Lee Byung Hun 이병헌 Byunghun Lee

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After the Official Facebook, Instagram and Naver blog, now comes the Official Youtube Channel for the agency. Bravo!

 

So, this is what Lee Byung Hun and Go Soo were filming before.

 

Source: BH Entertainment @bhent_official

 

Published on September 27, 2017 by BH Entertainment

 

 

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#Throwback #LKFF #Masquerade #RED2

 

Photo: Oliver Gerrish @archmusicman

 

 

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September 27, 2017

 

Lee Byung-hun praises 'The Fortress' co-star Kim Yoon-seok

 

 

SEOUL, Sept. 27 (Yonhap) -- Star actor Lee Byung-hun has praised the performance by colleague Kim Yoon-seok in their upcoming movie "The Fortress."

 

"Shooting on that day was very important and there was a lot of dialogue to memorize. The mood was also very serious. I've put a lot of effort into preparing my lines," Lee said during a press conference for the movie on Sept. 26, in response to a question about how they prepared for a climactic scene with Kim.

 

Lee further explained, "Normally when doing rehearsals or takes, I get a sense of my opposite co-star and get a sense of what to expect from them. But I thought Kim was a very fiery actor."

 

"His interpretation and the points which he emphasized changed during each take. When comparing it to table tennis, for example, I wasn't sure if I had to go on offense or defense," added Lee.

 

Kim later explained his side of the situation, revealing that he had actually prepared for the scene with an outdated earlier script and had to memorize an updated version on set while shooting.

 

"The Fortress" is based on the historical events surrounding King Injo of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), who sought refuge in the Namhan Mountain Fortress, located 24 kilometers southeast of Seoul, for 47 days before succumbing to the invasion by the emperor of China's Qing Dynasty and his 100,000 troops.

 

The movie is an adaptation of the best-selling novel of the same Korean title by Kim Hoon. It was directed by Hwang Dong-hyuck, best known for "Miss Granny" (2013). The film hits theaters Oct. 3.

[rubie]

Clip: MagazineM @magazine_m_2017

 

[rubie]

Haven't found any (direct) English reviews for THE FORTRESS.  But it's a generally good feedback and favorable response on IG. Despite the heavy subject, the audience appreciate the movie a lot. There was a movie talk event with the movie director and author of the novel 2 days ago. The original author himself had praised & satisfied with the final movie and the actors/director involved.

 

Mainly, most responses mentioned that movie was well-made, strong performances, good directing, excellent soundtrack and an overall commendable project with credible cast with no idols involved. These are some of what the Korean audiences noted.

 

Let's hope the box-office response will be strong as well. THE FORTRESS is already in the Top 10 with limited screening this week before the nationwide release next Tuesday. 

 

In the meantime, posted below looks like a good review in Korean.

 

Source: extmovie

 

[rubie]

Comments on IG saying that it's a strong movie and while there's no fun element, THE FORTRESS is a well-liked movie. It remains faithful to the Korean history as well as the novel version with the movie adaptation conveying a striking resemblance of the situation in Korea these days. One reviewer who saw the preliminary screening this week said that he/she will watch it again when the movie officially opens next week.

 

September 29, 2017

 

Many choices at theaters for Chuseok holiday:

‘The Fortress’ is a period piece, ‘I Can Speak’ a comic-drama

 

Source: INSIDE Korea JoongAng Daily

 

Moviegoers will be presented with a choice of films at theaters during the Chuseok holiday starting Saturday. From left to clockwise right are “The Fortress,” “I Can Speak,” “The Outlaws,” “Deep” and “Kingsman: The Golden Circle.” [CJ E&M, LOTTE ENTERTAINMENT, MEGABOX PLUS M, 20TH CENTURY FOX KOREA, ISU C&E]

 

Over the past few years, period movies have become must-see films during Chuseok, Korea’s harvest festival. Period action thriller “The Age of Shadows” (2016) and historical drama “The Throne” (2015), both of which were selected as Korea’s contender for the foreign-language Academy Award in the year of their releases, sold 7.5 million and 6.25 million tickets respectively. In 2013, the period epic “The Face Reader” dominated the box office during Chuseok and sold a total of 9.14 million tickets. 

 

“The Fortress,” set against the backdrop of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) and based on Jang Hoon’s best-selling novel, will be the movie of choice for many during the upcoming Chuseok holiday, which for some starts Saturday. 

