Hwang Jung-Min 황정민 [Upcoming Movies: “12.12: The Day”, “Mission Cross”, “Veteran 2”, “Hope”]

[rubie]

January 24, 2008

English subtitles coming to Korean films at CGV

CJ Entertainment and CGV have announced that they will begin providing current Korean movies with English-language subtitles, starting with director Jeong Yun-cheol's "A Man Once a Superman," reflecting the increasing demand from foreigners here.

"Initially, the selected movies will show on one screen at Yongsan CGV theaters for the duration of the films' domestic theatrical run," CJ said in a statement. "The lineup of chosen films will consist of big-event movies that will appeal to foreigners, and will give them a unique chance to watch noteworthy Korean films when they are released."

CJ and CGV will select certain Korean titles -- currently estimated at four to six this year -- and will release concurrent with their domestic release.

"A Man Once a Superman" will be screened with English subtitles on Jan. 31, the same day the movie is set to be released to Korean viewers. The movie, produced and distributed by CJ, depicts a cynical reporter whose life is changed by her encounter with a man who thinks he is Superman. Hwang Jung-min plays the central character, while Jun Ji-hyun takes up the role of the reporter.

CJ said it will show more movies with English subtitles, including "Modern Boy," "The Divine Weapon," "The Good, The Bad, The Ugly" and the untitled upcoming Park Chan-wook project.

CJ is one of leading movie production companies in Korea and has the largest domestic film library -- over 200 films --with 30 new titles being added each year. Established in 1998, CGV is the biggest multiplex operator here.

By Yang Sung-jin (insight@heraldm.com)

http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/

[rubie]

- aWw.. just can't wait to watch movie.. HJM simply amazes in his role. The Superman role definitely fits Hwang Jung Min .. like a glove. :blush:

January 24, 2008

'Superman,' the Good Samaritan

By Lee Hyo-won

Staff Reporter

Jeon Ji-hyun, left, and Hwang Jung-min star in “A Man Who Was Superman”

In "A Man Who Was Superman" director Chung Yoon-chul, the tear jerking maestro behind "Marathon" (2005), teams up with superstars Jeon Ji-hyun (aka Jianna Jeon) and Hwang Jung-min. It's a multi-dimensional story that, while buttressed by the safety net of the American superhero's iconic cultural appeal, is reborn with an unconventional Superman -- a modern-day hero who battles urban apathy and preaches the virtues of lending a hand.

Soo-jung (Jeon) is a producer of human-interest TV documentaries. Cynical, worn out and shrouded in cigarette smoke, she doesn't believe in the product she sells, and even resorts to throwing in bits of fabrication to heighten the schmaltziness of her lame subject matter. Sick of contrived drama, she decides to leave with the firm's camera instead of her overdue payroll to shoot ruthless lions in Africa.

But things don't work out, and to make matters worse, a thief runs off with her camera. But then along comes Superman (Hwang) -- a rather odd fellow clad in a Hawaiian shirt to the rescue.

And so Soo-jung returns to her dead-end job with a new story. She starts documenting the mystery man and his chronic willingness to help others, like helping the elderly cross the street and rescuing puppies, as well as his obsessive environmental activism, like hand-standing in the middle of the street to "push off" the rays of the sun.

What's more, Superman claims he cannot use his superpowers due to a piece of kryptonite (the fictional element in the original cartoon that weakens Superman's powers) stuck in his head. But when an X-ray reveals that there really is some foreign object rooted in his brain, Soo-jung knows she has a hit story.

But even greater surprises await Soo-jung, as Superman starts knocking at her frigid heart.

The film's conquering tactic is fairly simple: overwhelm and amuse the audience with Superman's utterly bizarre existence, while Soo-jung's cynicism and disheartening practicality downplay the absurdity. Viewers will fall in love with the characters and have their hearts broken by the revealing of the tragic secrets of the characters. There's also a biting moral lesson about something we're all guilty of.

The movie explores the "bystander effect" -- how individuals are less likely to help others when in a group _ and its traumatizing aftermath. But "Superman" is not a bitter social commentary. It's a fuzzy human drama, and counters that feeling of uneasiness by throwing in a ray of hope, thus wrapping it up with a smile.

It works how we expect a movie to. Sure, it's ridden with fairytale conventions, but has a modern edge that make you want to believe in it. The director also showcases a new directorial style by adding elements of fantasy. You need to let go of your inhibitions and just tune into the fun, like the parody of the original comic strip and other surreal scenes.

But despite the comic relief, the first half of the two-hour flick seems to drag out a little too much before reaching the climax. But Hwang works his magic and saves the script.

The director has said Hwang ("Happiness," 2007) is the one and only actor in Korea to pull off Superman, and indeed the actor surprises viewers with yet another unforgettable role as he maps out an endless array of emotions. His Hawaiian shirt, strange dance routines and giddy comments might give birth to a new superhero figure.

