[Movie 2008] The Good, The Bad, The Weird 좋은 놈, 나쁜 놈, 이상한 놈

[rubie]

December 26, 2007

"Stop, Jeon Do-yeon!" the male actors are coming back to screen in 2008

Article translated by www.hancinema.net

There had been true 'Woman's power' in Korean cinema this year. The 'Cannes Lady', Jeon Do-yeon, who is sweeping through all year-end film awards, is the 2007's queens of the Queen without any further questions. From "200 Pounds Beauty"'s ' Cinderella ' Kim Ah-joong; 'Shadows in the Palace"'s heroin Park Jin-hee and the returned world star Kim Yoon-jin in "Seven Days"; Kim Hye-soo, who never stops being one character in films such as "The War Of Flower", "A Good Day to Have an Affair", "Shim's Family" and "Eleventh Mom"; Kim Tae-hee in "Venus and Mars", who tries to take off her angelic image built from various commercial films; to the newbie Han Ye-seul with her debut film, "Miss Gold Digger". Countless beautiful female actors made their own characteristic appeals and produced good results in both local and international arena.

On upcoming New Year, the top male actors are returning to screen, already heating up the atmosphere. First of all, the two most popular Hallyu stars, Song Seung-heon and kwon Sang-woo's new film, 'Destiny' is to be released early next year. 'Destiny' is Song Seung-heon's coming back to the screen after completion of his military service. It's an action noir based on four friend's friendship, loyalty and betrayal. 'Destiny' is the second film of Director Kim Hae-gon, who wrote the scenario of "Failan" and directed "The Unbearable Lightness of Dating". In addition to these two top stars, other casts include Ji Seong, Kim In-kwon and Park Han-byeol.

There is no other film which has greater naming value than "The Good, the Bad and the Weird" with the 'Big 3', Song Kang-ho, Lee Byeong-Heon and Jeong Woo-seong. The film is set in the Manchuria Plain in tumultuous 1930s where the three men are chasing and being chased by each other. It is directed by Director Kim Ji-woon, who is well-known for his previous films including "A Tale of Two Sisters" and "A Bittersweet Life". Already the movie fans are excited by the Korean style Western movie produced by these four men.

Director, Kwak Gyeong-taek, who made a comeback with his latest film "a LOVE", is preparing for his next film", Eye for an eye". Han Seok-Kyu plays the role of animal-instincted police while Cha Seung-won plays a bold thief who is daring enough to steal before one's eye.

One top of this, the 'pretty boy' Jo In-Seong, and Joo Jin-mo's new film 'Ssanghwa Store' by Director Yoo Ha is also on 2008's waiting list. The excitement is building up largely due to the fact that these two handsome actors are in a homosexual relationship in the film.

Moreover, it's interesting to see the transformation of the 'cool guys' into 'villains'. First time ever in his acting career, Kwan Sang-woo play the villain who betrays his friend; while Lee Byeong-Heon plays as a hired murderer, 'the Bad' ; and Cha Seung-won as a cold-hearted criminal. They are determined to give a double pleasure to the movie fans through their new transformation.

Original Korean article at http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=L...446097&iid=

[rubie]

January 3, 2008

Korean filmmakers bet on large-scale projects

Many local movie productions suffered setbacks last year, due to increased costs and the strengthened position of Hollywood blockbusters. In 2008, leading filmmakers are betting on large-scale projects to turn things around for the embattled local film industry.

At the forefront of Korean films' counterattack is Kim Jee-woon's oriental western "The Good, The Bad, The Weird," whose production cost is estimated at a whopping 15 billion won ($16 million). Hedging the huge financial risk is none other than a star-studded cast. Well-known Korean Wave stars Lee Byung-hun, Song Kang-ho and Jung Woo-sung play central characters for the film set in Manchuria of the 1930s.

