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Thursday, 15 May 2008
"Thirst" quenches Scandinavia
Written by Patrick Frater
CANNES -- Nordic distribution group NonStop Entertainment has sucked up two vampire movies.
Strockholm-based company has acquired "Oldboy" director Park Chan-wook's "Thirst" in a deal with South Korea's CJ Entertainment.
In a separate deal it bought its first local Swedish movie "Not Like Others" (Vampyrer) by helmer Peter Pontikis.
In both cases NonStop bought all rights in Scandinavia, Iceland and the Baltics.
Source: Variety Asia Online
http://www.varietyasiaonline.com/content/view/6099/ |
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May 15, 2008
Actor An Sung-ki Gets Japanese Culture Award
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
Actor An Sung-ki
Actor An Sung-ki received Wednesday the Culture prize at the13th Nikkei Asia Award in Japan. Awarded by Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Japan Economic Times), one of Japan's largest media corporations, it is given to those who contribute to enhancing the lives of Asians.
The 56-year-old was recognized for his efforts to promote and protect Korean cinema. The star of "Silmido" (2003) was also recognized for supporting joint film projects among Korea, Japan and China. One such film is "Battle of Wits" (2006), a big budget epic movie starring An and Andy Lau and directed by Julian Cheung.
Launched in 1996, the Nikkei Asia Award has three prizes: Culture, Economic Development and Scientific Technology.
An is a familiar screen persona through box office smashes like "May 18" (2007). He's also a winner of multiple film awards, including Best Actor for "Radio Star" (2007 Daejong Film Festival) and a special recognition for 50 Years of Acting (2006 Daejong Film Festival). He is currently the honorary ambassador for the upcoming 2008 Daejong Film Festival (May 24-28, award ceremony June 27), Korea's equivalent of the Academy Awards.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2008/05/178_24274.html |
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May 15, 2008
Five Korean films join Cannes fest
 Official Website festival-cannes.fr
The 61st Cannes Film Festival has kicked off with fanfare, spicing up the festive mood for moviegoers all around the world. The ebullient mood remains largely the same here in Korea, but one thing is palpably different: There's no chance for a Korean movie or actor grabbing an award in the competition section this year.
Last year was special for the Korean film industry. Jeon Do-yeon won the prestigious best actress award for her impassioned role in the heart-wrenching flick "Secret Sunshine." This year, however, such dramatic development is unlikely to occur because no Korean film has been invited to the competition section.
But it is too early to shift attention from Korean filmmakers toward Hollywood stars. After all, five Korean movies are to be screened in various sections at Cannes, and all of them have a potential to charm foreign filmmakers, critics and media in various ways.
At the forefront stands director Kim Jee-woon's big-budget flick "The Good, the Bad, the Weird," which is one of the official selections in the Out of Competition section. The movie, set in Manchuria in the 1930s, is one of the biggest Korean projects this year, with the star-studded cast drawing keen attention from local movie fans and critics. Song Kang-ho, Lee Byung-hun and Jung Woo-sung play rebellious characters in an exotic style.
In the Un Certain Regard section, director Bong Joon-ho's "Tokyo!" -- an omnibus film produced through a Korea-Japan-France joint venture project -- has been invited, and what's notable is the renowned Korean filmmaker's efforts to expand his moviemaking coverage. Bong recruited Japanese actors to portray a sense of isolation and the meaning of affection by focusing on the travails of a group of Japanese who are sidelined and shunned in society.
In the Midnight Screenings section, director Na Hong-jin's "The Chaser" will be featured. The film, released in mid-February, emerged as Korea's top film in the first half of this year thanks to its heart-pumping dramatization that outsmarted other competitors, including Hollywood blockbusters. The film's success came as a surprise because its budget was smaller than other mainstream Korean films and main actors were relatively low-profile. Defying skepticism, however, the film drew enthusiastic response from Korean moviegoers largely due to its fast-paced storytelling and the actors' dedicated performances.
