Lee Byung Hun 이병헌 Byunghun Lee

[rubie]

January 22, 2009

S. Korean western nominated for best film at Hong Kong festival

SEOUL, Jan. 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's spaghetti western "The Good, the Bad, the Weird" will be competing for the top prize at Hong Kong's upcoming Asian Film Awards (AFA), event organizers said Thursday.

Established in 2007 by the Hong Kong International Film Festival, the AFA spans the full range of genres by Asian filmmakers. The event kicks off on March 23, coinciding with the opening night of Hong Kong's main film festival.

"The Good, the Bad, the Weird," directed by Kim Jee-woon, has been well received by audiences in and out of the country, debuting at the Cannes Film Festival and drawing the largest number of viewers at home last year. The comic movie, inspired by Italian director Sergio Leone's "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly," depicts a battle between three men over a supposed treasure map in 1930s' Japanese-occupied Manchuria.

The movie has been nominated in eight categories, including best film and best director.

Kim's film will be competing against Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki's animation "Ponyo on the Cliff," Chinese director John Woo's historical epic "Red Cliff" and Chen Kaige's "Forever Enthralled," which depicts the life story of the late Chinese opera performer Mei Lanfang. The drama "Tokyo Sonata," which spans the globe from Tokyo and the Netherlands to Hong Kong, will also be competing, as will Indonesia's "The Rainbow Troops." Woo and Miyazaki are also competing against Kim for best director.

South Korean actor Song Kang-ho, who won best actor at the AFA 2007, has again been nominated in the category for his performance in "The Good, the Bad, the Weird." He will be competing against Ha Jung-woo ("My Dear Enemy"), another Korean actor, China's Ge You, Indonesia's Akshay Kumar, and Japan's Kenichi Matsuyama and Masahiro Motoki.

The winners will be announced at the ceremony in Hong Kong on March 23.

Credits: hayney@yna.co.kr via yonhapnews, poster from empas.com

[rubie]

I love watching AFA mainly because there are many familiar Asian celebrities there plus English is the official language used in the ceremony

Looks like it's GBW and Chaser chasing after one another again with GBW domineering the nominations list. How come this Indian movie "Slumdog Millionaire" isn't in the chase? Didn't they received 4 Golden Globes Heard that Amitabh Bachchan is so so against this movie

edit: Guess this film is not in AFA because it's not produced by Indian producer

I'm not much into Bollywood or the likes but why is Amitabh Bachchan against the 'Slumdog Millionaire'.. which I had no idea about either.

Didn't know that you a fan, Jan.. :blush:

Just curious if any one here has watched The Chaser? Is it as gruesome and violent as BSL? The store here sells this movie and the cover looks scary. Wonder why people like violent movies maybe watch it for the actors' sake

YesAsia is out of stock on BSL; will stick to the dl then since rubie and autumnleaves highly recommended it

I have no idea about 'The Chaser' than what's being written as the synopsis but what I know is that the Korean movie critics simply love the movie really a lot.. perhap, even more than GBW. There's certainly some bloody/gruesome scenes as well but Kim Yoon Seok and Ha Jung Woo as the leads have been collecting acting awards from every possible corners in the movie industry.. which should speak for itself.

Jan, you can try checking with Helena about the movie more.. she's always posting (alone) at 'The Chaser' movie thread..

Btw.. if you're the adventurous type and doesn't mind ordering the DVDs from online stores.. you can certainly give it a try as there are a few of good & highly recommended sites to choose from.

[rubie]

The Good, The Bad, The Weird tops nominations for Asian Film Awards

Jean Noh in Seoul

21 Jan 2009 17:46

The Good, The Bad, The Weird - Kim Jee-woon's rollicking Oriental Western, took eight nominations in total, including those for best film, director, and cinematographer. Song Kang-ho picked up a nod for best actor, while Jung Woo-sung and Lee Byung-hun both got nominated in the best supporting actor category.

