Song Kang-Ho 송강호 [“Broker”, “Emergency Declaration”]

[rubie]

July 12, 2017

Historical Epics Set to Dominate This Year's Summer Peak Season

By Lee Tae-hoon The ChosunIlbo

Summer is typically the peak season of the year for the film industry as hordes of people head to theaters for some temporary relief from the sweltering heat, and youngsters enjoy their summer break.

Films that dominate the box office during this period (the last week of July through mid-August) usually end up being the year's top grossers. Last year, more than 17 million people visited theaters, with the box office list topped by "Train to Busan," which was seen by 11.57 million, "Operation Chromite" (7.05 million) and "The Last Princess" (5.6 million). 

This summer's most highly anticipated films include "A Taxi Driver," directed by Jang Hoon, and "The Battleship Island," directed by Ryoo Seung-wan.

The former tells the story of the 1980 Gwangju Democratic Uprising through the eyes of a cabbie who by chance ends up driving a German reporter around the southwestern city.

"The Battleship Island" depicts the ordeal endured by Korean forced laborers on Hashima Island during Japanese colonial rule.

Ahead of their official releases, the producers of both films have staged pre-screening promotional events to create buzz and draw more moviegoers. "The Battleship Island" is slated for release late this month, and "A Taxi Driver" in early August.

[rubie]

July 12, 2017

(Yonhap Interview)

Actor Song Kang-ho speaks about new film on Gwangju Uprising

By Shim Sun-ah and Cho Jae-young

SEOUL, July 12 (Yonhap) -- Including "Joint Security Area" (2000), "The President's Barber" (2004), "The Attorney" (2014) and "The Age of Shadows" (2016), actor Song Kang-ho's filmography has many of both commercially and critically acclaimed dramas depicting tragedies of modern Korean history.

But it wasn't easy for him to decide to be in "A Taxi Driver," a new Korean historical film about the military's bloody crackdown of a pro-democracy uprising in Gwangju, some 330 kilometers south of Seoul in 1980.

"It seems to have been an extension of the time when I had to decide whether or not to be in 'The Attorney.' It was a bit different from political burden," Song said during an interview with Yonhap News Agency at a Seoul cafe on Wednesday. "The Attorney" is loosely based on the life of the late President Roh Moo-hyun's early years as a lawyer in Busan in the 1980s.

"I just wasn't sure whether I was ready to deliver the story with a sense of responsibility. Just as there was a fear that I might bring any disgrace to his life, this work gave me such burden. I mean, it was not the type of a burden that the government or some people would dislike the film," the 50-year-old actor said.

After much thought, he turned down the offer to take the film's title role at first. The story that he once ignored, however, growingly occupied his mind. Feeling a strong sense of duty that he should properly let the world know of the Gwangju uprising, he eventually picked up the screenplay after just a week.

Directed by Jang Hun of "Secret Reunion" (2009) and "The Front Line" (2011), "A Taxi Driver" features the uprising on May 18, 1980, as seen from the eyes of two outsiders -- a taxi driver from Seoul and a journalist from Germany. During the incident, citizens of Gwangju rose up against Chun Doo-hwan who seized power in a military coup and later became president. The protest was brought to an end by a cruel crackdown, leaving hundreds of people dead or missing.

Song plays the taxi driver Kim Man-seop who lives with his 11-year-old daughter in a small house after being widowed. He is a worldling that is crazy about money because of economic difficulties. But he also is a reasonable person who takes an old lady who cannot walk properly to a hospital for free. One day, he picks up a German reporter who just introduces himself as "Peter" and takes him to Gwangju for a large amount of cash, without knowing what is going on there. In Gwangju, he witnesses the horrors of the bloody military crackdown.

The reporter character is based on the life of Jurgen Hinzpeter, the late German journalist who filmed and reported on the Gwangju massacre all over the world with much help from a Seoul taxi driver whose identity is not known.

Song intensely expresses Man-seop's change of mind with only a few scenes. His performance is excellent enough to remind viewers of his moniker "God of Acting."

Questioned about the most difficult part of filming, he singled out a scene where Man-seop weeps while humming a hit song of the '80s on his way back to Seoul after leaving Peter in Gwangju alone. He then turns his car around and goes back. He had to show an emotional change while driving and singing, but the road at the film location was too short to elevate his emotions in a short period of time, he recalled.

Song stressed that the spirit that flows through the film is not pro-democratization or a political slogan, but laws of humanity.

"The true value of this film is that we feel how we have overcome the painful memories of the past, just as we have experienced how Korea's political history has been made from last year until now."

He also shared his impression of working with renowned German actor Thomas Kretschmann who was featured in the Roman Polanski film "The Pianist." He plays Jurgen Hinzpeter in the Korean film.

"I've seen 'The Pianist' in the past and thought it quite impressive. It was just great to work with Thomas Kretschmann. He is four to five years older than me, and he had a professional attitude as an international actor. He did not lose his smile and cared for others even though the filming went on amid sweltering weather conditions last year. His personality was wonderful and impressive."