Lee, who is enjoying soaring popularity in Japan, takes the role of a bandit, while Song turns into a train robber and Jung becomes a bounty hunter. The trio stumbles onto a treasure map in the Manchuria region, a sort of Korean western -- a peculiar genre which is yet to be tested at the box office. The film is scheduled be released around the summer vacation season.

Another big-scale film set in the 1930s is director Jung Ji-woo's "Modern Boy," a retro-style drama that harkens back to the vibrant days of Korea despite the suffocating colonial rule of Japan. Park Hae-il and Kim Hye-soo have embraced the title roles for the film featuring Korea's then penchant for Western culture typified in cafes, coffee and department stores.

Shingijeon, a rocket machine developed and used during the Joseon Dynasty period, is a key subject of veteran director Kim Yu-jin's historical action film "Shingijeon." Top-rated actors Jung Jae-young, Ahn Sung-ki and Huh Jun-ho play central characters in the big-budget movie to be released around July.

Another much-anticipated film is award-winning director Lee Joon-ik's latest feature "Nimeun meonkotae," a Vietnam War drama that revolves around a wayward woman. High-profile actors such as Sue Ae, Jung Jin-young and Eom Tae-woong have signed on to the film project whose release is slated for July.

"Ssanghwajeom," another period drama, is directed by Yu Ha, and what is notable is that it is set in the Goryeo period which preceded Joseon. Heartthrobs Jo In-sung and Ju Jin-mo play the fictional king and his body guard, with a homosexual theme thrown into the turbulent swirl of historical events.

While big-budget movies are expected to shape the domestic film industry in 2008, small-budget art-house features also aim to carve out a position. Director Lee Yoon-ki's "The Great Day" is a case in point. Jeon Do-yeon, who grabbed the prestigious best actress award at the 2007 Cannes International Film Festival, plays a 30-year-old woman who reunites with her former boyfriend only for a day, with the cinematic emphasis placed on her mental landscape.

Director Kim Ki-duk's new feature "Bimong" is also a small-budget feature, but the public attention drawn to this Korea-Japan joint project is not so small. The reason is that Kim has pulled off a high-profile casting. Once top Japanese actor Joe Odagiri was confirmed to play the title role for the film numerous Korean female actors reportedly applied to play his counterpart.

Korean production companies are keen to reclaim their market share in the domestic market after suffering a bleak period last year. Even though a couple of big-budget Korean films led by "D-War," a monster flick by former comedian Shim Hyung-rae, sailed well at the box office, the majority of homegrown films failed to turn a profit last year, heightening a sense of crisis about the Korean film industry's overall competitiveness.

Meanwhile, Hollywood movies are increasingly expanding their share in the Korean film market, capitalizing partly on the reduced screen quota that allows local theaters to screen fewer domestic films.

By Yang Sung-jin (insight@heraldm.com), image from chosun & empas.com

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

[rubie]

January 9, 2008

Fresh new start for Korean film industry!

Veteran directors are coming back

Upon the spirits of the New Year 2008, the Korean films are preparing a big counterblow against the Hollywood films. One after another, the talented veteran directors are coming back with a huge bag of New Year's surprises for the movie fans.

The reporter Nam Sang-seok will give you more information about their big comebacks. <8 o'clock news>

Director Lim Soon-rye had been capturing the dark side of our society with a warm gaze in her previous films such as "Three friends" and "Waikiki Brothers". Her latest film, "Forever the Moment" is the first female sport film ever made in the history of Korean films and is based on a true story of female handball team in the Athene Olympics, 2004.

[Director Lim Soon-rye: Many people are having difficult time these days and I wish the movie inspire them to have courage, hope and the strength to overcome their hardships.]

Director Jeong Yoon-chul of "Marathon" is coming back with "A man who was Superman" (starring Hwang Jeong-min and Jeon Ji-hyeon). It is a story of an absurd man who believes himself to be a Superman and gives out laughter and deep sensation to his neighbours.