Jeon, on the other hand, manages to pull together a convincing character. But despite her disheveled hair and makeup-less face, her sarcastic character still strongly reflects the oddly lovely girl from "My Sassy Girl" (1999).

The film basically says that being Superman isn't difficult. "The film made me realize I too can be Superman (and change for the better). But I haven't taken action yet, but the thought that I must change, I think, is the beginning. And a good beginning is half the battle, right?'' said Jeon at a recent press preview in Seoul.

In theaters Jan. 31. English subtitles available at CGV Yongsan.

Credits: hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2.../203_17928.html

- aWw.. just can't wait to watch movie.. HJM simply amazes in his roles. The Superman role definitely fits Hwang Jung Min .. like a glove. :blush:

January 24, 2008

'Superman,' the Good Samaritan

By Lee Hyo-won

Staff Reporter

Jeon Ji-hyun, left, and Hwang Jung-min star in “A Man Who Was Superman”

In "A Man Who Was Superman" director Chung Yoon-chul, the tear jerking maestro behind "Marathon" (2005), teams up with superstars Jeon Ji-hyun (aka Jianna Jeon) and Hwang Jung-min. It's a multi-dimensional story that, while buttressed by the safety net of the American superhero's iconic cultural appeal, is reborn with an unconventional Superman -- a modern-day hero who battles urban apathy and preaches the virtues of lending a hand.

Soo-jung (Jeon) is a producer of human-interest TV documentaries. Cynical, worn out and shrouded in cigarette smoke, she doesn't believe in the product she sells, and even resorts to throwing in bits of fabrication to heighten the schmaltziness of her lame subject matter. Sick of contrived drama, she decides to leave with the firm's camera instead of her overdue payroll to shoot ruthless lions in Africa.

But things don't work out, and to make matters worse, a thief runs off with her camera. But then along comes Superman (Hwang) -- a rather odd fellow clad in a Hawaiian shirt to the rescue.

And so Soo-jung returns to her dead-end job with a new story. She starts documenting the mystery man and his chronic willingness to help others, like helping the elderly cross the street and rescuing puppies, as well as his obsessive environmental activism, like hand-standing in the middle of the street to "push off" the rays of the sun.

What's more, Superman claims he cannot use his superpowers due to a piece of kryptonite (the fictional element in the original cartoon that weakens Superman's powers) stuck in his head. But when an X-ray reveals that there really is some foreign object rooted in his brain, Soo-jung knows she has a hit story.

But even greater surprises await Soo-jung, as Superman starts knocking at her frigid heart.

The film's conquering tactic is fairly simple: overwhelm and amuse the audience with Superman's utterly bizarre existence, while Soo-jung's cynicism and disheartening practicality downplay the absurdity. Viewers will fall in love with the characters and have their hearts broken by the revealing of the tragic secrets of the characters. There's also a biting moral lesson about something we're all guilty of.

The movie explores the "bystander effect" -- how individuals are less likely to help others when in a group _ and its traumatizing aftermath. But "Superman" is not a bitter social commentary. It's a fuzzy human drama, and counters that feeling of uneasiness by throwing in a ray of hope, thus wrapping it up with a smile.

It works how we expect a movie to. Sure, it's ridden with fairytale conventions, but has a modern edge that make you want to believe in it. The director also showcases a new directorial style by adding elements of fantasy. You need to let go of your inhibitions and just tune into the fun, like the parody of the original comic strip and other surreal scenes.

But despite the comic relief, the first half of the two-hour flick seems to drag out a little too much before reaching the climax. But Hwang works his magic and saves the script.

The director has said Hwang ("Happiness," 2007) is the one and only actor in Korea to pull off Superman, and indeed the actor surprises viewers with yet another unforgettable role as he maps out an endless array of emotions. His Hawaiian shirt, strange dance routines and giddy comments might give birth to a new superhero figure.

Jeon, on the other hand, manages to pull together a convincing character. But despite her disheveled hair and makeup-less face, her sarcastic character still strongly reflects the oddly lovely girl from "My Sassy Girl" (1999).

The film basically says that being Superman isn't difficult. "The film made me realize I too can be Superman (and change for the better). But I haven't taken action yet, but the thought that I must change, I think, is the beginning. And a good beginning is half the battle, right?'' said Jeon at a recent press preview in Seoul.

In theaters Jan. 31. English subtitles available at CGV Yongsan.

Credits: hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2.../203_17928.html

[rubie]

January 28, 2008

Major Korean Films Offered With English Subtitles

By Lee Hyo-won

Staff Reporter

"The Good, The Bad, The Weird"

CGV Yongsan in central Seoul will devote a screen to the exclusive showing of popular domestic movies with English-language subtitles, an unprecedented move by a movie theater.

"It's to serve the many foreigners in Korea who want to watch Korean films. They won't have to wait for DVDs with English-language subtitles anymore," Chong Choe from CJ Entermatinment's International Strategy team told The Korea Times.