Also joining the Cannes programs is Park Jae-ok, whose animated short, "Stop," will be featured in the Cinefondation section. Park graduated from the Korean Film Academy this year and is regarded as a promising younger-generation filmmaker.
Kim Ki-young's 1960 masterpiece "The Housemaid" will be also screened in the Cannes Classics section.
Some of the Korean filmmakers and actors have already taken steps to join the festival. To promote "The Chaser," director Na Hong-jin and main actors Kim Yun-seok and Ha Jung-woo have flown to Cannes. In particular, Ha will make it to Cannes for the third time after he had visited the festival for his roles for Yoon Jong-bin's "The Unforgiven" (Un Certain Regard section in 2006) and Kim Ki-duk's "Breath" (competition section in 2007).
Kim Jee-woon, Song Kang-ho, and Jung Woo-sung are scheduled to leave for France next Thursday to promote "The Good, the Bad, the Weird." Lee Byung-hun, who is working on his Hollywood debut film "G.I. Joe," will also join the team to hold a press conference and red-carpet events.
Korean movie sales firms led by CJ Entertainment, Mirovision, Showbox, Show East, and Sidus FNH also attended Cannes by setting up their booths in the Cannes Market.
By Yang Sung-jin ([email protected])
http://www.koreaherald.com |
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May 14, 2008
Vivian Hsu Visits Korea to Shoot Gavy NJ Music Video
Taiwanese actress and singer Vivian Hsu (33) is in Korea for the shooting of Gavy NJ's new music video.
The video shoot for the music video of Gavy NJ's latest song "Life" took place at an apartment in Seoul on May 13. This is not the first time the Taiwanese star is working with Korean celebrities. She has worked with actor Kim Jae-won in the past for a TV ad campaign.
In the music video, Hsu plays the role of a woman who is betrayed by the man she loves. The woman is torn between the pain of the breakup and her desire to erase all the memories of her lover from her mind.
Gavy NJ's music video will premiere on May 15 on an Internet music portal. The group's third studio album featuring 12 tracks will be released on May 29. "Life" was jointly written by hit songwriters Min Myung-ki and Kim Do-hoon.
Source: KBS World
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/entertainment/enter_chart_detail.htm?No=7552 |
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May 14, 2008
[Talk of the town] Author handpicks Korean filmmaker to shoot epic ant tale
The director of "Wonderful Days" (2003), Kim Moon-saeng, is turning Bernard Werber's science-fiction trilogy, "Les Fourmis (The Ants)", into a film.
Werber proposed that Kim direct the film after seeing "Wonderful Days" in France.
Korea and France will defray 50 percent of the 10 million euros ($15 million) production costs, according to Studio 3303, the Korean production company in charge.
The company is currently looking for a French production partner.
The film will be in English, and production starts this year and should finish in 2011.
The Ants has sold more than 2 million copies worldwide and it has been translated into more than 30 languages.
The books were published between 1991 and 1996.
By Lee Eun-joo
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2889744 |
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KIM Moon-saeng to helm Korean-French animation project
Kim Moon-saeng, the director of "Wonderful Days", will be directing the animation Gaemi (English translation: ant), an adaptation of the popular French book Empire of the Ants by Bernard Werber.
Werber personally asked KIM to join the project to adapt his book into a film, after he watched a screening of Wonderful Days in France. Werber explained that he was impressed by KIM's animation film and that he would be the ideal filmmaker to realise the images and the story in his mind.
The project is already a year-and-a-half in development. KIM is also involved in writing the English language scenario. Gaemi will be a combination of 3D animation and live-action scenes.
Korean Studio 3303 announced that it will invest half of the ten million Euro budget and that they are looking for a French partner to finance the remaining half of the budget. Filming is scheduled to initiate this year and the film is expected to enter cinemas in 2011.