Director Kim Ji-woon's "The Good, The Bad, The Weird" is a 12 billion-won worth large-scaled action film set in the Manchurian Plain in the 1930s. The genre of the film is 'Manchurian Western' where a train robber (Song Kang-ho), a mounted bandit (Lee Byeong-Heon) and a prize hunter (Jeong Woo-seong) are fighting over a treasure map.

Director Jeong Ji-woo of "Close to You" is coming back with a historical film, "Modern Boy" (starring Kim Hye-soo and Park Hae-il), which is set in the period of the Japanese colonisation in Korea.

Director Kim Yoo-jin is also preparing a large-scaled action-historical film based on a secret weapon, Singijun, which was developed at the time of King Seo-jong of Chosun dynasty.

[Oh Dong-jin (film critic): Even though the success of the films may not be guaranteed, in an aspect of preparing for next ten years, the directors should continue to seek chances to experiment with new things and bring new changes to the scene.]

It will be interesting to see whether the comebacks of these veteran directors who are prepared with new styles and new materials would become a green light for the resurrection of Korean Film industry in 2008.

Translation credits www.hancinema.net, Original article at news.naver.com

[rubie]

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0901487/

From imdb, it stated that GBW had completed its filming and the release date is February 2008. However.. various other articles stated a summer release instead.

Simple GBW banners for everyone..

[rubie]

January 13, 2008

Must-See Films in 2008

By Lee Hyo-won

Staff Reporter

Star Power Reigns Big Screen

This year, a long lineup of star-studded movies, both homegrown and Hollywood imports, awaits release with Korea's hottest stars and bona fide actors gracing the silver screen throughout 2008.

While a high profile cast hasn't always guaranteed a sellout, it would be hard to walk past movie posters featuring top stars.

The New Year starts off with a bang. Jun Ji-hyun (also known as Gianna Jun) makes her long-awaited comeback after a two-year hiatus opposite Hwang Jung-min in "A Man Who Was Superman," to open across theaters Jan. 31.

The movie garnered attention by butchering down Jun's "wholesome" image for the role of a chain-smoking, tomboyish filmmaker. Meanwhile, fans are anxious to see how Hwang will pull off his interesting role as Superman.

The red poster of "Hellcats" features three female stars representing their own generation: 47-year-old actress Lee Mi-suk ("Untold Scandal," 2003), whose sex appeal seems to grow stronger with each passing year; 25-year-old fashion icon Kim Min-hee, who appears onscreen for the first time in six years; and 15-year-old Ahn So-hee of the sensational K-pop group Wonder Girls, who is making headlines with her acting debut.

Tracing the highflying romances of these three women, this ultimate "chick flick" is slated for release Jan. 17.

A host of films boasting macho star power will be released this year. In March comes "Nuneneun Nun, Ieneun I" (Eye for an Eye, Tooth for a Tooth) starring two household names, Han Seok-gyu ("Shiri," 1998) and Cha Seung-won ("My Teacher, Mr. Kim," 2003). In his 16th film, Han gives an edge to his soft charisma as a merciless cop while Cha pumps up his muscles to play the perfect criminal.

The poster for "Sukmyeong" (Destiny) steals women's hearts and provokes men's jealousy as two "momjjang" or "hot body" actors appear together _ topless. Song Seung-heon makes a big comeback _ after serving in the military _ opposite Kwon Sang-woo in this action-packed drama about a friendship that goes sour.

Director Kim Jee-woon ("A Bittersweet Life," 2005) brings a "Korean-style Western" movie to the screens starring three of Korea's A-list male celebrities: "certified" actor Song Kang-ho, hallyu megastar Lee Byung-hun and heartthrob Jung Woo-sung.

The movie is set in the 1930s, during the Japanese occupation of Korea. Far away in Manchuria, the Good (Jung), the Bad (Lee) and the Weird (Song) become entangled in a train robbery case over a treasure map. This larger than life story becomes even more complicated as Japanese authorities and Korean independence fighters enter the scene.