 

Directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, known for 2014’s “Miss Granny,” the CJ E&M’s release is set in 1636, when China’s Qing Dynasty invaded Korea with 150,000 troops to sever Korea’s ties to the Ming Dynasty. The Korean court flees the capital to take shelter in the Namhan Fortress, in Gwangju, Gyeonggi, which quickly gets surrounded by the Qing army, eventually forcing King Injo to surrender. 

 

Starring high profile actors like Lee Byung-hun, Kim Yun-seok and Park Hae-il, “The Fortress” sheds light on the internal conflicts among Joseon officials who desperately debate whether to surrender to protect the country and its people or to fight to the death to prove the country’s loyalty to the Ming Dynasty. 

 

“When I first read the novel, I thought there isn’t much difference between [Korea] 380 years ago and the country now,” said the director at a press preview held earlier this week. “I think it might even be the destiny of the Korean Peninsula. I hope people get a new look at the present after seeing what occurred 380 years ago.”

 

The movie is scheduled to hit theaters on Tuesday. 

 

The comic-drama “I Can Speak,” released Sept. 21, is a heartwarming tale about one of the victims of Japanese wartime sexual slavery, who are euphemistically referred to as comfort women. The movie is set in the present day and revolves around a public official named Park Min-jae (Lee Je-hoon) and a grumbling grandmother named Na Ok-bun (Na Muni), who bothers district office officials every day with complaints on even trivial matters. Though the two do not get off to a good start, they develop a close relationship when Min-jae begins teaching English to Ok-bun, and learns of her painful past as a comfort woman and the motivation that drives her to study so hard. 

 

Already having topped Korea’s weekend box office in its debut weekend, the film is expected to be popular over the Chuseok holiday, when many people seek a funny, feel-good flick to enjoy with their families. 

 

But if you prefer male-centered action, “The Outlaws,” helmed by Kang Yun-seong, will be a more satisfying choice. Opening on Tuesday, the film stars actors Ma Dong-seok and Yoon Kye-sang.

 

As anyone who has seen muscular Ma’s previous roles in “Train to Busan” (2016) and “Derailed” (2016) can guess, the actor leads the movie’s thrilling action sequences. 

Based on a true story, the film revolves around a merciless boss (Yoon) from a Korean-Chinese crime organization headquartered in Harbin, northeast China, who is willing to commit any crime for money, and a police detective (Ma) who tries to catch the ruthless criminal and his henchmen.

 

Some foreign movies are also expected to seize local moviegoers’ interests. 

The second installment in the R-rated “Kingsman” spy comedy franchise has already stirred up fans with a visit by its stars - Colin Firth, Taron Egerton and Mark Strong - to Korea last week. Though it seems heavier on comedy than action, “Kingsman: The Golden Circle” already successfully debuted at the top of the Korean box office on Wednesday, taking the crown from “I Can Speak.” 

 

For parents who want to enjoy a movie with their kids, animations like “The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature” and “Deep” will be good choices. Both will hit theaters on Tuesday. 

 

While “The Nut Job 2” is an action-packed animated adventure filled with animal hijinks, “Deep” is a musical that combines a coming-of-age story with ecological themes in the deep abyss of the ocean.

 

Those who wish to laze at home will also be able to enjoy movies from the past few years on television.

 

KBS will air the period epic “The Map Against the World,” about Korean geographer and cartographer Kim Jeong-ho, on the small screen on Saturday at 9:20 p.m. JTBC will air “The Attorney” (2013) at 8:50 p.m. on Wednesday and “The Age of Shadows” (2016) at the same time on Thursday. Also, MBC is slated to air the zombie thriller “Train to Busan” on Oct. 6 at 8:30 p.m. and the Oscar-winning romantic musical “La La Land” on Oct. 7 at 10 p.m. 

 

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

[rubie]

Good news for @luwali 196 @peonie and Kmovie fans in Hong Kong 

 

September 28, 2017

 

Hong Kong’s Festive Korea to Screen 19 Films
7th Edition of Korean Culture Celebration in HK
 

by Pierce Conran / KoBiz

 

 

Festive Korea will kick off its 7th edition in Hong Kong on October 5th and run until November 30th, during which it will screen 19 films from Korea, ranging from indie documentaries to commercial blockbusters.