The country's largest motion picture studio, CJ Entertainment and multiplex theater giant CGV have teamed up for this long-term project, and will begin with "A Man Who Was Superman," starring high-profile actors Jeon Ji-hyeon ("My Sassy Girl's" Gianna Jeon) and Hwang Jung-min ("Happiness"). Coming to CGV Yongsan Jan. 31, it will have regular showings for the entire duration of the film's run in Korea.

For the time being, there will be seven showings per day through Feb. 4. "That's a lot of showings, and we plan to maintain this for the entire duration of 'A Man Who Was Superman.' This shows how committed we are," said Choe.

"This is just the beginning, not just a one-time deal," he said. The entertainment giants will select movies with mass appeal to show at the exclusive screen throughout the year.

Following "A Man Who Was Superman," this year's line-up include the retro film "Modern Boy," starring Kim Hye-soo and Park Hae-il, due for release in April; "The Good, The Bad, The Weird," with superstar trio Lee Byung-hun, Song Kang-ho and Jung Woo-sung in June; and the historical epic drama "The Divine Weapon" and director Park Chan-wook's upcoming (unnamed) film project later on in the year.

The Yongsan chain will be a pilot program for English-language subtitle project. "We'll have to see how this goes," sad Choe, when asked about the possibility of offering such services at CGV theaters in other parts of the country.

Until now, small independent movie theaters have offered a handful of homegrown works with English-language subtitles, such as the critically acclaimed indie flick "In Between Days" by Kim So-yong last fall.

Large multiplex theaters serve as barometers of the popularity of films, and even highly anticipated works disappear in less than a week if they fail to attract large audiences. To devote an entire screen is significant, especially given that the Yongsan chain is a major location among the CGV chain. Building such a framework is only possible if there is a demand.

It signals the increasing recognition of Korean films' international appeal. By releasing a Korean film subtitled in English, the film is no longer limited to the local market, and may even speed up exports of Korean films to other countries. Entertainment giant CJ seems to have recognized this and taken action, and if other companies follow suit it will considerably affect the Korean film industry and its globalization.

For the time being, expatriates in Seoul may now expand their movie-going habits to include not just Hollywood blockbusters but local films as well.

CGV Yongsan is connected to Yongsan station on subway line 1 and near exit 4 of Sinyongsan station on line 4.

Credits: hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2.../141_18052.html

[rubie]

January 31, 2008 - The Man Once a Superman nationwide release!

Hope HJM's new movie will be well received & thoroughly enjoyed by the audience. It's opening today.. along with some of the highly-anticipated Korean movies around.. Radio Days, The Game, Once Upon a Time.. with Forever the Moment still going strong at the box-office.

Superman Fighting!

--- these are awesome sharing by melusine at the movie thread, Merci beaucoup! :blush:

Movieweek article

Film2.0 article

[Guest yum yum dimsum]

Premiere Magazine

Mr & Mrs Superman - http://premiere.elle.co.kr/m1_star/content...mp;MenuCheck=PS

[rubie]

Hahaa! Mr. & Mrs. Superman.. that's so cute!

Thanks yum yum for the cool pics. Hope the movie will have a great first weekend showing in Korea!

Also.. more pics of the movie cast at various stage greeting events.. to look forward to..

[rubie]

Febriary 4, 2008

"M," "Happiness" finds home in Japan

Written by Darcy Paquet

SEOUL -- South Korean seller Showbox has announced the sale of Lee Myung-Se's "M" and Hur Jin-ho's "Happiness" to Avex in Japan.

Both films premiered at the Toronto Film Festival last autumn, and feature popular young stars with fan followings in Japan -- Gang Dong-won in "M" and Lim Soo-jung in "Happiness". Although Korean films have fallen on hard times in Japan recently, the two titles are each expected to receive a theatrical release.

Hur Jin-ho's previous film "April Snow" holds the record for the best-grossing Korean film of all time in Japan, having taken upwards of $26 million in 2005. Much of that film's success was attributed to the presence of another "Korean Wave" star Bae Yong-joon.

However overall exports to Japan have plunged since then, with only $3.3 million worth of sales to the country recorded last year compared to $10.4 million in 2006 and an amazing $60.3 million in 2005.

"M" and "Happiness" grossed $3.1 million and $8.5 million in Korea respectively.