Werber said that ants are fascinating since they are the largest civilization on earth with social structures more successful than the social structures of humans.
Yi Ch'ang-ho (KOFIC)
http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/ |
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May 1, 2008
Ha Jeong-woo-Kim Hye-soo, 1st for this year's 'wonderful face'
Photographers picked Ha Jeong-woo and Kim Hye-soo for having the most 'wonderful face'.
The movie entertainment weekly magazine Movie Week held its annual 'Wonderful Face 25', and the two were the top two males and females. It is Ha Jeong-woo's first time, and it is Kim Hye-soo's second time after 2006.
The order is determined by Korea's photographers and photo reporters, who see the stars' faces closest. Movie Week asked them to pick three males and three females who had a 'wonderful face for a subject for photography'.
This year, Jeong Ryeo-won was second, Jeon Do-yeon was third, Im Soo-jeong was fourth, and Kim Min-hee was fifth. Han Ye-seul, Kim Min-seon, Han Ji-min, Han Chae-young, Lee Yeon-hee, Bae Doona, Son Ye-jin, and Kim Tae-hee were also picked. For men, Jang Dong-gun was second, Jo In-Seong was third, Cha Seung-won was fourth, and Jo Seung-woo was fifth. Won Bin, Kang Dong-won, Ryoo Seung-beom, Jeong Woo-seong, Lee Byeong-Heon, Hwang Jeong-min and Kim Kang-woo filled the 'Wonderful Face 25".
It was unexpected that Ha Jeong-woo, a new face who became close to the public through his thriller "The Chaser", passed Jang Dong-gun and Jo In-Seong to place first. Photographer Lee Bo-kyeong said, "A volatile but natural face", Kim Jeong-soo said, "Because of it's plain face, there are infinite things to express", and Kim Hyeon-sung said, "Charismatic acting. Expressions and movement that a model cannot show".
About Kim Hye-soo, photographers said, "Charm and passion that overpowers the photographer", and "An actress that reverses time". Movie Week's 'Wonderful Face 25' special will come out on the 2nd, in its 326th issue.
Original article isplus.joins.com
English translation www.hancinema.net |
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April 30, 2008
Director Kang Woo-seok, "Kim Tae-hee will be recognized as an actress some day"
Director Kang Woo-seok highly praised Kim Tae-hee's potential as an actress.
On the 29th, Director Kang said, "Kim Tae-hee will receive recognition as an actress some day". Director Kang is known for being stingy with compliments of actors and having a sharp eye, so this seldom happens.
Director Kang, who heads Cinema Service, came to see Kim Tae-hee on the movie "Venus and Mars". Director Kang explained that he kept his eye on Kim Tae-hee while producing director Han Ji-seung's "Venus and Mars".
He said, "I think it had poor progress because there was some audience animosity toward the actor. They don't want to see actors famous for commercials in the theater, and there was some blind exclusion".
"But Kim Tae-hee that I saw at filming was an actress that tried harder than anyone else. I saw her future as an actress, as she knows her weak points and tries hard".
"In case Kim Tae-hee was in a slump because of the movie's poor progress, I even contacted her management company. I told them to not be disappointed and that she will be a great actress". Director Kang, who is awaiting the premiere of "Kang Chul-joong: Public Enemy 1-1" on June 19, five years after "Public Enemy", said, "If it was not as good as the first one, I wouldn't have made it".
Original Korean article at star.moneytoday.co.kr
English translation at www.hancinema.net |
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May 3, 2008
"Likable or Not" Excitement with a reason.. and emptiness
KBS daily drama "Likable or Not", which had ratings up to 40%, ended on the 2nd.
This drama started with the intention to rethink the true meaning of family through the story of a remarried family from different bloodlines, backgrounds, and moral values.
But in the last episode, Baek-ho's (Kim Ji-seok) secret of his birth was revealed, and that purpose faded, leaving emptiness behind.