 

The festival’s cinema section is broken down into three streams this year: ‘Hall of Korean Film - Kolor Infinity’ is a section devoted to recent mainstream films out of Korea; ‘University Movie Screening’ features major Korean blockbuster from the last decade’; and ‘Korean Independent Movies’ focuses on recent low-budget titles.

 

‘Hall of Korean Film - Kolor Infinity’ comprises the family drama Canola (2016), 1980s-set Gwangju drama A Taxi Driver, North Korea action-drama Confidential Assignment, serial killer thriller Bluebeard, cop comedy Midnight Runners, music drama One Step, gritty youth drama Derailed (2016), man-on-the run thriller Fabricated City, court drama New Trial, financial action-thriller Master (2016), family comedy MY ANNOYING BROTHER (2016), and cop thriller Veteran (2015).

 

‘University Movie Screening’ will feature the women’s handball drama Forever The Moment (2008), heist thriller The Thieves (2012), North Korea action-thriller The Suspect (2013), indie sports comedy The King of Jokgu (2013), and period action film KUNDO: Age of the Rampant (2014).

 

Finally, ‘Korean Independent Movies’ will screen the musical horror Midnight Ballad For Ghost Theater (2006) and the smash hit documentary My Love, Don’t Cross That River (2014).

 

Festive Korea is presented by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Hong Kong and is supported by Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

[rubie]

Finally, the (English) reviews are in! 

 

Here's an all-around positive feedback.. every aspect praised and everyone did a good job! 

 

September 29, 2017

 

(Movie Review)

'The Fortress' depicts defeated king and aides facing tough choices, existential threat
 

By Chang Dong-woo

 

SEOUL, Sept. 29 (Yonhap) -- Mount Namhan Fortress on the outskirts of Seoul harbors one of the most shameful memories in Korea's history. In the winter of 1636, King Injo of Joseon Dynasty sought refuge inside the bulwark fleeing an invasion by the Qing Dynasty.

 

"The Fortress," a new film to be released Tuesday, illuminates the embattled king's 47 days of hiding which ended in a humiliating surrender to a conquering Chinese general.

 

Directed by Hwang Dong-hyuck and adapted from a best-selling novel, the movie is not simply about the tragic defeat, but a tale of patriotic assertion, persuasion and making impossible decisions in the face of a looming existential threat.

 

Movie poster for "The Fortress" provided by CJ Entertainment (Yonhap)

 

The film boasts an ensemble cast of strong character actors who add to the serious and tense tone throughout the period flick.

 

Park Hae-il of "Memories of Murder" and "Host" effectively portrays the conflicted, troubled young king faced with a choice between disgraceful submission or the total annihilation of his people.

 

But the true stars are the characters of his top aides, Choi Myung-kil and Kim Sang-heon, played by Lee Byung-hun and Kim Yoon-seok, respectively. Throughout the film's 11 chapters, Choi, the top personnel affairs official, and Kim, foreign policy chief, engage in a series of spirited debate on war and diplomacy.

 

Choi presses the king to cede for survival, while Kim argues for resistance even at the cost of national destruction. Though on opposite ends, both men are depicted as genuine patriots as they stand firm on what they believe is in the best interest of their king and nation.

 

 

A still from "The Fortress" featuring lead actor Lee Byung-hun (Yonhap)

 

Lee once again proves that he is one of Korea's most versatile actors. Kim exudes an extra level of heft and gravitas required in such a tense film. Though given less screen time, supporting characters played by Go Soo, Park Hee-soon and Jung Myung-soo are never outshined by the main leads.

 

A majority of key scenes take place within a make-shift palace inside the fortress, where Injo and aides discuss survival options and resource distribution -- such as whether to use the last remaining hay to feed the starving war horses or use it to make makeshift blankets for front line soldiers.

 

The confined setting often renders the film in a theatrical atmosphere. Their long, highly oratory dialogue gives a feel of courtroom drama.

 

The film, shot beautifully, is not short of dynamism. Breathtakingly wide vista of the barren winter mountains fills up the screen. Visually exciting battle sequences spread throughout the film as much as they are consequential in terms of moving forward the plot.

 

Accompanied by Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto's nuanced-yet-dramatic score, the movie's visuals also feel as if a sepia-tone filter was layered over it, apparently to highlight the dire mental and physical conditions the people within the fortress are in.

