Film Movement

The Early Films of Lee Isaac Chung

Regular Price
$29.99
Sale Price
$29.99
Regular Price
$59.98
Sold Out
Unit Price
per 

Edition Type: Limited Edition Slipcase

FM-030 CASE
{ "43906267643946":1 }
- +
Only 1659 left in stock

Limit of 1 per customer

My checklist
Have it Need it

You have reached the limit of this product.

Need a protector for the Limited Edition? Add this:
1-Disc Side Loading Slipcase (w/ booklet) Protector
Regular Price
$3.00
Sale Price
$3.00
Regular Price
Unit Price
per 
App, frontpage merch, protector

This Partner Label release is distributed through Vinegar Syndrome's sister company OCN Distribution. Vinegar Syndrome had no part in, nor are responsible for, the restoration, extras, quality control or any content(s) of this release. We hope you enjoy our growing roster of Partner Labels and the expertise and curation brought to each release by their dedicated staff!

Details

2026 Subscribers: This is NOT included in your Subscription. If you'd like to purchase it, you will need to login to view your special 50% off SRP pricing.

This special limited edition 2-disc Blu-ray set comes with a spot gloss hard slipcase + slipcover combo (designed by Adam Maida), includes a 40-page perfect bound book and is limited to 2,000 units. It is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

Founded in 2002 as one of the first-ever subscription film services with its DVD-of-the-Month Film Club, Film Movement is now a North American distributor of award-winning independent and foreign films based in New York City. In 2015, Film Movement launched the reissue label Film Movement Classics featuring new restorations released theatrically as well as on home video, with an emphasis on films by auteur directors such as Eric Rohmer, Peter Greenaway and Takeshi Kitano.

Released for the first time ever in North America as a box set, The Early Films of Lee Isaac Chung includes the Oscar-nominated filmmaker's first three award-winning films, before he went on to direct his Academy Award-winning hit, Minari.

Munyurangabo
After stealing a machete from a market in Kigali, Munyurangabo and his friend, Sangwa, leave the city on a journey tied to their pasts. Their friendship, however, is tested when Sangwa's parents disapprove of Munyurangabo, warning that "Hutus and Tutsis are supposed to be enemies."

Lucky Life
A group of friends travels to the beach in hopes of encouraging Jason (Kenyon Adams), who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Some time later, as Mark (Daniel O'Keefe) and Karen (Megan McKenna) plan to have a child, the beach trip lingers as a haunting memory.

Abigail Harm
Abigail Harm (Amanda Plummer) lives alone on the outskirts of the city. One day, she recalls an old story about a woodcutter who saves the life of a mystical deer and is granted his wish for a companion. Before long, this tale seems to come alive in Abigail's own lonely world.

directed by: Lee Isaac Chung
starring: Jeff Rutagengwa, Eric Ndorunkundiye, Amanda Plummer, Tetsuo Kuramochi, Will Patton, Daniel O'Keefe, Megan McKenna, Kenyon Adams

2007-2012 / 274 min (combined) / 2.35:1, 1.85:1, 1.78:1 / English, Kinyarwanda DTS-HD MA 5.1, 2.0

Additional info:

  • 2-Disc Region A Blu-ray
  • 40 Page Book with new writing by Keith Uhlich, Jaime Rebanal and Alexandra Heller-Nicholas (limited edition only)
  • English subtitles

MUNYURANGABO

  • Director Commentary by Lee Isaac Chung
  • Behind-The-Scenes featurette

LUCKY LIFE

  • Commentary by Lee Isaac Chung

ABIGAIL HARM

  • Commentary by Lee Isaac Chung

Overall rating: 4.8 / 5 from 10 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

Summary topics

Review topics: [looks, packaging, set, collection, life].

Review highlights

Reviews

Great Introduction

"The Early Films of Lee Isaac Chung is a thoughtful look at the beginnings of a filmmaker finding his voice. Lee Isaac Chung’s early work shows a clear sensitivity to character and place, even in its rougher moments. It’s a fascinating watch that highlights the foundation of the style and storytelling he would later refine."

Shawn M. (4/5)

I've seen Abigail a long

"I've seen Abigail a long time back so it was nice getting it in this trio of films. Still holds up and Amanda Plummer gives an Oscar winning performance. Lucky Life was pretty good too and Munyirangabo his debt was very moving and powerful. Great getting this trio of films in this package."

Bryan K. (5/5)

Film Movement FTW (again)

"Film Movement has become one of my favorite OCN labels because of so much I probably would’ve never discovered otherwise, and this collection by LIC is no differently, especially if TWISTERS may be how you were potentially introduced to his work."

Keith M. (5/5)

So happy to have these

"So happy to have these films in my collection. As always, great packaging and artwork. Really excited to dive into this release."

Hussein K. (5/5)

Solid Release

"Munyurangabo has been on my list for years! Now I can see it with two of Chung's other early films. Beautiful packaging with booklet, similar to the Lee Chang-dong set."

Ryan B. (5/5)

The Early Films of Lee Isaac Chung

"Good collection."

Gloria W. (5/5)

The Early Films of Lee Isaac Chung: A Masterful Foundation

"The 2-disc Blu-ray set of The Early Films of Lee Isaac Chung is a striking look at the filmmaker before Minari. Featuring Munyurangabo, Lucky Life, and Abigail Harm, the collection highlights Chung’s gift for intimate storytelling, from friendships tested by history to haunting memories and quiet, almost magical tales of solitude. The restoration and presentation are excellent, with new commentaries from Chung on all three films and a behind-the-scenes featurette on Munyurangabo. The 40-page book includes insightful essays, with a standout contribution from Toronto’s own Jaime Rebanal, alongside Keith Uhlich and Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, offering an illuminating perspective on Chung’s early work. This set is essential for anyone interested in the origins of a remarkable filmmaker."

Mitchell C. (5/5)

See Where it Came From

"A mix of early films from the now renowned director. Many of them quite short which is very much my jam."

Michael G. (5/5)

Interesting collection

"The first film Munyuragabo is the best of the set and worth buying for that alone. Lovely slipcase."

Gav R. (4/5)

Great Set

"Fantastic box featuring three early flicks from a director who I think has a very promising future."

Evan B. (5/5)

Q&A

More Items to Consider