[News] Drama, Movies, Actors & Actresses

[deka_if]

2009.11.04

Law suit may lead to TVXQ split

The possibility of Korea's top idol group TVXQ disbanding is increasing, after their agency sent an apparent ultimatum to three of the five-member boy band to return to the agency.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, SM Entertainment chief Kim Young-min accused the three members -- Xiah, Hero, and Micky -- of having sued against the company out of greed to make more money.

Kim was speaking about the ongoing legal battle between the three members and the company. The three band members claim the contract signed between TVXQ and the management agency is unfair.

Last month, a lower court sided with the three and ruled that parts of the contract should be invalidated, paving the way for them to resume individual music and advertisement careers.

The agency vowed to bring the case to a higher court, saying the three must follow the contract as long as they continue to be part of TVXQ, and should get paid according to the current contract.

The other two members -- U-know and Max -- rendered their support for the management agency's claim, expressing hope that the other three would return quickly.

In their statement, the two stressed that all members have worked under the same contract with SM Entertainment for the past five years.

"We believe that TVXQ would not have been in existence without SM Entertainment, which created the group. We are also not willing to resume our career as TVXQ without our current agency," the statement said.

In a related movement, SM Entertainment chief Kim made it clear that although the court granted freedom to the three members to pursue individual activities, they are allowed to work as TVXQ only under SM.

The company demanded that the three members reply to its request to return to the agency by Nov. 12. But it is widely viewed that the three are unlikely to continue to work with the management agency due to deep distrust between the two sides.

Credits : Ryu Seung-yoon (shoong4u@gmail.com)

Source : The Korea Herald

----------------------------------

November 05, 2009

[Talk of the town]

TVXQ members threatened with expulsion

TVXQ

The ongoing legal feud between three of the five members of the popular boy band TVXQ and their management agency, S.M. Entertainment, has now entered a critical phase.

In a press conference held Monday, S.M. Entertainment issued an ultimatum to the three band members - Xiah Jun-su, Micky Yoo-chun and Hero Jae-joong - saying they must decide whether to return to their original contract by Nov. 12 or quit the band altogether. The management agency added that they would appeal a recent interim court ruling made in favor of the three band members for a provisional disposition, which temporarily terminates the exclusive contract between the group and the agency for the duration of the dispute.

In the dispute that started this summer, the three band members claimed their contract with the agency is akin to a lifelong agreement and is therefore unfair.

The other two band members - Max Chang-min and U-Know Yun-ho - spoke out against their bandmates for the first time through a written statement released by the agency at the Monday press conference.

“We think that TVXQ cannot exist anywhere but in S.M. Entertainment,” the statement said. “S.M. is the only agency that understands and can make TVXQ the best - it would be unthinkable for TVXQ to work under a different agency,” it added. “We hope that the three band members will return quickly so that we can perform together as TVXQ again.”

Source : JoongAng Daily

[deka_if]

11-04-2009

Lee Min-ho to Meet Japanese Fans

Lee Min-ho, the star of the hit drama ``Boys Over Flowers,'' is holding his first fan meeting in Japan.

The 22-year-old actor has visited other Asian countries, including Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia, for promotional events before, and this time he will meet his Japanese fans at ``Minoz JAPAN First Event'' in Tokyo on Nov. 26.

The event was to be held only once, but with tickets selling out quickly, organizers decided to hold a couple more. Specific dates and venues of the additional events were not confirmed.

Before the actual fan meeting, Lee will also appear on talk shows and mini-concerts during the Korea Entertainment Festival, which will be held at Universal Studios Japan, Nov. 22. On Nov. 25, Lee will attend an autograph event for his first photo essay ``Yeo, Travel with MINHO.''

Lee shot to stardom as the handsome and arrogant Goo Jun-pyo, depicting the Japanese cartoon character with the same dark curls and smile. The drama, along with the cast including Lee, Kim Beom, Kim Hyun-joong and the heroine Ku Hye-sun, captivated fans in Korea and Asia.

Credits : Han Sang-hee, Staff Reporter (sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr)

Source : The Korea Times

[deka_if]

2009.11.04

E Ji-ah says is receiving treatment for paralyzed heel

Actress E Ji-ah

Actress E Ji-ah, who was reported to be suffering from leg paralysis, turned up at a press screening for her new film on Wednesday and revealed that her heel is paralyzed.

"My heel started to become paralyzed toward the end of shooting TV series 'Style'," the actress explained to reporters during a press screening for "My Love, Ugly Duckling". "I can't lift up my foot right now and can't put any pressure on it."

E, who had to receive support to enter the theatre where the press conference took place, said she is currently undergoing receiving physical therapy and expects to recover soon.