Other nominees in the best film category are Chen Kaige's Mei Lanfang biopic Forever Enthralled, Hayao Miyazaki's animation Ponyo On The Cliff By The Sea, Riri Riza's school drama The Rainbow Troops, John Woo's historical action film Red Cliff, and Kiyoshi Kurosawa's family drama Tokyo Sonata.

Choosing the winners from the nominations will be a 13-person jury presided over by actress Michelle Yeoh. Other jury members include Christian Jeune from the Cannes film festival; Kenji Ishizaka from the Tokyo film festival; Christophe Terhechte from the Berlinale; Noah Cowan from the Toronto film festival; and Park Ki-yong, filmmaker and head of the Korean Academy of Film Arts (KAFA).

The awards presentation ceremony will be held March 23 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, as the Opening Gala of the Entertainment Expo Hong Kong.

The 33rd Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) and the 7th Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF) also start March 23.

Full list of Asian Film Awards nominations

Best Film

Forever Enthralled (Mainland China)

The Good, The Bad , The Weird (South Korea)

Ponyo On The Cliff By The Sea (Japan)

The Rainbow Troops (Indonesia)

Red Cliff (Mainland China)

Tokyo Sonata (Japan / The Netherlands / Hong Kong)

Best Director

Feng Xiao-gang - If You Are The One (Mainland China)

Kim Jee-woon - The Good, The Bad, The Weird (South Korea)

Koreeda Hirokazu - Still Walking (Japan)

Brillante Mendoza – Service (The Philippines)

Miyazaki Hayao / Frank Marshall - Ponyo On The Cliff By The Sea (Japan)

John Woo - Red Cliff (Mainland China)

Best Actor

Ge You - If You Are The One (Chinese)

Ha Jung-woo - The Chaser (South Korea)

Akshay Kumar - Singh Is Kinng (India)

Matsuyama Kenichi - Detroit Metal City (Japan)

Motoki Masahiro – Departures (Japan)

Song Kang-ho - The Good, The Bad, The Weird (South Korea)

Best Actress

Fukatsu Eri - The Magic Hour (Japan)

Jiang Wenli - And The Spring Comes (Mainland China)

Deepika Padukone - Chandni Chowk To China (India) \

Yoshinaga Sayuri - Kabei - Our Mother (Japan)

Zhou Wei - Painted Skin (Mainland China / Hong Kong)

Zhou Xun - The Equation Of Love And Death (Mainland China)

Best Newcomer

Matsuda Shota - Boys Over Flowers: The Movie (Japan)

Sandrine Pinna - Miao Miao (Taiwan / Hong Kong)

So Ji-sub - Rough Cut (South Korea)

Xu Jiao - CJ7 (Hong Kong)

JeeJa Yanin – Chocolate (Thailand)

Yu Shaoqun - Forever Enthralled (Mainland China)

Best Supporting Actor

Nick Cheung - Beast Stalker (Hong Kong)

Jung Woo-sung - The Good, The Bad, The Weird (South Korea)

Lee Byung-hun - The Good, The Bad, The Weird (South Korea)

Tsutsumi Shinichi - Suspect X (Japan)

Wang Xueqi - Forever Enthralled (Mainland China)

Best Supporting Actress

Aoi Yu - Sex Is No Laughing Matter (Japan)

Jaclyn JOSE – Service (The Philippines)

KIKI Kirin - Still Walking (Japan)

KIM Ji-yeong - Forever The Moment (South Korea)

Gina PARENO – Service (The Philippines)

Best Screenwriter

NA Hong-jin - The Chaser (South Korea)

LI Qiang - And The Spring Comes (Mainland China)

Tom Lin / Henry Tsai - Winds Of September (Taiwan / Hong Kong)

Kurosawa Kiyoshi / Max Mannix / Tanaka Sachiko - Tokyo Sonata (Japan / The Netherlands / Hong Kong)

Mitani Koki - The Magic Hour (Japan)

Best Cinematographer

Ato Shoichi - Paco And The Magical Book (Japan)

Cheng Siu-keung – Sparrow (Hong Kong)