Source: Variety Asia

http://www.varietyasiaonline.com/content/view/5432/53/

February 4, 2008

Korean Box Office: February 1st-3rd

1. The Game (Kr) 22.8% (new)

2. Women's Handball Team (Kr) 19.6% (-1)

3. Once Upon a Time in Korea (Kr) 17.7% (new)

4. The Man Who was Superman (Kr) 13% (new)

5. The Warlords (China) 7.6% (new)

6. Radio Dayz (Kr) 5.3% (new)

7. Cloverfield (US) 3.9% (-5)

8. Ella's Adventure (US/Ger) 3% (-2)

9. Open City (Kr) 2.3% (-6)

10. Bee Movie (US) 1.4% (-3)

Info credits to koreanfilm.org

[rubie]

Despite that premiering at a not-so-high spot at the box-office (#4 on the first week, #5 for the second week), I think that the movie is doing alright. But obviously.. there has been some hot-cold responses to the movie, as mentioned by Darcy Paquet at koreanfilm. We'll hope that everything will soon pick up for 'A Man Once A Superman'. Fighting!

Anyway, please enjoy this NG clip.. HJM & JJH were hilarious .. so was the director. Good to hear them laughing, clearly enjoying their time filming the movie.

http://vod.innolife.net/2008/02/080205_11.wmv

Copied from http://www.innolife.tv/list.php?ac_id=12&ai_id=2974

[Guest kdramafanusa]

* HIGHEST PAID MOVIE STARS *

RANK / STARS / FEE PER FILM (Won)

1. Song Kang-ho, Seol Kyeong-gu -- 500-550 million

2. Lee Byeong-heon, Jang Dong-gun, Bae Yong-joon, Jeong woo-seong -- 500 million

3. Cha Seung-won, Jeong Jun-ho, Hwang Jeong-min, Lee Jeong-jae -- 400-500 million

4. Kwon Sang-woo, Song Seung-heon, Jo Seung-woo, Baek Yoon-shik, Jeong Jae-yeong -- 400+ million

5. Lee Young-ae, Kim Hye-soo, Jeon Do-yeon, Jang Jin-young, Jeon Ji-hyeon, Ha Ji-won -- 400 million

6. Park Hae-il, Shin Ha-gyoon, Jo In-seong, Kim Jeong-eun, Choi Ji-woo, Song Hye-kyo -- 350-400 million

7. Lee Seong-jae, Lee Na-young, Lim Soo-jung -- 300-350 million

Source: ISplus

[rubie]

March 9, 2008

Why the uncle-niece-like couples in dramas and movies?

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/8877/20...18101090fl9.jpg

Movie actress Moon Geun-yeong (21)'s comeback drama, SBS "The Garden of Wind" might star Park Shin-yang (40) as the male leading role. Their age difference is 19 years.

Moon Geun-yeong has acted with Kim Joo-hyeok (36) in "Love Me Not" and Park Geon-hyeong (31) in "Innocent Steps". A ten year difference is standard. It is also interesting that she has acted with no one her age except when she starred as Song Hye-kyo (26)'s younger character.

The same goes for Ko Ah-ra (18). After graduating from the teen drama "Sharp", she acted with Yoon Kye-sang (30), who graduated from an idol group. Leaving her roles as the rebellious daughter and the innocent girl, she is acting with older men. She is currently acting in MBC "Who Are You??"

At first, it was surprising, but now, the age difference between actors and actresses are becoming natural. It is like getting used to scratchy old clothes after wearing them for a long time. It is also like how the stinging smell of ammonia in a clean bathroom becomes dull.

The title of being a top star makes the age difference less important. The headlines that Mr. so-and-so is starring replaces the fact that the actors are married or old. Age difference is becoming normal after passing time.

Dramas and movies are no exception. There are many leading actors and actresses that are more than 13 years apart. It is ironic that age difference is not a factor in hindering their love. It omits the difficulty that lovers ten years apart may experience.

Song Kang-ho (41) and Kim Ok-bin (22) are to star in Director Park Chan-wook's new movie "Evil Live". It also known that there will be excellent bed scenes. Seol Kyeong-gu (40) and Kim Tae-hee (28) appeared as a married couple in "Venus and Mars". Hwang Jeong-min (38) and Jeon Ji-hyeon (27) also drew interest in "A Man Who Was Superman". It was a meeting between experienced male actors with actresses known for their commercials. The age difference was, of course, more than ten years.

If lovers are more than ten years apart, the man is scolded as a "Robber". Even a seven-year age difference counts as being a "Robber". However, if you become an actor, the situation changes.

Lee Beom-soo (38) acted with Lee Yo-won (28) in "Surgeon Bong Dal-hee". They received the 'Best Couple Award' at the SBS Acting Awards and were acknowledged as a good couple. Another nominee was Park Shin-yang and Park Jin-hee from "War of Money". They have the commonality of having ten year differences.

There is no reason that actors would make a big deal out of something that the viewers do not care about. This is why the age difference of actors is not becoming a hot issue.

'Truthful guy' Lee Hoon (35) is an exception. He kept mention the age difference with Kim Hyo-jin (24) at press conferences for the SBS drama "Happiness - Drama".

"The actresses are becoming younger. As I'm acting with Hyo-jin, it seems like they're getting younger".