Her agency had said last week that the paralysis was a temporary symptom caused from overwork and stress.

The 28-year-old actress will be making her big screen debut with "Duckling" opposite actor Kang Ji-hwan from film "My Girlfriend is an Agent". Set for release on November 5, it is the first of the telecinema series jointly produced by Korea and Japan.

Eji-ah made her debut in MBC's hit TV series "The Story of the First King's Four Gods" as Suzini, the love interest of Hallyu star Bae Yong Jun.

EJi-ah, Kang Ji-hwan at "Duckling" press screening

Actress E Ji-ah and actor Kang Ji-hwan [Park Sung-ki/Asia Economic Daily]

From left, actress E Ji-ah and actor Kang Ji-hwan pose during a photo session of a press screening for their film "My Love, Ugly Duckling" at a CJ CGV theatre in Seoul, South Korea on November 4, 2009.

Actress E Ji-ah [Park Sung-ki/Asia Economic Daily]

Actress E Ji-ah poses during a photo session of a press screening for her film "My Love, Ugly Duckling" at a CJ CGV theatre in Seoul, South Korea on November 4, 2009.

Actress E Ji-ah [Park Sung-ki/Asia Economic Daily]

Actress E Ji-ah receives support while entering a photo session of a press screening for her film "My Love, Ugly Duckling" at a CJ CGV theatre in Seoul, South Korea on November 4, 2009.

Reporter : Park So-yoen <muse@asiae.co.kr>

Photographer : Park Sung-Ki <musictok@asiae.co.kr>

Editor : Jessica Kim <jesskim@asiae.co.kr>

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2009.11.04

[REVIEW]

Film "The Executioner"

He raped 12 women and murdered them. Like the killer who nonchalantly asked what the lunch menu was on the way back from re-enacting a murder scene, he spits out an awful curse in front of the victim’s family, feeling no guilt over what he did. The film “Executioner” does not ask the audience whether the life of such a man should be spared, as evil as he may be, or if such a less-than-human being should be killed. It rather indirectly questions capital punishment through the pain the executioners experience. These executioners are the real victims exposed to violence of the system and reality as they cannot help but get their hands dirty to justify government-supported killings.

The three executioners in the film -- Jae-kyeong (played by Yoon Kye-sang), Jong-ho (Jo Jae-hyeon) and Officer Kim (Park In-hwan) -- who carry out the death penalty are, at heart, one person. The three characters seem to represent the beginning, middle and end of time of someone who spent a very long time at prison, a place where time almost ceases to exist. They show how differently they feel about the capital punishment, according to the time each has spent working at the prison. Yoon Kye-sang -- as rookie officer Jae-kyung who knew nothing about being a prison officer and still stays there after experiencing horribly violent moments in work and love - puts the finishing touches on the film’s message with his few lines of dialogue and gradually changing facial expressions and shadows. Actor Park In-whan -- playing the role of Officer Kim who has become friends with the death row inmate during the time leading up to the execution - displays the look of a man who finally realizes the weight of blood on his hands as he sends off a friend. He even manages to add, in his acting, the regrets of life shared by men past their middle age. Jae-kyeong, Jong-ho and Officer Kim reflect on one another as the past and future of one person, and hint that the violent scars left inside them will somehow influence their lives.

In truth, it is hard to say the film has a deep perspective about the violence of capital punishment. The film is tipped toward one point of view about the system, and loses its focus trying to show different perspectives by attaching meaning on all the other incidents as well. But at a time when people are spending their energy on debating the validity of capital punishment over every criminal incident, the film “Executioner” has a clear agenda -- to re-establish the boundaries of capital punishment by looking at it from an executioner’s perspective. Not the unspecified masses who scream “Such a man deserves to die”, not the victim, and not the death row inmate on the opposite side, but the executioner who actually participates in the burdening act of killing the prisoner. “The Executioner” opens in theaters on November 5.

Reporter : Yoonina, TV Critic

Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2009.11.04

[REVIEW]

"Night And Day"

by Hong Sang-soo

The day Hong Sang-soo fell into New York

A scene from "Night And Day" [sponge]

Korean filmmaker Hong Sang-soo's "Night And Day" opened in New York amidst positive reviews from film critics. The film, distributed by IFC Films, was open on a one-week timeframe at the Manhattan Anthology Film Archive from October 23 thru October 29. However, profits from the one-week showing and box office admissions (i.e. most films distributed by IFC usually open at the IFC Center in Manhattan) have not been revealed to the public. No official explanation has been given on this matter yet.