Lee Mo-gae - The Good, The Bad, The Weird (South Korea)

Jola Dylewska – Tulpan (Germany / Kazakhstan / Poland / Russia / Switzerland)

Wang Yu / Nelson Lik-wai Yu - 24 City (Mainland China)

Waluyo ICHWANDIARDONO - The Rainbow Troops (Indonesia)

KIM Sun-min - The Chaser (South Korea)

Best Visual Effects

Craig Hayes - Red Cliff (Mainland China)

KIM Wook - The Good, The Bad, The Weird (South Korea)

Yanagawase Masahide - Paco And The Magical Book (Japan)

Source: screendaily.com

[rubie]

Nominees for the third Asian Film Awards

The Associated Press

Published: January 21, 2009

HONG KONG: The list of nominees for the third Asian Film Awards announced in Hong Kong on Wednesday:

Best film: "Forever Enthralled" (China), "The Good, the Bad, the Weird" (South Korea), "Ponyo on the Cliff" (Japan), "The Rainbow Troops" (Indonesia), "Red Cliff" (China), Tokyo Sonata (Japan, The Netherlands, Hong Kong).

Best director: Feng Xiaogang for "If You Are the One," Kim Jee-woon for "The Good, the Bad, the Weird," Hirokazu Koreeda for "Still Walking," Brillante Mendoza for "Service," Hayao Miyazaki and Frank Marshall for "Ponyo on the Cliff," John Woo for "Red Cliff."

Best actor: Ge You for "If You Are the One," Ha Jung-woo for "The Chaser," Akshay Kumar for "Singh is Kinng," Kenichi Matsuyama for "Detroit Metal City," Masahiro Motoki for "Departures," Song Kang-ho for "The Good, the Bad, the Weird."

Best actress: Eri Fukatsu for "The Magic Hour," Jiang Wenli for "And the Spring Comes," Deepika Padukone for "Chandni Chowk to China," Sayuri Yoshinaga for "Kabei — Our Mother," Zhao Wei for "Painted Skin," Zhou Xun for "The Equation of Love and Death."

Best supporting actor: Nick Cheung for "Beast Stalker," Jung Woo-sung for "The Good, the Bad, the Weird," Lee Byung-hun for "The Good, the Bad, the Weird," Shinichi Tsutsumi for "Suspect X," Wang Xueqi for "Forever Enthralled."

Best supporting actress: Yu Aoi for "Sex Is No Laughing Matter," Jaclyn Jose for "Service," Kirin Kiki for "Still Walking," Kim Ji-yeong for "Forever the Moment," Gina Pareno for "Service."

Best screenwriter: Na Hong-jin for "The Chaser," Li Qiang for "And the Spring Comes," Tom Lin and Henry Tsai for "Winds of September," Kiyoshi Kurosawa, Max Mannix and Sachiko Tanaka for "Tokyo Sonata," Koki Mitani for "The Magic Hour."

Best cinematographer: Shoichi Ato for "Paco and the Magical Book," Cheng Siu-keung for "Sparrow," Lee Mo-gae for "The Good, the Bad, the Weird," Jola Dylewska for "Tulpan," Wang Yu and Nelson Yu for "24 City."

Best production designer: Nitin Chandrakant Desai for "Jodhaa Akbar," Towako Kuwajima for "Paco and the Magical Book," Daniel Lee for "Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon," Bill Lui for "Painted Skin," Yohei Taneda for "The Magic Hour."

Best composer: Dalpalan and Jang Young-gyu for "The Good, the Bad, the Weird," Yoshihiro Hanno and Lim Giong for "24 City," Joe Hisaishi for "Ponyo on the Cliff," Henry Lai for "Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon," A.R. Rahman for "Jodhaa Akbar."

Best editor: Chan Ki-hop for "Beast Stalker," William Chang for "Miao Miao," Darya Danilova for "Native Dancer," Waluyo Ichwandiardono for "The Rainbow Troops," Kim Sun-min for "The Chaser."