All the characters rounded off with forgiveness and reconciliation, and it couldn't escape the conventional aspects of the daily drama, which was pointed out as a limitation.
Even with the limitations of birth and the narrow-minded development, "Likable or Not" had record ratings and received love from viewers.
The first reason it was so popular was that the solving of the problems put in suspense in the storyline.
All the characters were involved in opposing forces, good and evil, ability and disability, and love and betrayal, and these caused problems that remained faithful to essential elements of a drama.
However, there was something lacking to make Dan-poong (Han Ji-hye) and Baek-ho's love story the core of the problems.
But the channel also played a part in this drama's popularity. It is a habitual anticipation for the drama that airs before the 9 pm news program.
It seems that the viewing patterns of KBS daily dramas are becoming settled. Through successes with "Bizarre Bunch", "Hearts of Nineteen", and "By Land and Sky", an inspection of its popularity is possible.
The excellent performances by the actors also become a driving force for its popularity. Older actors, such as Kim Yeong-wook, Kim Hae-sook, and Lee Jeong-gil, and younger actors like Han Ji-hye, Jo Dong-hyeok, Yoo In-yeong, and Lee Young-eun, also account for the rise of ratings.
But after the last episode aired, viewers took a negative view about its dramatic happy ending.
As daily dramas usually have happy endings, it seems the viewers are criticizing the far-fetched situation.
Original Korean article at kr.news.yahoo.com
English translation by www.hancinema.net |
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May 3, 2008
If child star Kim Yoo-jeong comes out, it goes well
Kim Yoo-jeong, who is called the troika of child stars with Seo Sin-ae and Kim Hyeong-ki, is the new talent of 2008.
Kim Yoo-jeong is more active this year, and she played Mi-jin's missing daughter Eun-ji in the movie "The Chaser", which had over 5 million viewers. She understood her mom's sadness and pain. She also pulled viewers' heartstrings as Yoon-ah in MBC "New Heart", which has been praised for opening new doors for medical dramas.
Her 2008 works have all succeeded, and people say, 'If Kim Yoo-jeong comes out, it goes well'. She is also waiting for the premiere of her movie "Unforgettable" on May 8, and SBS "Iljimae", planning to air in May. Her next works are drawing attention as she is starring in them.
Although the loveable child Kim Yoo-jeong is ten this year, she has four years of acting experience. She has been in many movies, such as "Hwangjin-i", "My Lovely Week", "Sympathy for Lady Vengenace", "Rainbow Eyes", and "Bank Attack", dramas, and commercials.
Original Korean article at media.daum.net
English translation by www.hancinema.net |
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News Index PAGE 7
May 1, 2008: Look gentle but are they really taekwondo black belt holders?
May 13: 'Sudden entrance to army' Yang Dong-geun, Reveals pictures for first time
May 13: The world Hyeon Bin and Song Hye-kyo act in
May 13: Yoon Eun-hye, Park Hyo-joo, will they be the women of Monte Carlo?
May 12: Iljimae vs. Iljimae: Fight of 'Ki' (Joon-ki - Seung-gi)
April 29: [Son Ye-jin] Envious of an independent life leading two men
May 16: Borders Blur for Director Bong as Cannes Calls for 'Tokyo!'
May 16: FT Island Awarded at Thai Music Awards
May 16: [DVD Review] Comedy spices up colonial past
May 16: It Rained on his US parade
May 16: Foreign Entertainer Donates For Chinese Quake Victims
May 14: Eva to debut as a singer
May 14: Crown J and Seo In Young抯 digital single
May 14: Ok Joo Hyun抯 3rd album, due this May!
May 14: Lee Hyo Ri on her 搒candal partners |
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May 1, 2008
Look gentle but are they really taekwondo black belt holders?
There are many stars who have various talents, and there are many black-belt holders in the entertainment industry.
Kim Ok-bin is a second degree. Also, Eric Moon and Son Seong-hee, Dong Bang Shin Ki's Xiah Junsu and Yunho, Hyeon Bin and Ko Soo, even Seo Tai-ji are second degrees.