Scenes from "On the Occasion of Remembering the Turning Gate" (left) and "Like You Know It All"

"Night",which was shown at last year's New York Film Festival, has not received too many reviews yet as it had a limited release to the public. Some of these reviews are from last year, when it was first shown at the festival. However, according to film critic portal Rotten Tomatoes, the film scored 89 percent on freshness as eight out of nine reviews called the movie "fresh". Time Out New York (TONY), which gave the film five stars, was quoted as saying, "Filmmakers from Jacques Rivette to Hou Hsiao-hsien have treated the City of Light like Alice's rabbit hole; writer-director Hong Sang-soo similarly embraces the fantasy, but goes a step further in this extraordinary character study by fully erasing the line that separates the actual from the fictional. In other words, director Hong Sang-soo has achieved an extraordinary character study by completely erasing the line between reality and fiction. But the New York Times pointed out the director's repetitive expression of male characters.

"Night" was also introduced at the "Hong Sang-soo Exhibition" featured at LA County Museum of Art (LACMA), which was held in September. A total of eight films by the director were shown at the exhibition: "Night And Day", "Like You Know It All", "The Day a Pig Fell into the Well", "Woman on the Beach", "Woman Is the Future of Man", "On the Occasion of Remembering the Turning Gate", "Tale of Cinema" and "The Power of Kangwon Province".

Reporter : Yang Ji-hyun, New York Correspondent

Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr, Jang Kyung-Jin three@10asia.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

November 05, 2009

[Talk of the town]

'Attack the Gas Station 2' star to wed in January

Actor Cho Han-sun

Actor Cho Han-sun will be taking a trip down the aisle on Jan. 9. In a press conference at the Imperial Palace Hotel on Monday regarding his new wedding plans, Cho revealed that his future bride is now 13 weeks pregnant.

He heard the news while in Busan on location for a film; when he finished shooting, he came back to Seoul and proposed.

"I wanted to ask for her hand in marriage after I finished my military service," said Cho. He changed his plans after hearing the "wonderful news."

Cho's girlfriend is an art major in graduate school whom he met through a friend two years ago.

Cho's next film, "Attack the Gas Station 2," a sequel to the 1999 Korean blockbuster by the same name, is scheduled to premiere this year.

Credits : Hannah Kim, Contributing writer

Source : JoongAng Daily

[deka_if]

November 05, 2009

The stimulating cinema experience of films in 4-D

Moviegoers watch a 4-D film at CGV Sangam. The film

is screened with special effects like seat vibration and

smoke, which enhance the cinema-going experience.

Provided by CGV

When a bloodthirsty felon kills people in a horror movie, a spray of water attacks your face as blood spatters on the screen. When a building collapses and a dust fog arises in a disaster movie, smoke comes out to envelop you. When a helicopter takes a downward plunge in a war movie, you can feel the shock as your seat shakes as well.

The future is here, and it’s four-dimensional. The examples mentioned above are just a few of the experiences you can expect when watching a 4-D film.

These films are already popular at amusement parks worldwide, including Disneyland and Universal Studios in Hollywood. Not wanting to be left behind, the local cinema industry is now gearing up to provide moviegoers here with the same experience.

Currently, the CGV Multiplex in Sangam-dong, western Seoul, is the only place in the city to see a 4-D film, but other CGV theaters in Yongsan, Yeongdeungpo and Gangbyeon also plan to add 4-D screens this year.

There are about 20 different 4-D effects. These fall into two main categories: action and atmosphere. Seat vibration is an example of the first category while water sprays, air jets, smoke and scents are in the second category. There are usually about 20 to 25 effects in a single full-length 4-D movie, which means that in a two-hour film, there are effects about once every five minutes.

“Rule No. 1 when you work on a 4-D film is that you should not prevent viewers from following the story by overusing the effects,” Oh Su-hee, one of the two 4-D programmers at CGV Sangam, said.

“For example, we originally made much use of the vibration effect for scenes where the tsunami blows into town in the movie ‘Haeundae,’ but we later cut out more than half the original amount after a test run,” said Oh. “A number of the people in the test audience complained that the frequent vibrations prevented them from concentrating on emotional scenes where the characters go through near-death experiences to realize how important they are to each other.”

A ticket for a 4-D movie costs around 12,000 won to 15,000 won ($10-12), which is about 50 percent more than admission to general movie screenings. However, about 90 percent of the seats for 4-D films are sold for weekend shows, and many of these are sold by ticket scalpers who charge three to four times more than the list price, the theater said.

While 4-D films certainly generate a lot of viewer enjoyment, they can be quite a grind for the programmers behind the scenes.