In "A Taxi Driver," Man-seop communicates in broken English with Hinzpeter on their way to Gwangju. Song previously handled some English dialogue for South Korean director Bong Joon-ho's Hollywood debut film "Snowpiercer" (2013).

"I don't speak English well. But my English is not as bad as Man-seop's," Song said, laughing.

Also starring Yoo Hae-jin and Ryu Jun-yeol, the new film is set to open in local theaters on Aug. 2.

sshim@yna.co.kr

[rubie]

July 13, 2017

Best actor-director team plan new film

By Kim Jung-kyoon INSIDE Korea JoongAng Daily

Actor Song Kang-ho, who has had a successful track record working with director Bong Joon-ho, who recently directed the controversial film “Okja,” will once again collaborate with the director in the upcoming film “Parasite.”

Song and Bong first worked together in “Memories of Murder” (2003) and have also worked in the blockbusters “The Host” and “Snowpiercer.” These classics have elevated the reputation of Song and Bong as the best actor-director team in the industry. 

Song said on Wednesday, “I am very excited to work on ‘Parasite’ and with Bong once again.”

“Bong is so meticulous and careful that I haven’t received an official synopsis yet. I have only heard about the movie through his description, but I believe the movie is very powerful and will send waves around Korea,” said Song. 

Song is currently finalizing filming of “Drug Lord” set to be released in summer of 2018. The Bong-directed flick will start shooting in spring 2018.

[rubie]

July 13, 2017

Fantasia Hails A TAXI DRIVER for Closing Slot
14 Korean Features and Shorts in Montreal

by Pierce Conran / KoBiz

Gwangju Uprising drama A Taxi Driver, featuring SONG Kang-ho and Thomas Kretschmann, has been selected as the closing film of this year’s Fantasia International Film Festival. Directed by JANG Hun, the work will join Cannes midnighter The Villainess, which was already announced as the opening film, as well as 12 other features and shorts from Korea at the Montreal festival.

Due for release in Korea on August 2nd, where it is already getting strong notice from critics, A Taxi Driver tells the real story of a German journalist who came to Korea with the aim of covering protests that break out in Gwangju in May of 1980. He hires a taxi driver to take him there and back again but neither could have anticipated the historical events they would encounter.

Top star SONG is currently on a run of hits that include Snowpiercer (2013), The Face Reader (2013), The Attorney (2013), The Throne (2015), and The Age of Shadows (2016) which have each attracted over six million viewers. Director JANG is known for Rough Cut (2008), Secret Reunion (2010), which also starred SONG, and The Front Line (2011).

Also in Fantasia will be timeslip thriller A Day, which screens in competition, NK action-thriller Confidential Assignment, VR action-thriller Fabricated City, mystery-thriller House of the Disappeared, animation The Senior Class, cop comedy The Sheriff in Town and sports drama SPLIT (2016). Invited animated shorts include Cook Cook Cook, Ho Gu, Lovescream, Rainbow and Scarecrow Island.

JUNG Byung-gil’s action revenge tale The Villainess will open Fantasia on July 13th before A Taxi Driver brings down the curtain on August 2nd.

[rubie]

July 14, 2017

‘Taxi Driver’ takes viewers to Gwangju, 1980

Source: INSIDE Korea JoongAng Daily

The Gwangju uprising, a civil revolt against Korea’s military government in May 1980, is a perennial favorite of screenwriters. There’s “May 18,” a tearful drama from 2007 about two brothers caught in the middle of fighting between protesters and soldiers, and “26 Years,” an action thriller released in 2012 about a plot to assassinate one of the perpetrators of the civilian massacre.

Next month, another movie touching on the landmark moment in Korean history will be released. Directed by Jang Hun of “The Front Line” (2011), the upcoming film titled “A Taxi Driver” revolves around a hard up cab driver in Seoul named Kim Man-seop (Song Kang-ho) who takes an ambitious German reporter Jurgen Hinzpeter (Thomas Kretschmann) to Gwangju in the southwestern part of the country.

The film is based on the true story of Hinzpeter, who played an essential role in reporting on the Gwangju protests and the subsequent massacre that the military laid upon the city. 

Actors Yoo Hai-jin and Ryu Jun-yeol also have roles in the film, playing respectively a warm-hearted taxi driver in Gwangju and a strong-willed university student fighting against the military government.

A short clip of an interview with Hinzpeter, who met with the film crew before he passed away last year, is included at the end of the movie.

“We dramatized the story based on historical facts,” Jang, the director, said during a press preview earlier this week. The characters in the movie, he said, were created from testimonies by Hinzpeter and Gwangju citizens.

“It’s a movie told from the perspectives of characters [instead of focusing on the uprising itself],” the director said. “[The taxi driver and German reporter] were ordinary people just like any of us, and I imagined what they would have felt after encountering the situation,” referring to the uprising in Gwangju.

Song, who plays the cab driver, said he hopes audiences will feel the spirit of the people who died during the protests.

“I wouldn’t be able to fully understand the pain and tragedy they felt,” he said. “But I acted, wishing to earnestly deliver what happened. … I believe we have maintained peaceful lives thanks to their efforts and sacrifice. I dare say this is a movie delivering those people’s hope.”