Another highly anticipated film is "Ssanghwajeom," coming to theaters this summer. It combines the star power of Zo In-sung ("A Dirty Carnival," 2006) and Joo Jin-mo ("200 Pounds Beauty," 2006). Director Yoo Ha takes the two handsome actors back to Goguryeo Kingdom (37 B.C.-A.D. 668). Zo and Joo play the parts of a king and bodyguard, respectively, who become involved in a homosexual romance.

Other long-awaited films include low-budget projects that still shine with star power. Korea's celebrated director Kim Ki-duk brings together Korea's popular actress Lee Na-young and Japan's heartthrob in "Bimong" (Sad Dream), which will be in theaters in the fall/winter.

Actress Jeon Do-yeon, undoubtedly the biggest headline maker of 2007, continues her post-Cannes acting career through a small, mellow film "Meotjin Haru" (One Fine Day, working title), which is also slated for release in the fall/winter.

Filmmaker Park Chan-wook, whose name alone is enough to attract crowds, has fans anxiously waiting with "Bakjwi" (Bat, scheduled to show this spring) as well as a "Hongdangmu" (Carrot), a film he is producing for the first time.

Meanwhile, Hollywood films starring top Korean talent make 2008 an exciting year for fans: "Speed Racer" starring pop star Rain (Jung Ji-hoon) and Joon Park (Park Joon-hyung), the former member of K-pop group G.O.D.; "Laundry Warrior" with hot actor Jang Dong-kun (Jang Dong-gun); "Blood: The Last Vampire" with Jun Ji-hyun (Gianna Jun); and "Fetish" with Song Hye-kyo.

Other big movies to look forward to this summer are the latest installments of Hollywood blockbusters: the 22nd of the James Bond series and the fourth Harrison Ford classic "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" in May, as well as the Sylvester Stallone-helmed "Rambo 4" (release date in Korea to be announced).

Credits: hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2.../141_17200.html

[rubie]

Simple GBW blinkie & icons, I'd be happy to make more blinkies especially.. GBW taglines welcomed!

Come share your artwork, too.. in anticipation of these awesome namjas.. surely to rock the Korean movie scene!

[rubie]

GBW.. picked up by Kpopped..

What's up with The Good, the Bad and the Weird?

http://k-popped.com/2008/01/whats-up-with-...-and-weird.html

Meddling with the icons.. :blush:

[rubie]

There's a special feature at FILM2.0 relating to 2008 movies with GBW topping the list.

Anyone with gist to share? Image of JWS as 'The Good' looks really cool on horseback. The wait is such a torture.

Film2.0 Feature - Special Feature 2008 한국영화 TOP PROJECT 24(1)

http://www.film2.co.kr/feature/feature_final.asp?mkey=5048

[Guest inez]

Rubes..can i take one of that GBW gifs..they're awesome!..

I am dying from waiting too..JWS is such a pro on that horse!!!!..*faints*

[rubie]

Rubes..can i take one of that GBW gifs..they're awesome!..

I am dying from waiting too..JWS is such a pro on that horse!!!!..*faints*

Please do, kak! It's for everyone.. definitely a pleasure sharing them.. simple ones. Let me know if you want blinkies, etc.

Making (meddling's more like it ^^) them takes my mind off the waiting, too.. hahaa.. as if!

Can't wait for the 3 men to sweep us off our feet and onto their horses and motorcycle.. *faints as well*

[rubie]

-- GBW relatedly.. sort of..

Hmm.. seems the movie was/is still shooting.. hopefully, the guys & crew will get together for Mr. Song's birthday tomorrow .. who knows.. maybe some surprise caps of the actors.. somewhere. This is another article saying that the movie is due in summer.