Of course, "Happiness" has nothing to do with the age difference. It is the story of a daughter of a rich household and an average man getting successfully married despite parents' oppositions. In order to match levels with Lee Hoon, Kim Hyo-jin raised her age in the drama by four years.

There are also couples who barely avoid the "Old man, young woman" situation. Lee Seo-jin (35) and Han Ji-min (26) of MBC "Lee San, Wind of the Palace" are nine years apart, and Joo Jin-mo (34) and Park Ji-yoon (26) of SBS "Bicheonmoo - Drama" are eight years apart.

The shortened acting experience of the actresses is the reason behind this age difference.

In a survey conducted by the Korean Film Archives, the only actress who placed as one of the "Best Korean Movie Stars" was Jeon Do-yeon (35). There were many older actors, such as Song Kang-ho, Ahn Seong-gi (56), Han Seok-Kyu (44), and Seol Kyeong-gu.

There are not many top star actresses that act into their 30s. It can be compressed to Jeon Do-yeon, Ko Hyeon-jeong (37), Jang Jin-yeong (34), Uhm Jung-hwa (39), Song Yoon-ah (35), Moon So-ri (34), and Kim Jeong-eun (32).

On the other hand, there are few top star actors in their 20s. Three years later, Jo In-Seong (27) will enter his 30s, and there will almost be none. It seems actresses get more recognition if they're young, and actors if they're old.

The "old man, young woman" situation is becoming reality. Kang Ho-dong (38) cannot stop showing off his wife, nine years his junior. Comedian Lee Soo-keun (33) will also have a bride nine years younger. Park Myeong-soo (38) is also looking to his marriage to a doctor eight years his junior.

However, this trend only applies to the celebrity world. A representative of 'Duo", a marriage information company, revealed that "there are few married couples who have large age differences. Like always, a four to five year difference is normal".

"Men in professional careers sometimes favor younger women. It seems like the mentality to reward his economic security with the woman's young age.

Original article at news.media.daum.net

English translation by www.hancinema.net

[rubie]

March 12, 2008

Complete Danger After Dark Lineup For Philadelphia 2008 Announced!

Posted by Todd Brown

Though this year will be the second in a row that I’m not able to attend the Philadelphia International Film Festival it’s certainly not for a lack of love. With an extensive program thoroughly dominated by international and independent film, great theaters and friendly staff my stints in Philly rank at the very top of my festival experiences. Seriously, it’s a great time and I recommend it highly. And today you have a whole bunch more reasons to go, with the festival announcing their complete lineup for the Danger After Dark program along with a fistful of other titles. What’s coming? Bad Biology, Epitaph, Jack Brooks Monster Slayer, Mirageman, Soo, Timecrimes, Stuck, Triangle and more. As for genre stuff scattered throughout the main programs you get Vexille, The Forbidden Kingdom, Summer Scars, Blood Brothers among others. It’s a great lineup and you’ll find more below the break ...

2008 DANGER AFTER DARK presented by TLA Entertainment Group

Official Selections at the 17th Philadelphia Film Festival - April 3- 15, 2008

Buy tickets, full schedule online beginning March 17, 20047 at http://www.phillyfests.com

Basic facts about 2008 Danger After Dark program

· Tailored to be a fantastic festival like Fantasia, Sitges, Dead Channels – the Danger After Dark program, taking place in the Philadelphia Film Festival is dedicated to films exploring extreme

ways of telling stories; horror, fantasy, science fiction, animation, dark comedies and adventures.

· Expanded to 19 films, include an archival screening of Like a Shooting Star.

· 11 countries represented including Chile, Italy, South Korea, Thailand, Canada, Sweden and Denmark.

2008 PHANTASMAGORIA AWARD

Frank Henenlotter

Director of Basket Case, Brain Dead and Frankenhooker will be present to receive award and present the World Premiere screening of his latest film, Bad Biology on Friday, April 4, 2008 in Philadelphia

Bad Biology

Directed by Frank Henenlotter (World Premiere)

Ribald, frisky and souped-up genitals invade Danger After Dark, as the director of Frankenhooker and Basket Case invites you to fasten your seatbelts for one of the raunchiest, most original horror comedies of the year. Cast members will be in attendance!

Black House

Directed by Sin Tae-Ra

Korean horror continues to cross new boundaries with this nail-biting thriller about an insurance agent peeling back the mysteries of a creepy house only to find terrors beyond his imagination.

Confession of Pain

Directed by Andrew Lau and Alan Mak

From the makers of Hong Kong hit Infernal Affairs (remade stateside as Scorsese’s Oscar-winner The Departed, sophisticated and violent cop drama Confession of Pain proves a worthy, dark successor—with a twist, of course.

Dead Fury

Directed by FSudol (World Premiere)

If decapitations, flying eyeballs and disembowelment (emphasis on “bowels”) are your cup of goo, then don’t miss this adults-only animated horror parody from the imagination of animator and illustrator, F. Sudol.