Won Bin is also a third degree. Female stars Hwang Bo and Kim Hye-soo are third degrees. Isn't it a little unexpected?
Jang Woo-hyuk, Im Chang-jeong, Kim Bo-seong, and Jo In-Seong are third degrees, and Shin Hye-sung and Choi Ji-won are fourth degrees, and anyone can acknowledge their skill.
Tiger JK has a fifth degree, and Lee Dong-joon-I, the middle-aged actor in "Ah Hyeon Dong's Madam", is a seventh degree.
A seventh degree is almost professional level, and it is unexpected that such gentle-looking actors are black belt holders.
Original Korean article at news.naver.com
English translation by www.hancinema.net |
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May 13, 2008
'Sudden entrance to army' Yang Dong-geun, Reveals pictures for first time
Singer and actor Yang Dong-geun who entered the army on the 6th revealed his pictures for the first time.
Yang Dong-geun entered the active service in the army on the 6th, and on the 9th, entered as a new recruit into an army division in Kangwon.
Yang Dong-geun will be learning the basics for five weeks there, and his first pictures were posted on an army-related internet site on the 11th.
He debuted as a child actor, and grew as a skilled actor with movies such as "Hae-jeok, Disco King" and "Fighter in the Wind". He also released a hip-hop album and was recognized as a singer.
His management company is preparing a 'best album' for fans who have continued to show love for Yang Dong-geun.
Original Korean article at kr.news.yahoo.com
English translation by www.hancinema.net
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May 13, 2008
The world Hyeon Bin and Song Hye-kyo act in
 
Drama's big names have gathered. Director Pyo Min-soo of "In-soon is Pretty" will direct, and writer Noh Hee-kyeong of "More Beautiful Than a Flower" and "Goodbye Solo" will write, and Hyeon Bin of "My Name is Kim Sam-soon" and Song Hye-kyo of "Full House" will act. It's an outstanding group worthy of the drama "On Air". Their work is "The World They Live In", a drama about a director's work and love. Hyeon Bin plays a promising director, Jeong Ji-oh, and Song Hye-kyo plays director Joo Joon-yeong, who has experienced directing plays and tries a miniseries. Overcoming the complications that arise from unspoken barriers within the drama field is the foundation of the story. Of course, it also ties in love into the competition of the two producers. The production company, YEG, said, "Director Pyo Min-soo, who has a prominent way of subtly expressing emotions, and writer Noh Hee-kyeong held a long search for actors who could embrace the character in the best way".
"The World They Live In" was the drama that Director Pyo mentioned as "In-soon is Pretty" ended last December. He said, "I'm planning to work with writer Noh Hee-kyeong on my next work, and the broadcasting company will be the stage". They already worked on "Lie" and "Foolish Love", and fans of writer Noh have waited for the two to work again. The production company said that writer Noh has been searching for producing locations for two years. The key is how different it will be from other dramas with broadcasting companies as the focus, such as "Spotlight", starring Ji Jin-hee and Son Ye-jin, which airs May 14, and "On Air". "The World They Live In" is to air in November.
Original Korean article at www.cine21.com
English translation by www.hancinema.net |
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May 13, 2008
Yoon Eun-hye, Park Hyo-joo, will they be the women of Monte Carlo?
MBC "Coffee Prince" and cable TV's MBC dramanet "Byul Soon-gum" are entering the 2008 Monte Carlo TV Festival in the TV series category. The Monte Carlo TV Festival is a world event held in Monte Carlo, Monaco, that recognizes TV movies, TV series (drama/comedy), news, and documentaries. It is one of the world's top 4 TV festivals, along with America's Emmy's, Canada's Banff TV Festival, and Italy's Prix Italia.