“We see a movie about 50 times, sometimes up to 80 times, to complete a piece of 4-D film,” Oh, the programmer, said. “So by the time I finish it, I feel numb, no matter how touching the movie is, and I sometimes fail to remember the story.”

But most of the time, Oh is rewarded for all of her hard work.

“I feel great about doing this job when I get good reviews from moviegoers, like the one I got after we screened the 4-D version of the slasher movie ‘My Bloody Valentine,’” she said. “We added special effects mixing steam and smoke for one of the massacre scenes in the movie, and many viewers told me later that they actually felt like they were smelling blood, which made me forget all the pain I had gone through while on the job.”

Credits : Ki Sun-min [spark0320@joongang.co.kr]

Source : JoongAng Daily

[deka_if]

2009.11.05

Jung Woo-sung to star in new John Woo movie

Korean actor Jung Woo-sung in a scene from movie "A Good Rain Knows" [Pancinema]

Korean actor Jung Woo-sung is set make his international debut in a new movie by John Woo, according to a press release on Thursday.

The actor has been cast as the male lead in the tentatively titled "Rain of Swords in the Martial Arts World" opposite Chinese action queen Michelle Yeoh, producer Taurus Films said in the statement.

John Woo, a Hong Kong-based filmmaker, has worked with some of Hollywood's top actors including Tom Cruise in blockbuster movie "Mission Impossible II", Nicolas Cage and John Travolta in "Face Off".

In the October 18 issue of the Hollywood Reporter, Woo's longtime filmmaking partner Terence Chang of Lion Rock Productions described the movie as "Face/Off meets 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith' set in the Ming Dynasty.'"

The romantic kung-fu thriller went into shoot starting yesterday in Shanghai where Jung, who left for China on October 27, will be filming for three months.

Jung has starred in numerous famed Korean films, including "Beat" and critically acclaimed "The Good, The Bad, The Weird". He recently appeared in "Season of Good Rain", which was directed by a South Korean filmmaker and co-starred Chinese actress Gao Yuanyuan.

"Rain of Swords" is set for release in late 2010.

Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2009.11.05

Short film fest "AISFF" kicks off in Seoul tonight

Official poster for the 7th Asiana International Short Film Festival [AISFF]

The 7th Asiana International Short Film Festival (AISFF) is set to kick off today at Seoul's Cine Cube multiplex.

The event was organized by some of the biggest names in the Korean movie industry including actor Ahn Sung-ki who serves as the committee chairman.

Actors Yoo Ji-tae of Cannes award-winning film "Oldboy" and actress Koo Hye-sun of TV series "Boys Over Flowers" participated as directors in a special feature section called "Theme Shorts: Communication & I".

This year's panel of judges include Korean director and head of jury Kim Ji-woon of critically acclaimed film "The Good, The Bad, The Weird", cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo of "Mother", Hallyu star Son Ye-jin as the guest judge for the "Face in Shorts Award" and American actress Amanda Plummer, the daughter of Hollywood star Christopher Plummer from "The Sound of Music".

The festival will be attended by some 40 short-film filmmakers from all around the world, whose works will be competing in the finals.

The opening ceremony will be hosted by veteran Korean actor Park Joong-hoon at 7 p.m.

Reporter : Lynn Kim <lynn2878@asiae.co.kr>

Editor : Jessica Kim <jesskim@asiae.co.kr>

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2009.11.05

'Thirst,' 'Mother' premiere in London

Park Chan-wook's vampire noir "Thirst" and Bong Joon-ho's "Mother" are featured at a two-week film festival to be screened at London's Barbican Cultural Center and the British Film Institute, the Manchester Cornerhouse and Nottingham Broadway.

As part of this year's London Korean Film Festival program, a total of 34 Korean selections comprised of both feature-length and animated films are set to be

screened in London, Manchester, and Nottingham until the 18th.

Park met with fans for a Q&A session after the screening of his film Thursday at the Barbican Cultural Center. "Thirst" was chosen as the opening film.

Other recent Korean films such as "Haeundae," "Insadong Scandal," "Rough Cut" and "Ssanghwajeon" are among the high-profile films selected for the festival.

Also in line is a Bong Joon-ho retrospective which will screen his recent box office and critical hits "The Host," "Memories of Murder" and the short films the acclaimed auteur made prior to his professional debut.

According to festival organizers, "this is a rare opportunity to see some of Bong's less well-known films, some of which are not normally widely available."

Bong will also be available to answer questions on Mother at a Q&A session at the BFI and Nottingham Broadway.

Credits : kws@heraldm.com

Source : The Korea Herald

[deka_if]

2009.11.05

Poster unveiled for Hyun Bin's new film "I Am Happy"

Official poster for movie "I Am Happy" [Jin Jin Pictures]

The official movie poster for Hallyu star Hyun Bin's new film "I Am Happy" was released today.

