a mother. But as his attachment to her grows, he discovers her gruesome yet sad secret.

The first trailer for this one has arrived and it is vintage Kim - beautifully shot yet grim and punishing. Take a look below.