Best visual effects: Craig Hayes for "Red Cliff," Kim Wook for "The Good, the Bad, the Weird," Masahide Yanagawase for "Paco and the Magical Book."

Source: iht.com

[rubie]

Thursday January 22 2009

Korean western front-runner at Asian Film Awards

HONG KONG, Jan 21 — A South Korean western, John Woo’s recent historical epic and a Japanese animation master’s latest movie will be the main contenders at the third Asian Film Awards.

“The Good, the Bad, the Weird,” about a bounty hunter, a bandit and a train robber who vie for a treasure map in 1930s Japanese-occupied Manchuria, is the front-runner, according to the list of nominees released today.

The Korean action movie bagged eight nominations in 13 categories, including best film and best director for Kim Jee-woon. Song Kang-ho, who won best actor at the 2007 awards, was nominated in that category again. Song’s co-stars, Jung Woo-sung and Lee Byung-hun, were both nominated for best supporting actor.

Also competing for best picture are: Chen Kaige’s profile of the late Chinese opera performer Mei Lanfang, “Forever Enthralled;” famed Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki’s “Ponyo on the Cliff;” Woo’s Chinese historical epic “Red Cliff;” the Japan-Netherlands-Hong Kong drama “Tokyo Sonata;” and Indonesia’s “The Rainbow Troops.”

The winners will be chosen by a panel chaired by former Bond girl Michelle Yeoh and announced at a ceremony in Hong Kong on March 23.

Woo and Miyazaki were also nominated for best director. The other nominees are China’s Feng Xiaogang for the romance “If You Are the One,” Japan’s Hirokazu Koreeda for “Still Walking” and Brillante Mendoza for the Philippine movie “Service.”

In the best actor category, Song is competing against China's Ge You, Bollywood star Akshay Kumar, South Korea’s Ha Jung-woo and Japanese actors Kenichi Matsuyama (“Detroit Metal City”) and Masahiro Motoki.

Kumar was nominated for “Singh is Kinng,” a comedy about an Indian villager who travels to Australia to persuade a fellow villager-turned-gangster to return. Ha was named for the action thriller “The Chaser,” about a serial killer on the run.

Motoki won a nod for “Departures,” a drama about a cellist-turned-undertaker.

Zhao Wei, Zhou Xun and Jiang Wenli — all from China — are in the running for best actress, along with Japan’s Eri Fukatsu and Sayuri Yoshinaga and India’s Deepika Padukone.

Zhao starred in the ghost thriller “Painted Skin,” Zhou played a taxi driver searching for her missing boyfriend in “The Equation of Love and Death” and Padukone appeared in the recently released Bollywood film “Chandni Chowk to China,” about an Indian cook who travels to China. — AP

Source: The Malaysian Insider

[rubie]

No doubt there are a number of GBW and AFA news around.. but..

lately.. here & there so quiet.. totally missing Byunghun-ssi!

---

Monday, 19 January 2009

Asian films score in 2008

Written by Patrick Frater

A decade ago, Hollywood pics ruled Asia. But, with the figures just in for 2008, it's clear that local fare - such as Japan's "Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea" and China's "Red Cliff" -- is quickly moving into the spotlight.

The growing influence of local industries points up why Disney, Warner and Fox have joined Sony in joining the local production scene in many Asian territories. "Ten years ago we were market leaders in every market, except India," says UIP regional boss Kurt Rieder. "Now that's completely changed." Hollywood continues to see successes -- "The Dark Knight," "Indiana Jones," "Kung Fu Panda" and "Hancock" were hits pretty much across the region -- but studio movies no longer shape the overall trend.

Japan, a country which has seen little economic growth over those years, presents possibly the strongest demonstration of the power of local content -- and did so again in 2008. Six of the top 10 films were Japanese, including the runaway winner Hayao Miyazaki toon "Ponyo" with $159 million. With "Boys over Flowers" ($72.2 million) and "Suspect X" ($53.1 million) Japan's top producers again showed that they have learned how to harness TV franchises and the star power of local music talent.