 

A still from "The Fortress" provided by CJ Entertainment (Yonhap)

 

 

odissy@yna.co.kr

[rubie]

Thanks to the highlight at PlanetBH0712, a clip highlighting the comments by movie directors, critics and THE FORTRESS novelist after the special screening last Monday. It's good to see Dir. PCW at the event as well as director of A Taxi Driver, if not mistaken. The novel author Kim Hoon in media articles had praised actors Lee Byung Hun and Kim Yoon Suk for their strong portrayal infusing the 'Namhansanseong' soul into the sentences.

Published on September 28, 2017 by CJ Entertainment Official

 

 

[rori0711]

On 9/28/2017 at 5:43 PM, rubie said:

Clip: MagazineM @magazine_m_2017

 

HOT Ajusshis are dominating the cinema  

The Fortress oozes with Korea's highly regarded actors and 1 big action movie that i don't wanna miss!

Is there any chance it would be screened in Philippines?

 

@rubie you're right, that's Director Jang Hoon of A Taxi Driver.  

[rubie]

@rori0711 It's about time, you're back at the thread!  Good things are coming along with THE FORTRESS release next week, most definitely! Really happy that the initial response for the movie have been truly positive especially after what happened with other Korean big-budget movies, it's indeed a relief. From various updates, it's a historical Korean feature that will strike at their heart-strings in a big way, not quite the mainstream blockbuster but an impactful movie nonetheless. Maybe, it'll be screened at Korean film festivals in various countries, who knows.. starting with the Asian region where we are. 

 

Not just dominating the Korean cinemas, they're truly Masters of their craft.. 4 of the main actors are also in the top 25 listed below. Hopefully their rankings will move further up in October.

 

September 29, 2017

 

September Movie Actor Brand Reputation Rankings Revealed

 

Source: Soompi by D. Kim  

The Korean Business Research Institute has published September’s results for brand reputation rankings among movie actors!

 

The institute analyzed 119,034,743 sources of data from August 28 to September 29 in the categories of participation, media coverage, communication, and community awareness.

 

Lee Jong Suk topped this month’s brand reputation rankings with a total score of 8,620,701. Gong Yoo followed up in second place with a total score of 5,508,147, while Lee Je Hoon came in third place with a score of 5,454,665.

 

The top 30 rankings are as follows:

 

1. Lee Jong Suk
2. Gong Yoo
3. Lee Je Hoon
4. Kim Nam Gil
5. Ryu Jun Yeol
6. Song Joong Ki
7. Kim Soo Hyun
8. Sol Kyung Gu
9. Lee Byung Hun
10. Kim Joo Hyuk
11. Go Soo
12. Park Seo Joon
13. Jun Ji Hyun
14. Jo Jin Woong
15. Na Moon Hee
16. Han Hyo Joo
17. Jung Woo
18. Im Siwan
19. Choi Min Sik
20. Lee Jung Hyun
21. Kim Yun Seok
22. Kang Ha Neul
23. Yeo Jin Goo
24. Park Hae Il
25. Lee Kyung Young
26. Jung Woo Sung
27. Song Kang Ho
28. Jo In Sung
29. Kim Ok Bin
30. So Ji Sub

 

Source (1)

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Source: Showbiz Korea

 

No introduction is necessary for today's guest of honor - It's actor Lee Byung-hun, an unrivaled actor, armed with impeccable acting skills. He makes many speechless with his intense charisma and he has an irresistible voice which is like music to the ears of many. He is back on the silver screen through the new movie "The Fortress" so without further ado, let's find out more about this dashing star and his new work.
 

Interview to be broadcast next week, October 4.

 

 

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Another clip from the photo-shoot.. does it feel like Grease, the Korean version? 

 

Clip: MagazineM @magazine_m_2017

 

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September 30, 2017

 

Lee Byung-hun (Among Other Stars) to be in London for LEAFF 2017

 

BY ARNAV SINHA Asian Movie Pulse
 

Lee Byung-hun as Choi Myung-kil in The Fortress (2017) (Source: Soompi.com)

The organizers of the 2nd London East Asia Film Festival (LEAFF) have just shared the slate of guests attending the cinema fest, and boy are we excited!

