Apple: Life Is But a Dream by Park Chan-wook

Famed Korean director Park Chan-wook has directed Apple’s latest ‘Shot on iPhone’ campaign, paying homage to the country’s rich culture and deep history.

Life Is But a Dream is an epic 21-minute hauntingly surreal tale of an undertaker who digs up a grave to steal a coffin for the burial of ‘White Marten,’ a warrior who met their demise saving the village. Unfortunately, as the undertaker digs, he awakens the ghost of an ancient swordsman who wants his coffin back.

The unique spot mixes martial arts with romance, layered with some dark comedic touches and ‘pansori’ – Korea’s authentic musical storytelling technique.

Themes of life and death run throughout, touching on the popular notion that neither are opposite nor separate, but connected.

Chan-wook is one of the country’s most-loved filmmakers who is known for his work on the neo-noir action thriller film Oldboy and HBO’s upcoming limited series The Sympathizer.