"Happy", which stars Hyun Bin and actress Lee Bo-young, is based on a Korean short story about two wounded souls at a psychiatric ward -- mental patient Man-soo (played by Hyun) and nurse Soo-kyung (played by Lee).

The revealed poster shows the two characters leaning against each other under the sunlight and reads "Day after day, life is crazy difficult.. But because I have you.. I am happy.. "

The film, directed by Yoon Jong-chan who previously helmed "Sorum" and "Blue Swallow", was the closing film at the 14th Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF) last month.

Hyun, best known for his role in the 2005 hit drama "My Name Is Kim Sam Soon", recently made headlines after admitting to dating top Korean actress Song Hye-kyo, his co-star in last year's TV series "The World That They Live In."

Lee has appeared in several TV dramas including "Save The Last Dance For Me" in 2004 and "Seodongyo" in 2005. She made her film debut last year in "Once Upon A Time".

"Happy" is set for release in Korea on November 26.

Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2009.11.05

Jang Dong-gun and Ko So-young are a couple

Two of Korea's top stars, Jang Dong-gun and Ko so-young, confirmed on Thursday that they are a couple.

Responding to news reports about the rumor, Jang's management agency said that the two stars had feelings for each other since they shot the film "Love Wind, Love Song" together in 1998.

The agency added that their relationship is developing into one of love, but denied rumors that they may tie the knot in December.

"Nothing has been decided yet with regard to marriage," the agency said.

The couple plan to have a press conference about their relationship in the near future.

An associate of the two said on Thursday that Jang and Ko started dating seriously two years ago.

There were rumors linking the pair in the past, but the two had denied them.

Born in 1972, Jang made his debut in the MBC-TV drama "Our Heaven" in 1993 and became a star in the nation and rose to Asian stardom. Recently, he starred in "Good Morning President" as the youngest president of Korea.

Ko was also born in the same year with Jang, and made her debut on TV as a new generation star through the hit soap opera "Love Tomorrow" in 1993, becoming a TV commercial star in the late 1990s.

Credits : Ryu Seung-yoon (shoong4u@gmail.com)

Source : The Korea Herald

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2009.11.05

Jang Dong-gun, Ko So-young admit to dating

A scene from film "Love Wind, Love Song" [Cinema Service]

Top stars Jang Dong-gun and Ko So-young took the country by surprise on Thursday after revealing that they have been dating.

"Their relationship has been developing into that of lovers after having been good friends for a long time," Jang's agency AM Entertainment said in a press release.

AM however, denied the two had talked about nor settled any details regarding marriage, playing down reports from earlier in the day that the couple were planning on marrying in December.

Over several occasions, the two were rumored to be in a relationship since appearing together in 1999 film "Love Wind, Love Song" but both movie stars had denied the rumors everytime.

Jang, one of Korea's top actors since his debut in 1993, has won several critical acclaims including the award for Best Supporting Actor for 2001 hit film "Friend" at the 2001 Asia Pacific Film Festival and the Best Actor Award for "Taegukgi" at the 2004 Blue Dragon Film Awards. He recently starred in box office topper "Good Morning President" which was also the opening film for the Pusan International Film Festival last month.

Ko has appeared in over a dozen films since debuting in 1993. She rose to stardom with 1997 hit film "Beat" in which she appeared alongside co-star Jung Woo-sung.

Credits : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2009.11.05

"Iris" breaches 30 percent mark

Poster of KBS TV series "Iris" [Taewon Entertainment]

The ratings for KBS TV series "Iris" surpassed the 30 percent mark in its fourth week of showing, according to a survey on Thursday.

According to TNS Media Korea, "Iris" topped its TV chart with a viewership rating of 30.7 percent, gaining 1.8 percent from its previous episode.

A poll by AGB Nielsen Media Research showed that the Wednesday and Thursday night drama did not top the 30 percent mark but gained 0.1 percent from last week to report a 27.8 percent viewership rating.

Several of South Korea's top actors including Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-hee and Jung Jun-ho star in the drama which has been on air since mid-October.

Credits : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2009.11.05

'Legend of Rainism' to Rock US in Dec.

Singer-actor Rain

Singer-actor Rain will give concerts next month in the United States, for the first time in three years, J-Tune Entertainment announced Thursday.

The 27-year-old pop star will reappear Dec. 24 and 25 at Caesars Palace Hotel in Las Vegas, where he performed three years ago. This will be the U.S. leg of his ``Legend of Rainism'' tour that took place in Japan in August and in South Korea last month.