The outlook for China is particularly illuminating, since the territory is the only major one besides Russia to show double-digit growth -- a ray of hope for studios confronting mature markets in other areas. China remains constrained by import, content and distribution restrictions, but the acceleration of multiplex building (screen count grew 16% in 2008) and the increasing appeal of Chinese movies led to a massive 27% growth in box office last year.

Local producers are now delivering commercial movies that are backed by effective marketing. While the success of "CJ7" ($26.1 million) and "Red Cliff" ($44 million) were not surprising, the $29 million earned by genre movie "Painted Skin" caught many off guard. And Feng Xiaogang's light comedy of modern manners "If You Are the One," has overtaken "Red Cliff" and, still in release, is inching towards "Titanic's" all-time record.

According to official data, the Chinese market grew to $622 million in 2008. Although box office compiling services show varying figures for China, this total would put it ahead of major territories such as Australia and Mexico. Chinese films took 60% of the total, with eight passing the $14.6 million milestone (100 remnibi, in local currency) that previously defined blockbuster status.

In markets where homegrown pics disappointed, notably South Korea and India, turnstiles ticked slower. For much of the 21st century, South Korea was Asian cinema's role model. Perhaps temporarily, the country's filmmakers appear to have lost the ability to keep their eyes on audience tastes while simultaneously controlling costs. Among the predicted blockbusters, only "The Good, the Bad, the Weird" truly delivered, grossing $39.4 million, even as the overall box office cume for the year dropped 4%. The year's greatest cheer was for first time writer-helmer Na Hong-jin, whose gory thriller "The Chaser" and its $29.3 million was lauded as marking the arrival of another world class talent.

Data for India is notoriously hard to obtain, verify or interpret, but local trade analysts suggest that theatrical B.O. fell 20%-40% in 2008. After some strong perfs at the beginning of the year for "Jodha Akbar" and "Race," the middle was a washout with flops from even the biggest name producers and directors. Second half, however, saw hits include comedy "Golmaal Returns," romance "Rab ne Bana di Jodi" and comedy adventure "Singh is Kinng."

While the dip was disappointing for companies that have invested large sums to introduce multiplexes to India, the mid-year glitch was not to the advantage of Hollywood movies. There were high-profile releases for "Hancock" and "Quantum of Solace," but according to some data, all of the top 100 movies were Indian-made.

India has attracted much Hollywood investment in the last year, with Disney becoming majority owner of UTV, Viacom backing the successful Studio 18 group and Fox seeking to combine forces with its powerful Star TV group.

The industry is seeing the emergence of a handful of very substantial studio groups (some have a predominantly production model, others favor distribution and finance).

And the industry's capacity to rebound was demonstrated in the last week of December with "Ghajini," a brutal thriller wrapped around a slushy romantic core, running away with an astonishing $22 million opening weekend.

In Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan, new screens and higher ticket prices rather than breakout hits resulted in higher totals. But 2008 did see one Taiwanese film break out. "Cape No.7," a nostalgic, small town romancer with a musical subplot, came from nowhere to become the biggest Taiwanese film of all time. The pic made nearly $7 million in Taipei alone, more than double the second-place movie ("Hancock") and was an extraordinary performance in a territory known for its arthouse helmers whose films make no money at home.

For years, Hollywood films have claimed over 90% of Taiwanese B.O., so the breakout romance was encouraging for the local biz. It's one more sign that auds seem to be seeking out local pics as often as Hollywood titles.

Source: Variety Asia

[Guest kimchibabe]

So the AFA took notice of BH's performance in GBW.

I think it really doesn't matter if he's up for best supporting actor, a nomination at any award giving body is always a proud moment.

If I remember right, BH was in HK for the AFA in 2007. He was very formal, wearing a white dinner jacket to the event.

This is definitely something to look forward to in March. Hope he attends and wins the trophy! GBW..still going strong one year after.