 

The 11 day celebration that begins on the 19th of October will not just showcase enchanting stories from South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, China and Southeast Asia, it will also play host to some of the biggest names representing the cinema of these countries – a never before opportunity for fans to hobnob with their favorite stars.

To delve deeper into the questions that cinephiles have about their favorite films and filmmakers from East Asia, flying to London from across the world are actors like the international star Lee Byung-hun (I Saw The Devil, Inside Men), Park Hae-il (Memories of Murder, Doomsday Book), Lee Je-hoon (Anarchist from Colony, The Phantom Detective) and Jung Eun-chae (The King) and directors like Hwang Dong-hyuk (The Crucible), Li Ruijun (Walking Past the Future), Derek Tsang (Soul Mate) and Kim Jong-kwan (The Table). Lee Byung-hun, Park Hae-il and Hwang Dong-hyuk will be presenting their new highly-anticipated period drama The Fortress, which opens the festival.

 

Already a major event in the film lovers’ calendar in its 2nd year, LEAFF 2017 will see seven strands running from the 19th through to the 29th of October, including Official Selection, Stories of Women, Festival Focus, Retrospective, Competition and Special Highlights Screenings.

The final strand, called Hong Kong: Now and Then (1997 – 2017) celebrates the special relation that the UK has with the island, with films covering the last twenty years of HK cinema to mark the 20th anniversary of the inception of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Highlights include Johnnie To’s madcap Triad caper Triad Election; Herman Yau’s latest explosive thriller Shock Wave; Andrew Lau and Alan Mak’s venerated double-crossing police thriller Infernal Affairs; and Wong Kar Wai’s kaleidoscopic love letter to martial arts The Grandmaster, shown in 3D for the first time in the UK.

Some other major screenings across the different strands are the terrifying Korean horror film The Mimic, the surreal Vietnamese drama The Way Station, legendary artist Osamu Tezuka’s 1970 anime film Cleopatra, Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s Tokyo Sonata, Lee Joon-ik’s powerful Korean period drama Anarchist from Colony and Park Hoon-jung’s politically charged thriller VIP. LEAFF’s 45-plus feature and short films screened across prominent venues around central London will include 7 international premieres, 7 European premieres and 13 UK premieres. The closing film will be Takeshi Kitano’s latest yakuza movie Outrage Coda.

 

LEAFF is a non-profit arts organization set up in 2015 to champion the growing collaboration and diversity in East Asian filmmaking. For more information on the fest, to book tickets and to avail of special passes, please visit the festival website.

 

(Source: LEAFF 2017)

[rubie]

On 9/29/2017 at 6:17 PM, rubie said:

Good news for @luwali 196 @peonie and Kmovie fans in Hong Kong 

 

September 28, 2017

 

Hong Kong’s Festive Korea to Screen 19 Films
7th Edition of Korean Culture Celebration in HK
 

 

Published on September 5, 2017 by Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Hong Kong

 

A promotional video for 韓國十月文化節 Festive Korea 2017 in Hong Kong

 

 

[rubie]

Published on September 22, 2017 by 예소담

 

THE FORTRESS 9-minute clip

 

 

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Art by yyang_studio #Poster

 

Bungee Jumping of Their Own #LeeByungHun #LeeEunJoo

 

 

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October 2, 2017

 

THE FORTRESS Tops Advance Ticket Booking Ahead of Nationwide Release

 

Source: Asiae

 

The highly-anticipated historical movie THE FORTRESS has overtaken 'Kingsman 2' in the ticket pre-sale ahead of the Chuseok Holidays opening on October 3. 

 

According to the integrated network of the film promotion committee, the real-time advance rate for THE FORTRESS is at 36.2% (150,877) on October 2 at 4:00 pm.

 

Photo: choahin__

 

 

[rubie]

 

A really funny NG-filled clip from Lee Byung Hun & Go Soo. Too bad there's no English subs for it. Still, a good message clip from BH Entertainment wishing the fans HAPPY CHUSEOK and to watch THE FORTRESS.  The Golden Holidays will be extended for 10 days in Korea this year, hopefully that will bring an abundance of moviegoers to the cinemas.

 

Published on October 2, 2017 by BH Entertainment

 

 

[rubie]

Source: CJ Entertainment @cjenmmovie

 

THE FORTRESS Opening Day

 

Source: CJ Entertainment @cjenmmovie

 

REVIEW Poster