When a film makes it to the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival it does so because it is distinct, unconventional and original. This is true for Tatsumi, but its innovative façade is built on the foundation of a good old-fashioned tribute, one which mesmerizes regardless of your familiarity with its subject.

Ah, Korean popular culture. You either love it like a kid in a candy store or you despise it with the sort of intensity usually reserved for war criminals. But for all the insipid pop acts, it’s easy to forget that Korea makes damn good films.