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Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What do you think the role of music in movies is?
- How can music contribute to the overall storytelling of a film?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- composer /kuhm-POH-zer /
- sensation /sen-SEY-shuhn/
- soundtrack /SOUND-trak/
- contribute /kuhn-TRIB-yoot /
- award /uh-WAWRD/
[noun] – a person who writes music
The composer worked tirelessly to create a beautiful symphony that would touch the hearts of many.
[noun] – a widespread and intense surge of popularity or excitement
Her unexpected performance at the talent show became a sensation, leaving the audience in awe.
[noun] – the sounds, especially the music, of a movie or a separate recording of this
The soundtrack of the movie added depth and emotion to every scene, making it an integral part of the cinematic experience.
[verb] – to be one of the reasons why something happens
Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly can contribute to better overall health.
[noun] – a prize or an amount of money that is given to someone following an official decision
She was delighted to receive the award for her exceptional contributions to the field of science.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
South Korean composer Jung Jae-il has made a significant impact in both cinema and music. His compositions in the widely acclaimed series “Squid Game” and the thought-provoking film “Parasite” have left an indelible mark. “Squid Game,” directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, became a global Netflix sensation in September 2021, amassing over 142 million viewers in just four weeks. Jung’s intriguing music for the show features an array of instruments, from children’s instruments like recorders and castanets to traditional Korean ones, creating a unique and unsettling soundtrack that complements the show’s unusual and intense storyline.
In addition to his work on “Squid Game,” Jung also contributed to the acclaimed film “Parasite,” directed by Bong Joon-ho. This groundbreaking film achieved four Oscar wins and was the first non-English-language movie to win the Best Picture award. Jung’s use of baroque music in the film’s score added depth to the story’s themes of class disparity, humor, and tension, showcasing his creative process that often involves spontaneous improvisation. Beyond his work in cinema, Jung’s latest album, “Listen,” is a piano-based project exploring themes of humanity, nature, and the importance of listening. His skillful use of instruments and emotive cinematic strings in this album conveys powerful emotions, solidifying Jung Jae-il’s status as a versatile composer in the world of art and entertainment.
In addition to his work on “Squid Game,” Jung also contributed to the acclaimed film “Parasite,” directed by Bong Joon-ho. This groundbreaking film achieved four Oscar wins and was the first non-English-language movie to win the Best Picture award. Jung’s use of baroque music in the film’s score added depth to the story’s themes of class disparity, humor, and tension, showcasing his creative process that often involves spontaneous improvisation. Beyond his work in cinema, Jung’s latest album, “Listen,” is a piano-based project exploring themes of humanity, nature, and the importance of listening. His skillful use of instruments and emotive cinematic strings in this album conveys powerful emotions, solidifying Jung Jae-il’s status as a versatile composer in the world of art and entertainment.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Who is Jung Jae-il, and in what areas has he made a significant impact?
- Which two works are mentioned as having Jung’s compositions, and what is special about them?
- When did “Squid Game” become a global sensation, and how many viewers did it amass in its first four weeks?
- What kinds of instruments are used in Jung’s music for “Squid Game,” and why were they chosen?
- What notable achievement did the film “Parasite” receive, and how did Jung contribute to its soundtrack?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever watched a film or series where the music made a strong impression on you, like Jung Jae-il’s compositions in “Squid Game”? If so, how did it enhance your connection to the story or characters? If not, can you imagine how a well-composed soundtrack might change your experience?
- Do you think the choice of music in a movie or show can affect your emotions and how you perceive the storyline? Can you recall a specific scene in a film where the music played a crucial role in your emotional response, like Jung’s use of instruments in “Squid Game”? If not, how do you think music could have that impact?
- Did you find the article informative and engaging in terms of learning about Jung Jae-il’s impact on the world of music and cinema?
- How do you think Jung Jae-il’s choice of instruments in the “Squid Game” soundtrack influenced the viewers’ experience and perception of the show’s intensity and unusual storyline?
- In what ways might Jung Jae-il’s ability to work on diverse projects, from a global sensation like “Squid Game” to a critically acclaimed film like “Parasite,” benefit his career and the art of film composition in general?