BY JIN MIN-JI [jin.minji@joongang.co.kr]

[rubie]

Published on July 14, 2017 by K STAR 생방송 스타뉴스

 

[rubie]

July 14, 2017

(Movie Review) A Taxi Driver:

Gwangju Uprising seen from eyes of outsiders

By Shim Sun-ah

SEOUL, July 14 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean historical drama "A Taxi Driver" opens with Seoul taxi driver Kim Man-seop (Song Kang-ho) hilariously singing along with an iconic popular song of the '80s behind the wheel. It's May 1980, several days before the bloody crackdown of a pro-democracy uprising in Gwangju, some 330 kilometers south of Seoul.

Man-seop lives in a small rented home with his 11-year-old daughter after being widowed. He is a commoner in the working class who cares only about his family's livelihood, uninterested in political issues. He fumes at a traffic jam caused by anti-government rallies by "thoughtless" university students rather than the dictatorship of the then authoritarian government led by President Chun Doo-hwan.

This photo released by Showbox is a scene from "A Taxi Driver." (Yonhap)

One day, he "wins" the chance to pick up a German reporter who introduces himself just as "Peter" and take him to Gwangju for a large amount of cash, without knowing what is going on there. Peter or Jurgen Hinzpeter is an Asian correspondent for the German public broadcasting company ARD-NDR who flew into Korea to cover the Gwangju uprising.

In Gwangju, they meet a naive university student named Jae-sik (Ryu Jun-yeol) and a kind-hearted local taxi driver Tae-sul (Yoo Hae-jin). But Man-seop soon falls into shock after witnessing the horrors of the massacre. For those unfamiliar with Korean history, the cruel crackdown left hundreds of people dead or missing.

The film sees the historical tragedy from the perspective of two outsiders -- the taxi driver from Seoul and the German reporter -- with no ideological bias. That's how it stands out from all preceding films about the Gwangju Uprising.

This photo released by Showbox is a scene from "A Taxi Driver." (Yonhap)

Shining here is director Jang Hoon's talent in calmly depicting painful chapters of modern and contemporary Korean history through the stories of people who underwent the eras in his previous works like "Secret Reunion" (2009) and "The Front Line" (2011). He cleverly allows viewers to follow subtle changes in Man-seop's attitude from an "outsider" to an "insider" of Gwangju's tragedy.

The movie shows that those who rose up against the military regime were no heroes but just ordinary people with common sense and respect for others like Tae-sul, Jae-sik and Man-seop.

It is based on the true story of late German reporter Jurgen Hinzpeter who filmed and reported on the Gwangju massacre, sharing it all over the world.

But the movie never stumbles over the weight of history. It goes its own way, adding devices from commercial films like humor and a car chase.

This photo released by Showbox is a scene from "A Taxi Driver." (Yonhap)

Song Kang-ho's performance is top-notch, especially when he, as Man-seop, reveals his complex emotions while humming a hit song in tears on his way back to Seoul, leaving Hinzpeter in Gwangju. Also good: Renowned German actor Thomas Kretschmann who was featured in the Roman Polanski film "The Pianist" as Hizpeter; Yoo Hae-jin as the Gwangju taxi driver; and Ryu Jun-yeol as the Gwangju college student.

But much of the first half of the film dwells on Man-seop's character and situation through many anecdotes. These scenes add emotional texture to the tale, but little suspense. Some climax scenes that induce emotional overflow -- as many Korean films do -- is another shortcoming.

"A Taxi Driver" is set to open in local theaters on Aug. 2.

This photo released by Showbox is a scene from "A Taxi Driver." (Yonhap) 

sshim@yna.co.kr

[rubie]

July 17, 2017

'A Taxi Driver' to open in North America, Australia, Britain next month

SEOUL, July 17 (Yonhap) -- A new domestic film on the 1980 pro-democracy uprising in Gwangju will open in English-speaking and other Asian countries following its domestic release next month, its local distributor said Monday.

"A Taxi Driver" is set to open in North American countries on Aug. 11, Australia and New Zealand on Aug. 24 and Britain on Aug. 25, according to Showbox.

It will then be shown in Hong Kong later that month and Taiwan, Japan and other Asian countries from September.

"The movie was screened at the Cannes Film Market in May and attracted the interest and expectations of many buyers and distributors," said an official from Showbox's overseas team.

Directed by Jang Hoon, the film tells the story of a Seoul taxi driver named Man-seop who happens to take German reporter Jurgen Hinzpeter to Gwangju, some 330 kilometers south of Seoul, and witnesses the horrors of the bloody military crackdown on the May 18 uprising. It stars South Korean actor Song Kang-ho of "Snowpiercer" as the taxi driver and renowned German actor Thomas Kretschmann, who was featured in the Roman Polanski film "The Pianist," as Hizpeter.

The movie's domestic release is set for Aug. 2.