SKH is already starting to collect more Best Actor awards in 2008; a well-deserved & Congratulations! May GBW brings more, better & bigger wonderful surprises this year

January 16, 2008

Song Kang-ho Named Best Actor at Palm Springs

By Lee Hyo-won

Staff Reporter

Actor Song Kang-ho

Actor Song Kang-ho, who turns 41 on Jan. 17, received a memorable birthday present: His role in Lee Chang-dong's "Secret Sunshine" landed him the International Critics' Prize for Best Actor at the Palm Springs International Film Festival in California, the festival organizers announced Sunday.

Held for the 19th time, Jan. 1-14, Palm Springs is different from other festivals in that the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) judges the official entries for the Best Foreign Language Film in the upcoming Academy Awards.

It is a central event for showcasing foreign language films in the United States, and is considered to be one of the best marketing tools for the Academy Awards. This year, the jury had to watch over 50 works from around the world and among them was the story about a traumatized widow.

"Secret Sunshine" was on the world cinema map last year as its lead actress Jeon Do-yeon won a string of prizes including Best Actress at Cannes.

"One hopes, though, that similar consideration will be accorded her co-star, Song Kang-ho," wrote jury member Adam Nayman in the FIPRESCI Web site. While Song had swept major film awards in Korea with Jeon, he had been slightly overshadowed by the glory of his co-star, much like his obscure stalker/guardian character in the film.

Nayman noted, however, that the film's "big, frightening emotions require a compelling counterpoint to ward off melodrama. This spot can be located in Song's performance, an uncanny portrait not of passive-aggression, but rather a species with fewer cinematic precedents ― call it aggressive passivity."

Song, currently shooting his next work, was unable to attend the award ceremony.

The FIPRESCI Award for Best Foreign Language Film of the Year went to "Armin" from Croatia, directed by Ognjen Svilicic, and the award for Best Actress went to Anamaria Marinca and Laura Vasiliu for their roles in "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days" from Romania, directed by Cristian Mungiu.

Apart from the three jury prizes, Palm Springs gives out various awards chosen by the audience and special mentions to stars.

Song's recent filmography includes the critically acclaimed crime story "The Show Must Go On" (2007) and "The Host" (2005), one of Korea's biggest grossing films. The actor will appear opposite Lee Byung-hun and Jung Woo-sung in the Korean-style Western movie "The Good, the Bad, the Weird" by Kim Jee-won, due for release this summer.

Credits: hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/speci.../139_17430.html

[rubie]

Oh my.. ... all the expert movie critics are really placing an incredibly HUGE amount of expectation on the movie, making it THE gauge to indicate how well Korean movies will be in 2008.

It's no wonder that the production is really taking the time to finish filming despite the initial early 2008 release date.

---

January 22, 2008

Local films go for mega flicks in 2008

Far left: Jeong Jae-yeong in “Shingijeon,” and above, Jung Woo-sung

in “The Good, the Bad and the Weird.” [JoongAng Ilbo]

Chungmuro, Korea’s answer to Hollywood, had a gloomy 2007.

Despite major hits such as “D-War” and “May 18” and Jeon Do-youn winning the Best Actress award at the 2007 Cannes International Film Festival, overall revenue dropped significantly.

With the number of people going to the movies decreasing for the first time in 11 years, some commentators claim that the decade-long Chungmuro renaissance is finished.

The JoongAng Ilbo surveyed 25 movie experts, including producers, investors and critics, on movies earmarked for release this year.

Included in the survey were the movie critics Kang Yu-jeong and Jeon Chan-il as well as Jeong Seung-hae, the owner of Achim Productions.

For them, the renaissance is still alive, though not in the first bud of youth.

Two trends describe Korean movies this year: blockbusters and period movies.

According to these 25 movie buffs, the most promising movie for 2008 is “The Good, the Bad and the Weird.”

It’s a Korean-style western set in Manchuria, the historical name of three Chinese provinces: Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaon.

Many Korean freedom fighters made their home there during the Japanese colonial rule in Korea.

The 10 billion won ($10.6 million) blockbuster tells the story of three guys ― a bounty hunter, a hit man and a train hijacker ― who are hunting for the same treasure.