``Rain is preparing to perform at the Caesars Palace Hotel, which is famous as a concert venue for top pop artists such as Celine Dion and Elton John,'' J-Tune Entertainment was quoted as saying, according to Yonhap News. ``The concerts will feature the fancy visuals and events that characterized the `Legend of Rainism' tour. We received the offer from a staff member who worked on Rain's 2006 tour, and all that is left to do is sign the contract.''

The singer, who is also known as Jung Ji-hoon, performed at the Madison Square Garden Theater in New York in February 2006, before his Las Vegas gig.

The upcoming performances are also noted since they come after the end of much-contested and prolonged law suits against Rain for cancelling concerts in Los Angeles and Hawaii in 2007.

Meanwhile, the pop star will appear Nov. 9 in Seoul for the Asia press junket of the Hollywood movie ``Ninja Assassin,'' in which he plays a lead role. He will then depart on a promotional tour from Nov. 11 to 22 across the U.S., visiting cities, including New York and Los Angeles.

He will then visit Hong Kong, Nov. 28 and 29; Jakarta, Indonesia, on Dec. 3; and finally Shanghai the following week.

``Rain is very busy through the end of the year with his concerts and promotional tour for the movie, but hopes the movie and music will create a synergy effect,'' said J-Tune Entertainment.

Credits : hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr

Source : The Korea Times

[deka_if]

11-05-2009

'Relation' Trips Over Own Subject Matter

A scene from the romantic comedy “The Relation of Face, Mind and Love”

``The Relation of Face, Mind and Love'' is the first installment in the seven-part TV soap-meets-movie series TeleCinema Seven, which brings together top Korean stars and directors and Japanese writers.

Popular Japanese scriptwriter Shizuka Ooishi presents a romantic comedy akin to ``Shallow Hal'' that attempts to ponder the classic question of how much looks weigh in when it comes to love.

Note the emphasis here is that it ``attempts'' ― and ends up being no more than a clich?d mess of B-movie parodies, third-rate slapstick and characters who are completely devoid of any graspable personality or appeal.

The only concrete effort the film makes is in whipping up some fancy hardware and props such as expensive sports cars and glitzy interior spaces. The movie thus trips over its own theme and showcases style over substance.

The movie could have been, at best, a mindless diversion for fans of the leading actors, perhaps as a straight-to-DVD project, but it drags on endlessly, and appears to end twice before it finally does, with a sigh of relief for the much-distracted viewer.

In the aforementioned Hollywood flick, Jack Black's character is cast under a sort of spell that forces him to perceive the inner beauty in people; and he thus falls in love with an obese woman who, in his eyes, looks like Gwenyth Paltrow.

This movie begins with a minor car accident that results in a type of ``temporary visual impairment'' that makes beauties appear ugly and vice versa. Realism is often of little importance when it comes to well-told fiction; it is believability that matters. However, such minor details become something to scoff at since the rest of the movie is just as unconvincing.

Kang Ji-hwan, who emerged through the hit romantic comedy ``My Girlfriend Is an Agent,'' plays the ``perfect'' man Kang Tae-pung, a world-renowned architect who also happens to look like a GQ model. Tae-pung is constantly emphasizing the importance of substance over style in architecture, but of course has yet to apply this philosophy when it comes to love.

He is unable to forget his dead fianc?e (played by lead actress Lee Ji-a, ``Beethoven Virus'') but falls head-over-heels in love with an inebriated Wang So-jung (also played by Lee), who passes out in front of his office building. The ``My Sassy Girl'' moment ― where all is forgiven, even the most deplorable acts, if you're pretty ― is possible since ``visually impaired'' Tae-pung sees a beautiful resurrection of his late fianc?e rather than the ugly duckling So-jung really is (the pretty actress paints on a few freckles and wears false teeth to be the homely heroine).

So-jung is completely baffled that Prince Charming keeps calling her his ``goddess'' (he really does). But the lesson du jour lies in how she supposedly makes him fall in love with her for her true charms, like how she is humble and unafraid to be goofy.

Tae-pung's eye problem is fixed, however, by the time So-jung returns from a business trip, and Tae-pung fails to recognize her.

The problem here is that Tae-pung is an unlikeable hero; apart from his superficial qualities, he has no redeeming ones and often confounds love with convenience. His so-called love for So-jung is founded in how she doesn't nag him and the fact that she can cook.

Meanwhile, the ``Shallow Hal'' issue seems to be an issue So-jung must deal with, since she's the one who is fixated with Tae-pung's looks, despite his blatant personality flaws.

Now playing in theaters. No English subtitles available.