This image released by Showbox is a scene from "A Taxi Driver." (Yonhap)

sshim@yna.co.kr

[rubie]

Source: cine_21

[rubie]

Source: CINE21

Cover NO.1115  2017-07-25 ~ 2017-08-01

[rubie]

July 23, 2017

Casting these actors and actresses would guarantee success at the box office!
Korean investment companies in the film industry have selected the 2017 version of [magic potions at the B.O.] or box office champions ~

Source: Korea Star Daily, translated by Barbara at LBH soompi via EverythingLBH.com



Who are the big time actors in the 2017 “Chungmuro” edition that guaranteed box office success? There exists a galaxy of stars in the movie circle that would induce audiences to voluntarily purchase movie tickets. They are named “box office guaranteed success”, “trustworthy actors” or “ magic potions at the box office”. They are the darlings of movie producers and distributors, and they attract large capital investments. Movie Investors like these stars and cast them in their movies because they can assure the investors that they can get back their investments. These major producers: CJ E&M, Lotte Entertaiment, Mega Box Plus M, Showbox and New Entertainment have voted and selected the 2017 edition of “Chugmiro box office magic potions”. The total scores are based on their votes.

Leading the pack among actors is Song Kang Ho absolutely. 



The number 1 “Box Office Magic Potion” is Song Kang Ho. Four out of the 5 giant production companies selected him and the remaining company voted him second. He is the current highest paid Korean actor, commanding KRW1,000,000,000 per movie. This high salary reflects his popularity, To put it bluntly, he is the first “go to guy” for all scripts that require an actor over 40 years oid. Investors said: “Song Kang Ho remains number one over many years because he possesses all the qualities that the Korean audience like in an actor: humor, sensitivity, dominance and acting skills that no one can match. 

Spoiler

Comprehensive ranking for the runner-up is Ha Jung Woo. Among the five giant production companies, one even voted him for the first place. His biggest attraction is his affinity with the audience. Investors said: “No matter what role he is given, he is able to portray the character is his own distinctive style. In addition, he has a special relationship with the audience. His success in the movies ”Terror Live” and “The Tunnel” which were adapted from webtoons elevated even more the trust audience has in him.

Spoiler

Comprehensive ranking for third place is Lee Byung Hun. With “Inside Men” , he earned the investors’ trust. They feel that “Lee Byung Hun has amazing acting skills which are very attractive. Whenever a Lee Byung Hun movie is mentioned, everyone looks forward to it. Furthermore, he has uncanny vision in choosing scripts. Therefore whether it is the script or his acting are worthy of trust.”

Spoiler

Comprehensive ranking for 4th place is Hwang Jung Min. He acts at least in one movie per year. By virtue of “Ode to My Father” and “Veteran” he became an actor with audience surpassing 10,000,000 in each of the two movies. Furthermore, most of his works return easily the capital to his investors, making him naturally the darling of investors. 

Spoiler

Comprehensive ranking for fifth place is Gang Don Won. Among actors in their 30s, his appearance, acting and box office strengths are the most balanced. His work ethic is serious and his crew loves him. Professional revealed: "Although his box office results have not been good lately, but he possesses a distinctive aura and is widely accepted as an actor by the film industry.
 

Spoiler

The number 1 female actress “Box Office Magic Potion” is Son Ye Jin. 

The Leading lady that guarantees success at the box office is absolutely Son Ye Jin. Her appearance in “The Last Princess” last year gave her a big hand. Two of the five giant production companies voted her number one. The remaining three companies voted her in second place. She received a total of 22 points. Although there is a big price gap between actors and actresses, Son Ye Jin is the highest paid actress. Investors said: “ Let us say that Son Ye Jin has very few failures in her works; her work ethic is great, her image is good. If you take into account her looks and acting skills, she is absolutely the champion.” 

Kim Hye Soo received comprehensive ranking for the runner up. She is a very balanced actress. Most of the professionals in the business considered that her dominance in acting is what attracts her to her audience. They praised her: “From the moment Kim Hye Soo decided to act in a movie, the value of the movie rises.” 

Spoiler

Comprehensive ranking for third place is Jun Ji Hyun. As her works are not numerous, there is a huge ripple effect whenever there is an announcement that she will act in a movie. Professionals analyzed as follows: “She does not act in too many movies, but every appearance is enough to release public curiosity. Her popularity will rise to heated levels. However what is uncertain is whether the movie would be successful, unlike Son Ye Jin who has been proven in her works. Her image and popularity are really good, but the feeling of stability is lacking. 

Spoiler

Han Hyo Joo ranks fourth. Although investors put a lot of emphasis on the age and sex on their analysis, but strictly from the acting point of view, Han Hyo Joo is trusted by her audience. Investors said: “Whenever Han Hyo Joo is casted in a lead role, there is never any objection. She is steadfast, and steady actress. Her looks, acting skills, friendliness, positively striving image are very balanced. 

Spoiler

Comprehensive ranking for fifth place is Jeon Do Yeon who received Best Actress in the Cannes Film Festival. Professionals have this to say: “ Although her acting skills are very solid, but her choice of scripts are very different. Rating for her works has wide margins. She received praises for her acting, but her box office disappoints and is regretful. 