"Coffee Prince" entered into the comedy category of TV series. It seems the reason is how the unique theme of a cross-dressing woman's love is played lightly. Yoon Eun-hye is a nominee for female in leading role.
"Byul Soon-gum" entered in the drama category of TV series. It is the first for a cable drama. The main character is Park Hyo-joo. On Joo-wan also was nominated for an acting award, and they will attend the ceremony that starts next month on the 8th.
Recently, KBS "Capital Scandal" was the first Korean drama to win an award at the Banff TV Festival. SBS "War of Money" received the top award for a drama series in Houston International Film Festival. In the midst of recognition, there is great interest to see if "Coffee Prince" and "Byul Soon-gum" can also bring good news.
Original Korean article at www.sportsseoul.com
English translation by www.hancinema.net |
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May 12, 2008
Iljimae vs. Iljimae: Fight of 'Ki' (Joon-ki - Seung-gi)
"Lee Joon-ki vs Lee Seung-gi, the viewers choose..'
In 2008, two 'Iljimae's will find the home theater.
The SBS historical drama "Iljimae", starring Lee Joon-ki, will air from the 21st after "On Air". In response, MBC is airing drama "Iljimae", starring Lee Seung-gi, at the end of the year. It is unconventional for two dramas with the same title to air on public television in the same year. Thus, it is inevitable that we compare 'Joon-ki's Iljimae' and 'Seung-gi's Iljimae'.
Lee Joon-ki's "Iljimae"
Green Snake Media, the production company of SBS "Iljimae", gave up purchasing the copyright of Ko Woo-yeong's comic due to production costs, and are using an original story based on the story of a chivalrous robber. The setting is the Chosun era, and Iljimae is faced with breaking the rules of social status and the pursuit of reform.
Actor Lee Joon-ki, who rose to stardom with "The King and the Clown", is the main character, and he is to show historical acting and action skills that he has perfected. A representation of the production company said, "Different from Ko Woo-yeong's Iljimae that has his stage in Southeast Asia, SBS Iljimae will have his stage within Korea, which will express the Korean sentiment in a better way".
In response to what genre it is, he said, "There is a satire of today's society, but it's not a fusion historical drama as "Hong Gil Dong". It is a drama of chivalry that is seasoned with comedy".
The plan to show Lee Joon-ki, like Lupin, MacGyver, or Zorro, who appears at any time and vanishes mysteriously, is drawing much interest.
In addition to Lee Joon-ki, they have a great cast of Han Hyo-joo, Park Si-hoo, Lee Yeong-ah, Kim Chang-wan, Lee Moon-sik, Jo Min-ki, Kim Seong-ryeong, Son Tae-yeong, Lee Won-jong, Ahn Kil-kang, and Kim Roi-ha.
Lee Seung-gi's "Iljimae"
MBC is remaking Ko Woo-yeong's famous comic "Iljimae". Lee Seung-gi, who is the main character, will show the original with sadness, humor, and satire. Although Lee Seung-gi has less acting experience than Lee Joon-ki, Lee Seung-gi is currently very popular, so the battle for ratings is still unknown.
If Lee Joon-ki's 'Iljimae' starts with the personal desire to avenge his family's death, Lee Seung-gi's 'Iljimae' shows decisive opposition for social discrimination and exploitation. As the original comic mixes fantasy, Lee Seung-gi acts as the hero that everyone wants more than staying faithful to a historical background.
Iljimae, who comes back from studying abroad, realizes the true situation of exploited Chosun, and becomes a chivalrous robber to help the people, and the producers will insert many episodes from the original.
The producing company, Jipi Workshop, of MBC "Iljimae" started producing after receiving the copyright after battling for it against Green Snake Media last February. They began filming in March, and the staff is looking around the whole nation to find a traditional house, a river, a cave, and mountains to set the stage for the drama.
Presently, MBC plans for 24 episodes of 70 minutes each, and they are targeting to air by the end of the year. The reason why they are focusing on organization more than ever is because it is rare for two broadcasting companies to have two dramas with the same name and similar stories in the same year.