The cast is very strong with Song Gang-ho, Lee Byung-hun and Jung Woo-sung taking the main roles.

Jung plays the cool good guy who pursues criminals for money. Lee plays the miserable bad guy who kills people for money. Song plays the witty weirdo who rides a motorcycle and hijacks trains.

The movie will open in theaters in the summer.

The respondents agreed that Kim Jee-woon, the director of this movie, produces high-quality comedy, horror and film noir.

“He adds a new flavor in each genre he directs,” they said.

Others said, “This movie will be an indicator of how well the Chungmuro industry will fare in 2008” and “Successful movies always have something refreshing in them.”

Another movie many respondents recommend to watch out for is “Modern Boy.”

It’s set in Gyeongseong, the former name of Seoul under Japanese colonial rule.

It’s about a man named Lee Hae-myung who doesn’t care about reality, but only seeks pleasure and romance. Everything changes after Lee meets the mysterious Jo Nan-shil through a college friend at Tokyo University.

The movie is about a dangerous kind of love that transforms a lightheaded womanizer into a fervent freedom fighter.

Director Jeong Ji-woo wanted a charismatic actress to play Jo. He needed to persuade the audience why the leading man was so obsessed with this woman.

“Her character must be so engaging and powerful that even if you believe she’s lying, you just hold her hand and follow her when she asks, ‘Come with me?’”

One of Korea’s top actresses, Kim Hye-soo, is perfectly cast as Jo.

The film buffs we surveyed said this movie is distinguished for its new approach to filming the 1930s and for its great directing.

“The visuals are terrific and the characters intriguing,” one of the respondents said.

Audiences will be able to watch “Modern Boy” in April.

Another period movie also caught the critics’ eye. “He’s Far Away,” still being filmed in Thailand, will open in theaters this summer.

It’s set in the Vietnam War in the 1970s. Many Vietnam War-era movies have been made, but this movie is one of the few that tells the story from a woman’s point of view.

Suni has been living a quiet life, but her world is turned upside down when her husband is drafted to fight in Vietnam. Suni misses him so much that she decides to join an entertainment support unit bound for Vietnam.

“It was refreshing to see the war from a woman’s point of view,” was one response in our survey. “The audience will be able to enjoy the music, a poignant story and the spectacle” was another.

Another promising blockbuster is “Shingijeon,” directed by Kim Yu-jin.

This 10 billion won movie is also a period piece. It goes back much further than the movies mentioned above.

It’s set in the Joseon Dynasty (1392 to 1910). Shingijeon is the name of a weapon that King Sejong, the creator of Hangul, the Korean alphabet, ordered his scientists to develop in the 15th century.

The rocket-propelled weapon fires multiple arrows carrying small bombs over a great range. The production team made the now-defunct weapon using authentic designs from history books.

The movie is filled with epic battle sequences between secret agents assigned to protect the development of this weapon of mass destruction. The Chinese do not want the weapon to be developed.

Possible parallels with the world today and the problem of the proliferation of nuclear weapons?

Ahn Sung-ki plays King Sejong, and Jeong Jae-yeong plays Seol-ju, who falls in love with the daughter of one of the key scientists working on the weapon.

Seol-ju has to protect his love interest from a gang of Chinese agents determined to stop the Koreans and their arms industry. The movie will arrive in theaters in April.

All the movies mentioned so far are mega-budget epics that cost between 7 billion won and 10 billion won. But the more small-scale “Night and Day” also excited the survey participants. Kim Yu-jeong is a painter who runs off to Paris where he falls in love with a Korean student. But Kim is already married.

Those that participated in the survey agreed that what is most promising about the 2008 releases is their “uniqueness.”

“People don’t want to watch a movie that reminds them of another movie they saw before. They get tired of watching the same stories over and over again,” was a general comment.