Spoiler

 

[rubie]

July 24, 2017

A TAXI DRIVER Rolls Up to International Markets
Gwangju Pic to Screen Across Asia and English-Language Countries

by Pierce Conran / KoBiz

High summer release A Taxi Driver is scheduled to open in several English-speaking territories next month as well as across Asia in September, shortly after its domestic release. The film is a tale of the Gwangju Democracy Movement of 1980 from director JANG Hun with stars SONG Kang-ho and Thomas Kretschmann.

According to its distributor Showbox, after hitting screens in Korea on August 2nd, the film will open in North America on August 11th, before debuting in Australia and New Zealand on August 24th and the UK on August 24th. In September, the title is scheduled to open in Taiwan, Japan and other Asian territories. Showbox explained that after market screenings during the Cannes Film Market in May the film quickly drew the interest of several distributors.

A Taxi Driver features SONG as a Seoul taxi driver who gives a German journalist a lift down to Gwangju so he can cover the protests happening in the city. The journalist is played by German star Thomas Kretschmanm of The Pianist and Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Last year, SONG scored a hit with KIM Jee-woon’s The Age of Shadows and he is currently filming the gang film Drug King for Inside Men (2015) director WOO Min-ho. Director JANG previously helmed the hits Rough Cut (2008), Secret Reunion (2010) and The Front Line (2011).

Meanwhile, A Taxi Driver will have its international premiere as the closing film of the Fantasia International Film Festival early next month.

[rubie]

July 25, 2017

Song Kang-ho reflects on tragic history in film ‘A Taxi Driver’ :

Veteran actor continues his streak of roles depicting Korean stories from the recent past

Source: INSIDE Korea JoongAng Daily

Actor Song Kang-ho plays the role of a taxi driver who accompanies a German reporter to Gwangju. [JO WON-JIN]

From 2013 drama “The Attorney” and 2016’s “The Age of Shadows” to “A Taxi Driver,” which is set to hit theaters next week, the 49-year-old actor Song Kang-ho has made quite a career playing characters who reflect Korea’s modern and contemporary history. 

Director Jang Hun’s latest film “A Taxi Driver” is based on the recollections of German reporter Jurgen Hinzpeter, the man who helped bring to light the truth about the Gwangju uprising that occurred in May of 1980. The taxi driver who accompanied Hinzpeter from Seoul to Gwangju was a man named Kim Sa-bok (or Kim Man-seop in the film). In an interview with the JoongAng Ilbo, an affiliate of the Korea JoongAng Daily, Song, who plays the role of the taxi driver, said that he hesitated joining the film because of the weightiness of the story. 

Below are the edited excerpts from the interview. 

Q. You said that the reason you decided to do this film is because you feel like you owe something. 

A. Back when the Gwangju uprising took place, I was a middle school student, and I did not really know anything. For instance, when I heard the distorted news on the radio that the mob had been suppressed, I felt relieved. I think the power to overcome the pain of the past lies in the spirit of ordinary citizens like Man-seop.

The director Jang Hun said that the reason why he chose a Kia Brisa for the taxi was because it has a similar character to Man-seop.

(Laughs) They are both mischievous. A Brisa is very small, so it was hard to make a U-turn. But, I got used to it the more I drove it. The car was brought in from Japan, and I was afraid that the car might be returned to Japan after the movie was done. But luckily, the car was sent to be stored by a Korean company.

There are scenes where Man-seop isn’t really friendly to the people around him because he is too busy making a living of his own. I think this kind of character is your specialty. 

I think being humble and being compassionate are two different things. Being compassionate comes from a healthy mind. As seen in the movie, people who fully carry out their obligations and do not hurt others have healthy minds. I tried hard to depict that spirit that Man-seop has. 

The scene where Man-seop is chased by the police with bright red lights in the background looks like a scene from a horror movie.

While Man-seop is running away from the police, he turns his head, and he sees a truck full people who have been arrested. The camera flickers a bit, like this scene is viewed from Man-seop’s perspective, as if he is wondering if this is reality or if he’s dreaming. 

Is there a scene that particularly stands out to you?

While trying to escape Gwangju, Man-seop meets sergeant Park, played by Um Tae-goo. This might be a spoiler so I can’t give a detailed description, but I liked the scene when I first saw the script. I think that not only did the people of Gwangju go through pain, but the soldiers who were there suffered as well. I think if there is a scene that this movie should aim for, then it should be this scene. I think this scene is saying that we should overcome and heal our pain with love from ourselves. 

I heard that you were impressed with actor Ryu Jun-yeol, who plays the role of a university student in Gwangju. What made him stand out?

I think he really stood out in the tvN series “Reply 1988.” His look is cold but attractive. When we were filming, he did not look intimidated among veteran actors. 

What was it like to reunite with director Jang seven years after working together on the film “Secret Reunion”?

I think the best thing about director Jang is that he and his films are very frank. He does not try to be overtly expressive. 

Actor Song Kang-ho plays the role of a taxi driver Man-seop in director Jang Hun’s latest drama film “A Taxi Driver,” which is set to hit theaters next week. [SHOWBOX]

I think in terms of the character, “A Taxi Driver” is similar to the 2013 hit movie “The Attorney.”