[rubie]

The article below is from KBS World - Lifestyle section, it doesn't really mention BH (the articles would randomly use celebs' pics to highlight the content) but I'm sure you can imagine how very pleased rubie is seeing the photo of BH being used.. hehee.. hee.. *obviously*

January 20, 2009

Exercise Tips for Women & Men

Hello, listeners! Welcome to Style Korea, a Tuesday segment that brings you the latest fashion and trend reports from Seoul. I’m Sue Park.

As we age, our bodies lose muscle tissue and our metabolism slows down. Exercise is the best way to get physically fit and lose weight. Starting an exercise regimen at any age is extremely beneficial and can add years to your life.

Working out takes discipline and should not be painful. "No pain, no gain" is just a myth and is not good advice to follow. Exercise should make you feel healthy and fit, not looking for the ibuprofen and ice packs.

Experts recommend 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week for both men and women. Select a plan that is convenient to your lifestyle, whether it is at home or in a fitness club.

Opt for a form of exercise you will enjoy and start out slowly, increasing your activity and work out-time gradually. Consider adding basic weight training to build muscles, burn calories and control body fat.

Aerobic activities include bicycling, brisk walking, dancing, jogging, jumping rope, roller-skating, skiing, swimming and tennis.

For beginners, try increasing personal fitness in your everyday life by walking more, doing some yard work, painting, and parking your car further from your destination. Not only will you have the satisfaction of getting things done, you'll enjoy the benefits of being physically fit.

You don't need to lump your exercise all in one session. Try it in 10 minute increments if this is easier for you and as time allows. While there's no plan or guarantee for everyone, get started and find out what works for you.

Consult your physician before starting any exercise routine and understand that diet and nutrition will play a big factor in your overall results.

Source: KBS World

[rubie]

So the AFA took notice of BH's performance in GBW.

I think it really doesn't matter if he's up for best supporting actor, a nomination at any award giving body is always a proud moment.

If I remember right, BH was in HK for the AFA in 2007. He was very formal, wearing a white dinner jacket to the event.

This is definitely something to look forward to in March. Hope he attends and wins the trophy! GBW..still going strong one year after.

I agree with you, Sis.. AFA is on an Asian level.. a supporting actor nomination is just as important & prestigious as the Best Actor nomination. There can never be an all-around wholehearted performance if a movie depended solely on just one actor/actress to deliver a storyline.. that will have to be called a monologue instead.

Yupyup.. the AFA in 2007.. BH arrived all the way from Paris for the ceremony, he had appeared so dapper and cool on the Red Carpet, presenting the Best Director award. Most of us were quite concerned as his injured ankle was just healing but BH's appearance could not be more perfect.

Definitely hoping for the best for BH at the 3rd AFA.. hope he'll make another dashing appearance with the rest of the GBW team.. also feeling a good hunch about it, too. :blush:

[rubie]

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Korea in the Asia Film Awards

Poster copied from star.moneytoday.co.kr

Kim Jee-woon's THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE WEIRD emerged the frontrunner in this year's Asia Film Awards, leading the pack with eight nominations.

The Asian Film Awards (now in their third year) open the Entertainment Expo Hong Kong, held each March and April, alongside the Hong Kong International Film Festival, the Hong Kong and Asia Film Financing Forum and the Hong Kong Filmart.

South Korea had two nominations for best actor (Song Kang-ho from THE GOOD and Ha Jung-woo from THE CHASER, but no one nominated for best actress (not so surprisingly, and sadly).

In addition to all the nominations for THE CHASER and TGTBTW, the other Korean nominees were Kim Ji-yeong for best supporting actress for FOREVER THE MOMENT and best newcomer to So Ji-sub for ROUGH CUT.

Source: koreapopwars.com

[rubie]

Uhh-ohh.. for a moment there .. I thought there might be a clash for BH since the 45th Baeksang Awards (2009) is going to be held this February 27th (they've moved it to Feb instead of the usual April schedule).. .. as the fan meet in Tokyo will be on the 28th February.