Epitaph

Directed by Jung Brothers (Philadelphia Premiere)

A chill is in their air as unrequited, obsessive love is swept up in a sea of blood in this South Korean box office sensation that takes Asian horror in a new direction.

Eye in the Sky

Directed by Nai-Hoi Yau (Philadelphia Premiere)

This action film from producer Johnnie To (Triad Election) follows a young woman’s dangerous mission to catch wily jewel thieves amidst the concrete jungle of Hong Kong.

Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer

Directed by Jon Knautz (East Coast)

Monsters invade Danger After Dark and who is left to save the day? Jack Brooks, plumber extraordinaire, in this loving, hilarious and thrilling ode to monster movies and monster slayers.

The Last House in the Woods

Directed by Gabriele Albanesi (East Coast)

In this Italian screamfest, a young couple seeks solace from a group of sadistic bullies at a mysterious house, only to discover that their place of refuge harbors even darker secrets.

Like a Shooting Star

Directed by Toshio Masuda (Retro screening)

Filled with pop-art colors, a musical number(!), and some of the best on-screen romantic pairing since Hepburn and Tracy, this jazzy action classic from Japan’s Nikkatsu studio tells the story of a Tokyo hitman who falls into a dangerous love affair while hiding out in Kobe.

Mirageman

Directed by Ernesto Díaz Espinoza (East Coast)

An unlikely superhero emerges from the streets of Santiago to fight crime in this thrill ride that’s often funny and always action-packed.

Pistoleros

Directed by Shaky González (East Coast)

A gun-toting romp through the mean streets of…Copenhagen? Chilean-born, Danish-reared first-time director Shaky Gonzalez scoops up the baton from Robert Rodriguez in this madcap tale of a heist gone awry and a hunt for missing millions.

Soo

Directed by Sai Yoichi (Choi Yang-Il) (Philadelphia Premiere)

This unflinching drama of violence and revenge makes for classic DAD fare. Korean-Japanese director Yoichi Sai’s brutal film follows a policeman on a deranged crusade to avenge his twin brother’s death at the hands of a ruthless gang of thugs. You want dark? You got it.

The Sperm

Directed by Taweewat Wantha (North America)

Comical mayhem ensues when the citizens of Bangkok are invaded by mutated sperm, masturbating clone babies, busty alien babes and a 50-foot rock star in this crazy mash-up of sci-fi, fantasy and cheeky, teen sex comedies.

Storm

Directed by Måns Mårlind, Björn Stein (North America)

Gut-punching action, gory murders and Matrix-style special effects await you in the ultimate edge-of-your-seat thrill ride!

Stuck

Directed by Stuart Gordon (Philadelphia Premiere)

Based on a true story that inspired a delirious urban legend, filmmaker Stuart Gordon brings you an edge-of-your-seat thriller with his signature brand of unexpected humor, social commentary and red, delicious bloodshed.

Timecrimes

Directed by Nacho Vigalondo (East Coast)

Spanish newcomer Nacho Vigalondo explodes onto the scene with this time travel thriller that boasts more twists and turns than The Usual Suspects.

Trailer Park of Terror

Directed by Steven Goldmann (East Coast)

Saddle up for countrified horror served with dirty double entendres, teens in jeopardy and road kill jerky as the popular comic series from Reading, PA-based Imperium Comics hits the big screen!

Triangle

Directed by Tsui Hark, Ringo Lam, Johnnie To (East Coast)

Explosive comedy and action-packed adventure erupt as premier Hong Kong directors Tsui Hark, Ringo Lam and Johnnie To collaborate to tell a story about three friends’ quest for buried treasure.

Who is KK Downey?

Directed by Darren Curtis and Pat Kiely (Philadelphia Premiere)

Skinny jean enthusiasts beware as the hipster body count piles up in this filthy, expletive-driven and extremely dark satire about the seduction of fame and a counter-culture filled with rampant sex, drugs and electro-pop terror.

Winner of the 2008 Cinequest New Visions Maverick Award.

Credits & complete line-up at twitchfilm.net

[rubie]

March 19, 2008

Man Who Was Superman

A tragicomedy about a crazed hero falls flat on humor, but a certain warm humanity remains

By Maggie Lee

Hong Kong Filmart HAS Screenings

A TV producer gets on the case of a man who goes around being a Good Samaritan while claiming that he is Superman sans power due to Kryptonite in his brain. As she uncovers more about his past, she realizes that he has been linked to tragedies on both personal and national levels. "Superman" satirizes the callousness of modern society, and expounds the traditional moral that by helping others, anyone can get in touch with the superman (or wonder woman) inside.