Jipi Workshop is remaining faithful to the script and even requested certification of the storyline from Green Snake Media to protect the original work.
Original Korean article at news.naver.com
English translation by www.hancinema.net |
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April 29, 2008
[Son Ye-jin] Envious of an independent life leading two men
"My Wife Got Married" Son Ye-jin's role of In-ah
-It must be hard filming the drama "Spotlight" too
=I have never done two things at once, except "The Classic" and "The Great Ambition", which overlapped a little. Luckily, the movie is almost done, so it's manageable. If I filmed the whole night and slept deeply, I used to be okay, but I get tired now. I'm drinking a tonic made of black goat and red ginseng.
-Were you close to Kim Joo-hyeok before? The staff is complaining that you two joke around too much. They want you to be serious during rehearsal.
=We don't have a lot of NGs. With Kim Joo-hyeok, there is a lot of affection as lovers and a couple. There is a lot of time we have to spend together. If we're awkward, then it won't seem real. After trying to act natural, it just became comfortable. Our director used to ask us to be serious for just one minute, but now, he jokes around even more than us.
-A wife with two husbands. It must be satisfying to play In-ah who doesn't care about what others think.
=It's more exciting since our nation is still a paternal society. It's a story that overturns institutions and customs. From a man's point of view, he won't be able to sympathize with In-ah. If the original In-ah can't be understood and accepted even after separating, the In-ah in the movie doesn't want to part from Duk-hoon, but also loves Jae-kyeong at the same time. One of my fans said that there was a woman in England with two husbands and translated an article for me, and it says that she is happy that both men are waiting for her. Both of the men's parents know, and she is only living her life in a different way and is happy that she has a bigger family. I do envy her that she can live an independent life the way she wants to.
-Do you like soccer? A lot of the stories of soccer in the original were taken out, but In-ah has to be constantly talking about soccer.
=I liked player Yoon Jeong-hwan. In the 2002 World Cup, I went to all the games except the one with Italy. Just that much. I don't know all about international soccer clubs like In-ah.
-How does the relationship between Duk-hoon and In-ah, and Jae-kyeong play out in the movie?
=I can't tell you that. I think I can get the nuance of what she means when she says that you become twice your size when you love. Although I don't completely understand a woman who has two families. (Laughs)
Original Korean article at http://www.cine21.com/Article/ar ... mp;article_id=51049
English translation at http://www.hancinema.net |
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May 16, 2008
Borders Blur for Director Bong as Cannes Calls for 'Tokyo!'
Bong Joon-ho poses during a photocall for his film
'Tokyo !' at the 61st Cannes Film Festival in Cannes,
southern France, on Thursday. /AFP
For Bong Joon-ho, the Cannes International Film Festival is an extra-special event. His 2006 film "The Host," which made Korean history by drawing some 13 million viewers, screened at the Directors' Fortnight series during the French film gala. It's widely believed that the strong response it received there, though not an official Cannes event, was behind the movie's huge success back home.
Cannes smiled upon Bong again this year, inviting his latest work "Tokyo!" to screen on the opening day of the Un Certain Regard section. The omnibus film directed by Bong and two other world-famous directors, Leos Carax and Michel Gondry, has attracted keen interest. A press preview at the Salle Debussy on Thursday was packed with film reporters and critics from around the world.
Working with the two French filmmakers was an extraordinary experience for the 39-year-old Bong. "It felt a little unreal, to be honest," he says. That's understandable considering that Carax, 48, famed for works such as "Mauvais Sang (Bad Blood)" from 1986 and "Les Amants du Pont-Neuf (The Lovers on the Bridge)" from 1991, was one of the leading directors of the 1980s, when Bong was just a young, passionate would-be director. The renowned Gondry, 45, is probably best known for his 2004 film "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind."