But.. unfortunately.. he's not nominated this time.. only Dir. Kim and SKH-ssi for GBW in the Best Director & Best Actor categories, respectively. However, BH is included in the Popularity Award nomination list instead.. so, we'll see.. and Best Hopes always. :blush:

Feb 27, 2009 - 45th Annual Baeksang Arts Awards

http://www.soompi.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=271306

[rubie]

Let's send our Lunar New Year wishes

to Byunghun-ssi HERE

[rubie]

Friday 23 January 2009

First sight: Lee Byung-hun

Cath Clarke The Guardian

Complete interview with Mike Edwards posted at page 907

Swaggering ... Lee Byung-hun in The Good, the Bad, the Weird

The Good, The Bad, The Weird (Joh-un Nom, Nappun Nom, Isanghan Nom)

Release: 2008

Country: Rest of the world

Cert (UK): 15

Runtime: 130 mins

Directors: Kim Jee-woon

Cast: Jung Woo-Sung, Lee Byung-hun, Song Kang-Ho

Who is he?

He is a Korean actor who has been called "the James Dean of Asia".

Not by anyone in Asia presumably?

Probably not. But the point is Lee is crossing over to audiences outside of Asia this year with couple of Hollywood films. Before that we'll see him in the Korean western The Good, the Bad, the Weird.

A Korean western - are you kidding?

Not at all. It's the country's biggest-ever production, a boisterous homage to Sergio Leone made with a $17m budget. Lee plays a crazy-eyed bandit.

So he's the Bad of the title?

You got it. It's a brilliantly mannered performance, sadistic, swaggering with a dash of twitchy camp. Which might come as a shock to his fans.

What do you mean?

This is Lee's first baddie. He was mostly known for brooding about in love stories.

What about those Hollywood films?

The first is a crime thriller with Josh Hartnett, I Come With the Rain. But the biggie is this summer's blockbuster, GI Joe: Rise of Cobra.

Which raises the question, will he get his own action figure?

It's already been made. A very good likeness, too, he says.

• The Good, the Bad, the Weird is out on 6 February

Credits: guardian.co.uk

[Guest Janie Simply]

No kidding, 7 articles on AFA just on this page alone, they better win something for us

Friday 23 January 2009

First sight: Lee Byung-hun

Cath Clarke The Guardian

Judging from the previous English interview and the article above, looks like the fans in England gotta have a love affair -- love-at-first-sight with LBH :blush:

Exercise Tips for Women & Men

http://world.kbs.co.kr/src/images/culture_...795e_090120.jpg

Just notice the blood vessel, it's not real, is it?

Always wonder what exercise or sport does BH like? Golf? Soccer or just pure indoor evercise?

... try checking with Helena about the movie more.. she's always posting (alone) at 'The Chaser' movie thread..

Okay, will go bug our lady in that thread then; she must be super-busy these days with the upcoming awards

Nameste, rubie-hunnie! Before Kdrama-ing came about, me always Hindi-ing; will share with you "just for laugh" on Bollywood hunkies another time

[rubie]

No kidding, 7 articles on AFA just on this page alone, they better win something for us

Yup! Hopefully out of the 8 nominations, GBW will win something.. at least from the technical aspects of filmaking (they've already won several awards at other fests last year) plus most possible bonuses from Dir. Kim/SKH/JWS/LBH especially. Can't explain it but there's a good feeling on this. :blush:

Just notice the blood vessel, it's not real, is it?

Always wonder what exercise or sport does BH like? Golf? Soccer or just pure indoor evercise?

I think it's real-lah why would people fake a blood vessel effect.. some has it very visible than others.

BH loves to golf.. during vacations/leisure time.. he's always golfing, that's what he did after finishing BSL in 2005.. a well-spent holidays in the US. And then.. lots of water activities (plus more golf) just like when he was on vacation in El Nido in the Philippines, also in 2005.