Jeon Yoon-chul, who directed the earthy domestic comedy "Skeletons in the Closet," is a little out of his depth in this big CJ Entertainment production about a man who thinks he is superman. Even having Asian sweetheart Gianna Jun (a.k.a. Jun Ji-hyun of "My Sassy Girl," "Windstruck") and respected Korean actor Hwang Jeon-min ("Happiness," "You are My Sunshine") as leads couldn't rescue the film from bombing at the domestic boxoffice. Actually, Jeon penned a fine script, and as inane slapstick and poorly integrated fantasy/dream sequences give way to serious drama midway, performances as well as thematic development actually take a turn for the better. It packs an emotional punch at the final climax, but as if unable to leave it at that, it goes on for another five to 10 minutes with reductive scenes that overstay their screen time.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

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April 4, 2008

Black House and May 18 to be released in Japan

Japanese Kadokawa announced the release dates of SHIN Terra’s horror film Black House (Geomeun Jib) and KIM Ji-hoon’s May 18 (Hwaryohan Hyooga), the films will open on Japanese screens on April 5 and May 10, respectively.

Black House, a domestic box office hit, stars HWANG Jung-min (You Are My Sunshine/Neoneun Nae Woonmyeong) in an impressive psychological charged role as an insurance agent who gets drawn in a suicide case in a mysterious house. Director SHIN’s (Brainwave) film is based on a Japanese novel of the popular horror writer Kishi Yusuke.

After his Mokpo Gangster’s Paradise, director KM Ji-hoon’s next film May 18 was highly anticipated and the film about the Gwangju civilian uprising against the military dictatorship was a box office success of 2007. The film’s strong line-up includes AHN Sung-ki (Silmido) and LEE Jun-ki (King and the Clown). LEE enjoys great popularity in Japan and starred in the Korean-Japanese co-production Virgin Snow (Cheotnoon) alongside Miyazaki Aoi (Nana).

Yi Ch'ang-ho (KOFIC)

http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/KOFIC/Channel/

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Movie review from koreanfilm.org

Happiness

Looks like in the case of my experience with the films of Hur Jin-ho, the fourth time's a charm. Rather than rehash what has kept me from fully embracing Hur Jin-ho's films, I'll just refer you to my review of his third film, the Yonsama vehicle April Snow, where I summarize my ethical battles with his narratives. I am happy to say Happiness has appeared to have tossed that tarnishing trope aside and I can now relinquish the ethical axe that too many narratives force me to grind. Whether or not this excision was conscious on Hur's part, I thank him anyway, because now I can join hands with the joy and despair that is a walk in Hur's characters' shoes rather than part ways along irreconcilable political paths.

Young-su (Hwang Jeong-min) works in a nightclub. Exactly what he does is never clear, but he is obviously dissatisfied with his work and relationships. We witness him lie to a woman who appears to be his girlfriend with a story about going abroad. He gives the same story to his mother. (Bringing up another major change in a Hur film, this is his first main male character with a present mother. In this case, the son's the absent one.) Yet Young-su doesn't head abroad, but to a health community of some kind nestled somewhere in a South Korean village where those with terminal illnesses go in hopes to diet, stretch and laugh their illnesses away. Taking his nightclub work home with him, Young-su's drinking has resulted in his acquiring cirrhosis of the liver. (One of the nice subtle beats of humor is struck by Hur having one of Young-su's fellow stricken campers refer to Young-su not by his given name, but by his given illness, "Good Morning, Cirrhosis!")

It is at this recuperation center that Young-su meets and loves and . . . (well, you'll see) the lung-disease-stricken Eun-hee (Lim Soo-jung) in the go-away, come-here, rinse and repeat way that we have come to expect of Hur's characters. Although not at the expert levels of Christmas in August and One Fine Spring Day, the romance is still patiently developed and you will find yourself resonating with the film's title and dissonating just as strongly as Hur's ironic, yet not, title reveals itself. Hur's films are refreshing in how he executes the relationships between his two characters. As film critic Kim Ji-mi puts it in Korean Film Observatory magazine (No. 23), Hur "shows the outstanding talent of being able to grasp the sensitive moments of the beginning and ending of a love between a man and a woman" (p. 22). Think of what you hate about the overly melodramatic and reflect on what it would be like to see a director get ever so closed to the too cute but to turn away just at its palatable peak and that's Hur. Think of the histrionics you don't like about Korean TV serials and imagine a director who holds the sorrow tenderly enough to make the cries cleansing rather than cringing and you have the baby bear porridge of Hur's emotional competency.