When I choose the pieces I want to do, I don’t reject a role because it is similar to a role that I have done before. I think since being an actor is the kind of job that I have to do for a long time, that sort of short-sighted notion is only peripheral. I think for me, the movie’s depth, social resonance and tone is more important. If a movie is unnecessarily violent or extreme, I bring it up to the director. 

Is it true that you were recently offered a role in a Hollywood film? 

There have been some, but I have turned them down several times. I am not really drawn by Hollywood movies where Asian actors are only offered a limited number of roles. 

You seem to play characters that are going through dilemmas. What would you say is your dilemma?

I think that my dilemma is the fine line between a good movie and movies that are well-received by the public. I want to be in good movies, but I also want to star in films that are popular and commercial. Those two things don’t always go hand in hand. As an actor, that is always a dilemma. 

How would you describe your past 21 years as an actor in one word?

I think the best word would be ‘patience.’ Not only the type of patience to suppress pain, but being consistent with yourself. Sometimes, I have grown so tired from long waits, and I sometimes became physically and mentally tired when I didn’t like my acting. Living through that kind of difficulty is also patience. 

BY NA WON-JEONG [jeon.sohyun@joongang.co.kr]

[rori0711]

hello @rubie!!! man, why only now?! To be honest, this is my first time i reading an interview of Song Kangho. Unbelievable, right?  I have no doubt he's one of the most trusted actors but i didn't had any effort of knowing him. So thank you very much for sharing this interview by Inside Korea, i started to have this desire to dig him more 

I enjoyed reading actor SKH's thoughts and with that i can definitely say he's a very profound man. That's also the reason why his acting is encompassing. From now on, i will delightly read his interviews   

[rori0711]

On 7/24/2017 at 11:27 PM, rubie said:

July 23, 2017

Casting these actors and actresses would guarantee success at the box office!
Korean investment companies in the film industry have selected the 2017 version of [magic potions at the B.O.] or box office champions ~

Source: Korea Star Daily, translated by Barbara at LBH soompi via EverythingLBH.com
 

Spoiler

Who are the big time actors in the 2017 “Chungmuro” edition that guaranteed box office success? There exists a galaxy of stars in the movie circle that would induce audiences to voluntarily purchase movie tickets. They are named “box office guaranteed success”, “trustworthy actors” or “ magic potions at the box office”. They are the darlings of movie producers and distributors, and they attract large capital investments. Movie Investors like these stars and cast them in their movies because they can assure the investors that they can get back their investments. These major producers: CJ E&M, Lotte Entertaiment, Mega Box Plus M, Showbox and New Entertainment have voted and selected the 2017 edition of “Chugmiro box office magic potions”. The total scores are based on their votes.

Leading the pack among actors is Song Kang Ho absolutely. 



The number 1 “Box Office Magic Potion” is Song Kang Ho. Four out of the 5 giant production companies selected him and the remaining company voted him second. He is the current highest paid Korean actor, commanding KRW1,000,000,000 per movie. This high salary reflects his popularity, To put it bluntly, he is the first “go to guy” for all scripts that require an actor over 40 years oid. Investors said: “Song Kang Ho remains number one over many years because he possesses all the qualities that the Korean audience like in an actor: humor, sensitivity, dominance and acting skills that no one can match. 

Spoiler

Comprehensive ranking for the runner-up is Ha Jung Woo. Among the five giant production companies, one even voted him for the first place. His biggest attraction is his affinity with the audience. Investors said: “No matter what role he is given, he is able to portray the character is his own distinctive style. In addition, he has a special relationship with the audience. His success in the movies ”Terror Live” and “The Tunnel” which were adapted from webtoons elevated even more the trust audience has in him.

Comprehensive ranking for third place is Lee Byung Hun. With “Inside Men” , he earned the investors’ trust. They feel that “Lee Byung Hun has amazing acting skills which are very attractive. Whenever a Lee Byung Hun movie is mentioned, everyone looks forward to it. Furthermore, he has uncanny vision in choosing scripts. Therefore whether it is the script or his acting are worthy of trust.”



Comprehensive ranking for 4th place is Hwang Jung Min. He acts at least in one movie per year. By virtue of “Ode to My Father” and “Veteran” he became an actor with audience surpassing 10,000,000 in each of the two movies. Furthermore, most of his works return easily the capital to his investors, making him naturally the darling of investors. 



Comprehensive ranking for fifth place is Gang Don Won. Among actors in their 30s, his appearance, acting and box office strengths are the most balanced. His work ethic is serious and his crew loves him. Professional revealed: "Although his box office results have not been good lately, but he possesses a distinctive aura and is widely accepted as an actor by the film industry.

Spoiler

The number 1 female actress “Box Office Magic Potion” is Son Ye Jin. 