Credits : Lee Hyo-won (hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr)

Source : The Korea Times

[deka_if]

11-05-2009

Hyun Bin, Tang Wei-wei Cast in Korea-US Project

South Korean actor Hyun Bin and Chinese screen beauty Tang Wei-wei are set to appear in ``Manchu'' (working title), which will go into production at the end of the month in the United States, Boram Entertainment and M&FC announced Friday.

The ``My Lovely Samsoon'' star will play the role of a man on the run who falls in love with a woman who is on special leave from prison, to be played by Tang, who is best-known as the heroine of Ang Lee's epic romance ``Lust, Caution.''

The Korea-U.S. joint project ― Korea's Boram Entertainment and M&FC and the Unites States' North by Northwest ― is a remake of the 1966 masterpiece ``Full Autumn'' (Manchu) by Lee Man-hee. Kim Tae-yong, the award-winning director of ``Family Ties,'' will helm the project.

The movie will be ``a modern interpretation'' of the classic movie and will be set in the United States, said the producers in a statement. It is slated for theatrical release next year.

Credits : Lee Hyo-won, Staff Reporter (hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr)

Source : The Korea Times

[deka_if]

2009.11.05

[REVIEW]

Film "My Love, Ugly Duckling"

Love is like a car accident

At the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, there was a pretty little girl who sang in a sweet, beautiful voice. But people were shocked when they found out that the pretty girl was actually lip-synching to a song sung by a different girl. More than a few people were dumbfounded by this incident, brought on by a society obsessed with physical beauty, Japan's veteran TV drama writer Shizuka Oishi was no exception. Watching the lip-synching girl, the writer started to wonder, "People say it's the heart that counts, not looks.. but isn't that just a saying too?" That curiosity led to her writing about a love story full of the ups and downs between an unattractive woman and an attractive man. A team composed of a Korean director, Japanese writers and Hallyu stars came together to make the film "My Love, Ugly Duckling", the first of the telecinema project series.

Kang Tae-poong (played by Kang Ji-hwan) is a handsome and successful architect who, after a car accident, suffers from temporary visual disability and meets the goddess of his dreams. During the two days that he sees beautiful women as ugly and ugly ones as beautiful, he falls in love with Wang So-joong (played by E Ji-ah), the most unattractive woman of them all. But, as it turns out, Wang, an ugly Cinderella who has won the love of a prince, is no girl with the heart of gold. Wang is a fearless, hot-tempered woman who also firmly believes in the importance of outward beauty -- her philosophy is that "a man should be beautiful". Of course, in the disabled eyes of Kang Tae-poong, she is "a goddess who is beautiful on the inside as well as the outside". But when the magic of visual disability wears off, can Wang still be riding on the horse of her white knight?

"You are the goddess that I have been dreaming of." "You are lovely. You are a gift that God has left for me." The two characters are almost like they popped out of a comic book: Kang Tae-poong is absolutely nonchalant when uttering such classic and cliche, Harlequin-like dialogue while Wang So-joong confuses us with her sometimes-ugly-sometimes-beautiful-but-hard-to-tell appearance. Writer Oishi, who has written dense stories in different genres -- traditional drama, melodrama, human drama -- in previous works including "Handoku" and "First Love", shows the correlation between love and looks in a humorous way, but it is hard to find a specific point where we can laugh our heads off or worry about love. Korean director Lee Jang-soo, who is known for creating tear-shedding melodramas like "Stairway to Heaven" and "Beautiful Days", attempts for a new approach by splitting the screen (like Marvel Comics) and uses various special effects but the result is only occasionally refreshing and at most times distracting. The film finishes up leaving the viewer feeling awkward, as if wearing an ill-fitted suit, despite the efforts of a great writer and director. The ending, which looks like the one we have already seen in the movie "Shallow Hal", also comes off as a hasty stitch-up to the story rather than a conclusion.

But it is premature to jump to conclusions about the entire telecinema project based on this film alone. Starting with "Duckling", which opens on November 5, a total of eight telecinemas are set to open every week, including "19-Nineteen", starring Big Bang members Top and Seung-ri, and "Mailman of Heaven" starring TVXQ's Hero Jaejoong and Han Hyo-joo. The telecinemas will first be aired in Korea, then in Japan staring next January and air on Asahi TV program "Famous Movie Theater" in May.

Reporter : Lee Ji-Hye seven@10asia.co.kr

Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2009.11.06

Kim Hye-ja named best actress at Chinese film fest

SEOUL, Nov. 6 (Yonhap) -- Veteran South Korean actress Kim Hye-ja was named the best foreign actress by China's Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival for her role in the mystery thriller "Mother," the film's local producer said Friday.