From left, French director Michel Gondry, French director Leos Carax and Korean director
Bong Joon-ho pose at the photo call for the film "Toyko!" during the 61st International film festival in Cannes,
southern France, on Thursday. /AP
While some expressed disappointment that no Korean films were invited to the In Competition section of Cannes this year, "Tokyo!" offers evidence that Korean film is breaking free of nationalistic concerns. "The special effects for 'The Host' were entrusted to teams from Australia and New Zealand, so it's been a while since national boundaries have been blurred in the film world, where everything is mixed culturally and industrially," Bong said. "'Tokyo!' is no exception."
After the interview, the director ran into Carax and Gondry in the lobby of the hotel, on their way to a final check of the film print. The three embraced, showing that here, at least, nationality has little meaning.
Source: [email protected]
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200805/200805160025.html
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May 16, 2008
FT Island Awarded at Thai Music Awards
The Korean band FT Island was invited to Thailand's SEED Award, a music awards ceremony. FT Island was the recipient of "Asia's Most Popular Artist" award.
The SEED Award is in its third year and it's hosted by Thailand's SEED TV and SEED FM (radio). It opened at the Royal Paragon Hall in Bangkok on the 14th. Nominees from K-pop included FT Island, Super Junior, Big Bang and Wonder Girls. Last year, "Asia's Most Popular Artist" went to TVXQ!.
According to FT Island's agency, the band sang "Lovesick" and "Until You Get Here" live in front of a crowd of cheering fans at the ceremony.
FT Island performed in Bangkok on April 14th. They had held a concert for approximately 6000 fans from all over Asia, including those from Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia.
On June 7th, FT Island will be releasing a mini-album in Japan and begin working on their second album in Korea.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/mcontents/entertainment/1524291_11692.html |
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May 16, 2008
[DVD Review] Comedy spices up colonial past
Bong-gu (Park Yong-woo), left, tricks a Japanese soldier
to make a getaway. [Mirovision]
For many Koreans, the Japanese colonial period (1910-1945) is remembered as one of the bleakest, most devastating times in history. Films about this era usually portray historical events that remind viewers of Korea's tragic past as a subordinate country.
"Once Upon a Time" dates to 1940s Korea under Japanese reign, but interestingly, it takes a rather humorous and easygoing tone.
The story begins as the Japanese governor-general orders a search for the legendary 20-carat diamond called the Holy Light of the East. The diamond has been placed in the forehead of the Great Buddha in Sukkuram Grotto to shine at sunrise.
Park Yong-woo stars as a shallow yet attractive master thief, Bong-gu, who will steal and sell any kind of Korean treasure to a pawnbroker to make dirty money. He is also interested in acquiring the diamond for himself.
Bong-gu's plan, however, is foiled when another secretive thief, who calls herself "Haedang hwa," or Rugosa Rose, jumps into the game to steal the diamond as well.
The film shows enough of the social background of the time, with the Japanese taking bundles of Korean gold and randomly picking on pedestrians. Every Korean in the film has switched to a Japanese name in order to survive.
Indeed, some parts will trigger viewer emotions and patriotism, such as scenes in which innocent citizens are killed by angry Japanese soldiers looking for the diamond. The serious moments, however, don't last throughout the entire film.
Life under Japanese colonialism is desperate, but each person has to live their life, and life provides some humor even in the depths of despair. Once Upon a Time can be a comedy that viewers can sit back on a comfy couch and laugh at because it focuses on personal journeys, not just historical events.
In the end, the story reveals that the Holy Light of the East never existed in the first place. It is Bong-gu's win-win plan to redeem Korea's stolen gold from Japan with a fake diamond as bait.
Funny from beginning to end, Once Upon a Time has a delightful finish, and Bong-gu continues looking for the next target he can make big money from.
It is not different from other comedies, expect that it takes place during a desperate time that many associate with strong emotion.
For me, it was an interesting DVD choice that kept me entertained |
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