The Leading lady that guarantees success at the box office is absolutely Son Ye Jin. Her appearance in “The Last Princess” last year gave her a big hand. Two of the five giant production companies voted her number one. The remaining three companies voted her in second place. She received a total of 22 points. Although there is a big price gap between actors and actresses, Son Ye Jin is the highest paid actress. Investors said: “ Let us say that Son Ye Jin has very few failures in her works; her work ethic is great, her image is good. If you take into account her looks and acting skills, she is absolutely the champion.” 

Kim Hye Soo received comprehensive ranking for the runner up. She is a very balanced actress. Most of the professionals in the business considered that her dominance in acting is what attracts her to her audience. They praised her: “From the moment Kim Hye Soo decided to act in a movie, the value of the movie rises.” 



 

Spoiler

Comprehensive ranking for third place is Jun Ji Hyun. As her works are not numerous, there is a huge ripple effect whenever there is an announcement that she will act in a movie. Professionals analyzed as follows: “She does not act in too many movies, but every appearance is enough to release public curiosity. Her popularity will rise to heated levels. However what is uncertain is whether the movie would be successful, unlike Son Ye Jin who has been proven in her works. Her image and popularity are really good, but the feeling of stability is lacking. 



Han Hyo Joo ranks fourth. Although investors put a lot of emphasis on the age and sex on their analysis, but strictly from the acting point of view, Han Hyo Joo is trusted by her audience. Investors said: “Whenever Han Hyo Joo is casted in a lead role, there is never any objection. She is steadfast, and steady actress. Her looks, acting skills, friendliness, positively striving image are very balanced. 

Comprehensive ranking for fifth place is Jeon Do Yeon who received Best Actress in the Cannes Film Festival. Professionals have this to say: “ Although her acting skills are very solid, but her choice of scripts are very different. Rating for her works has wide margins. She received praises for her acting, but her box office disappoints and is regretful. 

 

What an insight! Korean film investors had given their actors evaluation. Can't agree more. I'm happy to see my favorite actors in the list  

[rubie]

July 27, 2017

[INTERVIEW] “Escaping from East Germany helped my acting in Taxi Driver”

Spoiler

German actor Thomas Kretschmann poses during an interview at the Intercontinental Hotel in Samseong-dong, Seoul, Tuesday. / Courtesy of Showbox

By Kim Jae-heun The Korea Times

German actor Thomas Kretschmann said Tuesday his experience of escaping from East Germany helped him understand the Gwangju Democratization Movement for the movie "Taxi Driver."

Kretschmann appears as German reporter Jurgen Hinzpeter, or by his nickname Peter, in the movie and met with the press at the Intercontinental Hotel in Seoul ahead of the film's release next week.

"My experience escaping from East Germany when I was in my 20s, gave me lessons in my life and for my acting," said Kretschmann. "It helped me form my view of the world. I arrived in Yugoslavia first, which adopted neither capitalism nor communism. The country remembers massacres taking place when it was being split up. I've starred in a film depicting the tragedy and it helped me understand the Gwangju Democratization Movement too."

"Taxi Driver," directed by Jang Hoon, was written based on the true story told by Hinzpeter, who covered the tragedy of the Gwangju Democratization Movement of May 1980 and revealed the truth to the world.

The military regime concealed its crackdown against the citizens, mostly students, and forced the media to forge the event into a riot by a group of communists. The government officially confirmed over 1,000 casualties during the protest.

In the film, Peter pays taxi driver Man-seop, played by Song Kang-ho, 100,000 won to take him 250 kilometers southward from Seoul. Man-seop does not know the German is a reporter and is also unaware that martial law has been declared in Gwangju.

Hinzpeter later visited Korea to find the taxi driver, whose real name is Kim Sa-bok, but the German reporter died last year.

"I wanted to meet Hinzpeter but he died a year before we started filming. Surprisingly, there was not much information about the Gwangju Democratization Movement and I read the script over and over again. I also asked director Jang Hoon to show me some documentaries about the event that I could refer to," said Kretschmann.

The German actor confessed he knew nothing about the democratization movement that took place in Korea and he only decided to star in the movie because of the good script he read.

Kretschmann says he took many foreigner roles in international movies but he recalls that shooting in Korea was extraordinarily challenging.

"The biggest problem was the language. It would take longer for me to prepare than anybody else before the scenes. The critical scenes or dramatic scenes were easier to act than the lighter sequences with much chitchat," said Kretschmann.

The German actor remembers the Korean actors were pleasant to work with. He particularly praised Song for his acting ability in shifting his emotions rapidly from one scene to another.

"I was honored to act with Song. He is a fantastic actor who can shift his emotions quickly from light humor to a heavy sad feeling. He's got great acting rhythm like a wave," said the German actor.

"Taxi Driver" will hit local theaters on Aug. 2.

jhkim@ktimes.com

[rubie]

On 7/26/2017 at 10:04 PM, rori0711 said:

hello @rubie!!! man, why only now?! To be honest, this is my first time i reading an interview of Song Kangho. Unbelievable, right?  I have no doubt he's one of the most trusted actors but i didn't had any effort of knowing him. So thank you very much for sharing this interview by Inside Korea, i started to have this desire to dig him more 

I enjoyed reading actor SKH's thoughts and with that i can definitely say he's a very profound man. That's also the reason why his acting is encompassing. From now on, i will delightly read his interviews   

Hi hi @rori0711, welcome welcome! So good to see you here. Why now?? Better late than neva! 