Kim, 68, a popular TV celebrity widely known for her on-screen persona of a benevolent mother, surprised fans with her intense performance in the film, the fourth feature by director Bong Joon-ho which revolves around a murder case and obsessive maternal love. Kim was also named best actress at three domestic awards including the Busan Film Critics' Award.

Regarded as China's most prestigious film award, the rooster and flowers festival has been awarding and screening foreign films since 2005.

Approved by the central government, two festivals -- Hundred Flowers Film Festival and China Golden Rooster initiated in 1962 and 1981, respectively -- were unified into one national film festival in 1992. The 18th event was held at Nanchang, Jiangxi Province.

"Mother," which drew some 3 million viewers at home, was screened at the non-competition section of this year's Cannes where it was praise as a "unique noir thriller."

Sold to 12 countries including Japan, France and the United States, the movie will hit international cinemas beginning this month.

Credits : Shin Hae-in (hayney@yna.co.kr)

Source : Yonhap News

--------------------

2009.11.06

Kim Hye-ja wins Best Actress at Chinese film fest

Korean actress Kim Hye-ja [Asia Economic Daily]

Korean actress Kim Hye-ja has won the award for Best Actress at China's Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival for her role in the film "Mother", according to a press release on Friday.

The Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival -- considered China's equivalent of the Academy Awards -- combines the Golden Rooster votes by critics and industry experts and the Hundred Flowers votes submitted by the general public. The audience watch the film and directly cast votes to the film that they think is best.

Kim, South Korea's veteran actress, has received more than a few appraisals for her performance in director Bong Joon-ho's film. Critics from Cannes, Toronto, Vancouver and New York film festival have complimented Kim's acting as "the performance of the year" and "exceptional acting that expresses heaven and hell on a singular face."

"Mother", which co-stars Hallyu star Won Bin as the mentally disturbed son, has been sold to 12 countries including Australia, Brazil, England, France, Germany, Portugal and U.S.

The film is set to open in Hong Kong on November 19 and will sequentially open in other countries.

Senior Reporter : Moon Yong-sung lococo@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2009.11.06

Jang Dong-gun talks about actress girlfriend

Actor Jang Dong-gun (left) and actress Ko So-young (right). [Asia Economic Daily]

Top Korean movie star Jang Dong-gun, who took the country by surprise yesterday after revealing he has been dating actress Ko So-young, wrote a message to fans early on Friday to talk about their relationship.

"You may have been surprised by the news...... As you all know, I have been friends with So-young for a long time and have appeared in a movie together," Jang started by saying in a posting on the website of his official fan club Adonis.

"We became extremely close at one point and I came to like her," Jang said, expressing his affection for the starlet. "We would always worry and root on for each other during hard times."

He ended his message by apologizing to his fans for not having told them about the news first and asked for support for their relationship. "You will be the first to know if I have any good news," he promised.

Sources close to the actors have said the two, both 37-years-old, have been dating for two years now and may get married as soon as next month, but Jang's agency AM Entertainment dismissed the rumors.

Over several occasions, the two were speculated to be in a relationship since appearing together in 1999 film "Love Wind, Love Song" but both movie stars had denied such reports everytime.

Jang, one of Korea's top actors since his debut in 1993, has won several critical acclaims for his roles in hit films including "Friend" and "Taegukgi", the third most-watched Korean film in box office history. He recently starred in box office topper "Good Morning President", the opening film for the Pusan International Film Festival last month.

Ko, who debuted in the same year as Jang, has appeared in over a dozen films including 1997 film "Beat" which gained her stardom after appearing alongside co-star Jung Woo-sung.

Reporter : Park Kun-ouc kun1112@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2009.11.06

Lee Jun-ki's "Hero" premiere pushed back

Poster of MBC TV series "Hero" [MBC]

The premiere date for actor Lee Jun-ki's new drama "Hero" has been pushed back by a week, according to its broadcaster on Friday.

A producer at MBC told 10Asia over the phone that the Wednesday and Thursday series will air starting November 18, instead of November 11.

November 18 was when "Hero" had originally been set to air but the date had been pulled up after drama "No Limit" wrapped up early after suffering from ratings between three to five percent.

But "Hero" only went into shoot properly starting yesterday after replacing actress Kim Min-jung with Yoon So-yi two days ago. Kim pulled out from the drama over an arm condition which kept her from shooting.

"Hero" will star 27-year-old Lee who became a household name in 2005 playing a woman-like clown in the hit film "The King and the Clown" and was recently voted the most popular Korean Wave star in China.

He will play the role of a passionate reporter working for a third-rate magazine in the drama, about a group of youngsters who rebel and fight against a corrupt society.

Credits : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>