But he also exercise a lot (with a personal trainer) when he's on set and at home. Previously, when he wasn't as busy as he is now.. he'd go to the gym with buddies like SSH, etc to exercise until they had to be 'chased' out at closing time ^^.. those two are extremely competitive. There's also a media report before that while he was dating, he gave his ex a one-year exclusive membership card at one of the top gyms in Seoul.

But from what fans have read.. for indoor leisure time.. he loves to pool (billiard) with his buddies.. like Jackie Chan.. when he was in HK 2 years ago for ICWTR.

Yet.. the most 'fave exercise' that I love see BH do.. and just adore him for.. is gardening (total soft spot #1 ).. and jogging or playing with his dogs.. as well as tending/bathing them.

Such a homely & sweet guy, our Hunnie.

[rubie]

Need help please..

there's the CINE21 Powerful 50 list recently published.. has anyone here the link to the Korean update?

I think I saw it once but didn't take note immediately .. only to realize that BH is also included in the list. Would really like to compile this update for our collection..

Please help this blurpanda. :blush: An English gist (if any) would be nice obviously.. but for now.. just the Korean update would be much appreciated. Merci!

[Guest ellabel]

Wow!!! So happy that GBW had 8 nominations at the AFA.

( Side note: Also happy that a Phil movie, Service also have a few nominations)

Just wondering why LBH and JWS are in the Supporting category.

The title of the movie if i'm not mistaken is the Good, the Bad and the Weird and not just"The Weird", right? Oh well... it might even be a blessing in disguise for BH as he's over qualified in that category so he might have more chances of winning it.... Sure.... why not?!

I'm sure GBW will bring home the bacon particularly in the technical awards.

I have always loved reading BH's interview becoz of his very insightful, witty and crisp answers.

Whether there is some coaching there or preparation done, the anwers, I believe, still come from him or his heart. BH's english accent is also sekshi like him so I like!

HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR TO ALL HUNNIES CELEBRATING AND TO OUR DEAR BH AS WELL!! ENJOY AND HAVE FUN WITH YOUR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS.!

[rubie]

Wow!!! So happy that GBW had 8 nominations at the AFA.

( Side note: Also happy that a Phil movie, Service also have a few nominations)

Just wondering why LBH and JWS are in the Supporting category.

The title of the movie if i'm not mistaken is the Good, the Bad and the Weird and not just"The Weird", right? Oh well... it might even be a blessing in disguise for BH as he's over qualified in that category so he might have more chances of winning it.... Sure.... why not?!

It's weird (pun intended), isn't it.. but being nominated is already a huge recognition considering that the movies in competition are not just from South Korea. Perhaps, SKH carries more recognition as he was AFA's first Best Actor recipient in 2007 through 'Secret Sunshine' and to be fairly noted, even in the Korean movie awards.. it's usually SKH carrying the Best Actor nomination torch for GBW.

But our BH.. no matter what comes his way.. even if he's not winning the Best Actor award (yet).. or topping any lists.. his commitment and dedication.. it's his work that will speak volumes for the admirable person and true actor he really is.

[rubie]

GBW highlights from Planet BH0712

Anyone can translate the French subs? :blush: We sure need our Hunnie for this.

[CLICK FOR STREAMING VOD] http://www.toutlecine.com/film/interviews-...-le-cingle.html

UK-GBW posters from helloevery1.com

Love this classic B&W look!

Cute presentation, different from the rest!

[rubie]

A little gist guessed from the Japanese/Korean text at Planet BH0712

In the latest..

Japan GQ Magazine

March 2009 (No.70 ￥580)

◆ an exclusive interview with Lee, "38-year-old, naked determination"

In addition to the movie "The Good, The Bad, The Weird' Lee also played the "bad guy" in challenge to the international project, 'I Come with the Rain', which is full-length in English, as well as Hollywood's GI Joe.

He also made his debut as a singer in Japan last year with his first Japanese single 'Itsuka' while this year, a comeback to the Korean drama is steadily being planned. Lee Byung Hun is definitely been very busy with various & diverse projects of his own.

Source: prtimes.jp