Here's another cool interview article to read!

July 27, 2017

[Interview] Song Kang-ho not afraid of politics, "Can't break conviction"

Source: STARNEWS via HanCinema.net

Song Kang-ho is back.

In a café in Seoul, we met actor Song Kang-ho who is coming back with the movie "A Taxi Driver". All his movies put together make up over 10 million viewers.

While anticipation for the movie is high, Song Kang-ho said, "Although I don't care about materialistic results, it's hard work put in by a lot of people so I hope people watch it".

"A Taxi Driver" is the true story of an ordinary taxi driver named Kim Sa-bok and a German reporter who covered the incident of Gwangju 5.18.

Kim Man-sup is an ordinary taxi driver with an 11 year-old daughter named Eun-jeong (Yoo Eun-mi). He struggles with debt until one day a German reporter offers him 100,000 won for driving him to Gwangju and back.

Like "The Attorney", Song Kang-ho says he wasn't sure he could do it. It was such a good movie that he didn't want to be the one to ruin it. However, in the end, he did.

"All the citizens in "A Taxi Driver" are ordinary people with determination and target. They do their best as citizens of the country. However, when they come together, they are able to overcome a great tragedy and that is "Hope". That awareness is what supports history. When we are willing to move, we become tremendous power without anyone telling us what to do".

Song Kang-ho has been in many historically based movies and he's been black-listed, pressurizing him.

Song Kang-ho said, "I am not prejudice and I don't' believe in everything I hear. I just look at things in a different way and think about the characters and background in our history".

"There's a trend every now and then in Chungmuro. There's a time when a specific genre is produced all the time. As an actor, I choose what my heart tells me to choose but I guess I've been in dark themes for quite some time now".

He claims he felt pressure while filming "A Taxi Driver" as it was an environment he's never experienced before.

"It would be a lie if I said I was the only one feeling it. But the pressure wasn't enough to break our convictions about a meaningful movie. Everyone was really determined to make the movie work".

"Political fear was the least of my problems but if or not we will be able to express the movie according to the message it wasn't to deliver. My passion and desire for the movie allowed me to keep going. I hope the audience feels that".

We asked if Song Kang-ho had a goal and something he wanted dearly. He said, "I want to continue having good movies like this".

"It's every actor's greed to be in good movies. Going abroad and making a lot of money is tempting but that happens when every element in an environment hit it off and bring good results. I have my bad days but what gets me back up is a 'good movie'. My bad days Don't Go Away by resting or looking or something else to do. You just have to face it. I wish my luck continues".

"A Taxi Driver" is being released on the 2nd of August.

[rubie]

Despite the based on a true story gloomy theme, TAXI DRIVER looks like a great movie from the teaser.  Undoubtedly, SKH is perfect for the lead role. The movie doesn't get much attention, soompi-wise but hopefully it will do really well at the Korean Box Office and rightfully so.

July 28, 2017

"A Taxi Driver" to be released in the USA on August 11

Source: Well Go USA via HanCinema.net

"A Taxi Driver" to be released in the USA on August 11.

Synopsis:
In this powerful true story set in 1980, a down-on-his-luck taxi driver from Seoul is hired by a foreign journalist who wants to go to the town of Gwangju for the day. They arrive to find a city under siege by the military government, with the citizens, led by a determined group of college students, rising up to demand freedom. What began as an easy fare becomes a life-or-death struggle in the midst of the Gwangju Uprising, a critical event in modern South Korea.

The trailer looks awesome, indeed.

[rubie]

Source: Pierce Conran‏ @pierceconran

Source: HanCinema.net

[rubie]

July 30, 2017

July Movie Actor Brand Reputation Rankings Revealed

Source: Soompi by D. Kim   

Movie actor brand reputation rankings have been released for the month of July.

The Korean Business Research Institute analyzed 139,284,258 pieces of big data from June 28 to July 29, looking at interaction, media, communication, and community indexes.

Song Joong Ki topped the list with a total brand reputation index of 23,494,489. Song Kang Ho followed up in second place with a total score of 11,510,210, while Gong Yoo came in third place with a score of 10,810,929.

Check out the top 25 rankings below:

1. Song Joong Ki
2. Song Kang Ho
3. Gong Yoo
4. Kim Soo Hyun
5. Lee Jung Hyun
6. So Ji Sub
7. Im Siwan
8. Jun Ji Hyun
9. Hwang Jung Min
10. Yeo Jin Goo
11. Yoo Hae Jin
12. Ahn Jae Hong
13. Lee Kyung Young
14. Jung Woo Sung
15. Lee Byung Hun
16. Kim Ok Bin
17. Hyun Bin
18. Yoo Ah In
19. Han Ji Min
20. Park Hyo Joo
21. Han Hyo Joo
22. Lee Jung Jae
23. Jo In Sung
24. Kim Hye Soo
25. Ha Jung Woo

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