Particularly lovely here are Young-su's tears and the comforting words (at least in translation) of Eun-hee. She lets him know that she didn't show her hurt before because nobody cared about her. She promises to show her hurt now and she expects him to care. In this wonderful mix of dialogue and soft action, Eun-hee says this not as she breaks down but just as Young-su does. She gives him what he's asking for by asking for what he wants to give her. (Eun-hee's is a strong voice in Hur's oeuvre, speaking confidently and maintaining self-respect despite the brief lapses of self-pity.) And his tears do the same for her. Both Young-su and Eun-hee are guarded individuals who eventually let their mutual armor down in order to receive each other completely. This means they will get hurt, but we can only hurt when we lose something that matters to us. I'd rather hurt than never care about something so much that pain never comes into the picture. It is in this way that Hur's ironic titles always circle back again to erase the irony we placed upon them. Happiness is what a Hur film can be when realized in all its ethical splendor. (Adam Hartzell)

Source: koreanfilm.org

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April 7, 2008

Lee Hyo-lee, Lee Seung-yeon alumni of Suhmoon High School.. Park Yong-woo, Yoo Ji-tae alumni of Whimoon High School

Talented stars have been popular since high school. It is obvious that stars would graduate from art schools, such as Anyang Art High School, where Rain, Se7en, Park Han-byeol graduated from, and Kaywon Art High School, where Hwang Jeong-min, Kim Ji-soo, and Jo Seung-woo graduated from. But there are also many stars who come from regular schools.

Suhmoon High School is the most prominent. Some graduates are Lee Hyo-lee, Han Ji-min of "Lee San", super model/actress Lee Hwa-seon, actress Park So-eun, and singer Lee So-eun. Lee Hyo-lee was popular with the guy students for her beauty and Han Ji-min received casting requests. Lee Seung-yeon, Jeong Kyeong-soon, and Oh Jee-hye are also alumni. A rival to this school is Eunkwang High School nearby. There are rumors that there were many guys who came to see Lee Jin, Song Hye-kyo, and Han Hye-jin.

Some graduates of Whimoon High are Shinhwa member Kim Dong-wan, actors like Lee Dong-geon, Yoo Ji-tae, Park Yong-woo, Han Jae-seok, Koo Bon-seung, and talented singers like Lee Seung-hwan and Kim Dong-ryul. Kang Won-rae, Ji Sang-ryul, Koo Joon-yeob graduated from Kyunggi High, and Lee Dong-wook and Shinhwa member Shin Hye-sung graduated from Shinil High.

Original Korean article at kr.news.yahoo.com

English translation by hancinema.net

Image from empas.com

[Guest kdramafanusa]

Actor Hwang Jung-min will star in director Yoon Je-gyun's new movie "Haeundae" with actress Ha Ji-won (Damo, Hwang Jin-yi) and actor Lee Joon-ki (The King & The Clown, May 18).

http://news.joins.com/article/3109278.html?ctg=15

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Actor Hwang Jung-min will star in director Yoon Je-gyun's new movie "Haeundae" with actress Ha Ji-won (Damo, Hwang Jin-yi) and actor Lee Joon-ki (The King & The Clown, May 18).

http://news.joins.com/article/3109278.html?ctg=15

Hwang Jung Min and Ha Ji Won!!!!

How AWESOME!!!!

Thanks H.. for this wonderful update! Mwah!!!

I've always wanted to see BH acting with HJW :blush: ... but HJM! He's really getting all the great leading ladies, excellent acting pair!

What the tentative English term for the movie? :blush:

[Guest kdramafanusa]

Hwang Jung Min and Ha Ji Won!!!!

I've always wanted to see BH acting with HJW :blush: ... but HJM! He's really getting all the great leading ladies, excellent acting pair!

What the tentative English term for the movie? :blush:

A talented actor like HJW needs a great leading lady.

"Haeundae" is a beach in Busan city. You probably read about this movie a while ago, does the following info ring a bell?

Source: Twitch 2007-12-06

This beach is off limits! Korea enters disaster movie field with ‘Hauendae’

Posted by Mack at 7:02am.

There is a lot of genre association with regions of Asian cinema. There are some films that one country will do better than the rest. And when you think of Korea one of the first genres that come to mind certainly would not be DISASTER MOVIE! But U.S.-based Polygon Entertainment has comes to terms with Korean firm Doosabu Film to produce two effects-heavy Korean features.

The first is Haeundae, to be directed by Doosabu head Yoon Je-gyun. It is billed as South Korea’s first disaster movie and centers on a tsunami that wipes out South Korea’s most famous beach, Haeundae, in Busan City. Now why does that ring a bell? The name is familiar to film industry players because Haeundae is also the location of the Pusan International Film Festival. Actress Ha Ji-won [The Duelist, Sex is Zero] has reportedly been cast in the lead role and briefly stolen my heart as I write this post. Polygon will oversee special effects on this film.

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A talented actor like HJW needs a great leading lady.

"Haeundae" is a beach in Busan city. You probably read about this movie a while ago, does the following info ring a bell?

Oops.. the bell didn't ring the first time.

I've forgotten the title but yupyup.. had read about HJW's movie.. awhile back..

Thanks for the info.. this is excellent news!

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New HJM movie thread by White Star :blush: check it out!

[movie 2008/2009][upcoming] Hauendae, Ha Jin Won, Hwang Jung Min, Lee Jun Ki

http://www.soompi.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=212417