“One of the secret weapons of the Korean movie industry over the last five years has been its ability to produce refreshing commercial movies,” said another.

One person criticized the film industry in general. “Rather than blaming illegal downloading of movies and high ticket prices, Chungmuro needs to refresh itself.”

Not everyone agrees on the health of Chungmuro, but we’ll soon know ― when the 2008 movies finally open.

By Lee Hoo-nam JoongAng Ilbo/ Lee Yang-kyoung Staff Reporter [estyle@joongang.co.kr]

http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2885386

[rubie]

Quite a number of updates on Dir. KJW today. Must be a sign that the movie's almost finishing, right? Can't help noticing the blue backscreen at the site, the studio filming is really going on.. huh.

Hope to see more pics from the movie.. the cast, obviously!

Would really appreciate some gist, anyone? :blush: Dir. Kim's looking really happy!

----

2008년 1월 22일 (화) 11:32 뉴스와이어

'명장' 진가신 감독, '좋은 놈, 나쁜 놈, 이상한 놈' 촬영 현장 방문

Source: http://news.media.daum.net/press/200801/22.../v19697562.html

진가신감독 ‘놈놈놈’ 현장 방문 김지운감독 우정 과시

Source: http://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=200801221151581003

[rubie]

January 22, 2008

'명장' 진가신 감독, 김지운 감독과 '특별한만남'

[마이데일리 = 장서윤 기자] 이연걸, 유덕화, 금성무 주연의 영화 `명장`의 홍보차 21일 내한한 진가신 감독이 김지운 감독의 `좋은 놈, 나쁜 놈, 이상한 놈(이하 `놈놈놈)` 파주 촬영 현장을 방문, 김 감독과 특별한 만남을 가졌다.

2002년 한국, 홍콩, 태국이 공동 제작한 옴니버스 영화 `쓰리`로 처음 만난 두 감독은 이후 돈독한 관계를 유지해 온 친구 사이.

1일 오후 한국에 도착하자마자 곧바로 경기도 파주에서 막바지 촬영중인 김 감독과 만난 진가신 감독은 반갑게 안부를 전하며 기념촬영을 진행했다.

`명장`의 대규모 전쟁장면 연출을 위해 혹한의 추위 속에 수 개월간 촬영을 진행했다는 진가신 감독은 "나는 따뜻한 홍콩 출신이라 혹독한 추위를 견디기가 쉽지 않았다”며 중국 로케를 진행한 김지운 감독에게 촬영이 힘들지 않았는지를 물었다.

이에 김 감독은 "석 달간 40도를 넘는 고비사막 접경 지역에서 촬영하느라 역시 나도 고생했다"는 경험담을 전했다.

두 감독의 최신작은 세명의 톱스타와 작업했다는 점과 블록버스터급의 스케일을 지닌 선굵은 작품이라는 점, 두 작품 모두 중국촬영을 진행했다는 점 등 공통점이 많다.

`명장`은 이연걸 유덕화 금성무, `놈놈놈`은 송강호 이병헌 정우성 등 양국 대표 남자배우들이 주연으로 출연한 것.

이에 대해 김지운 감독이 “나보다 먼저 이연걸, 유덕화, 금성무라는 당대의 톱 스타와 함께 영화를 찍었다. 작업하기 어땠니?”고 운을 떼자, 진가신 감독은 "힘들 때도 있었지만, 너무나 행복하고 가슴 벅찬 경험이었다.”라며 세 배우에 대한 애정을 아낌없이 전했다.

한편, 진가신 감독은 24일까지 한국에 머물며 `명장` 무대인사, 언론 인터뷰 등의 일정을 진행한다.

[`놈놈놈` 파주 촬영현장에서 만난 김지운(왼쪽) 진가신 감독. 사진제공=영화사 `봄`]

(장서윤 기자 ciel@mydaily.co.kr)

Source: http://kr.news.yahoo.com/service/news/shel...;newssetid=1352

[Guest Hyc]

January 22, 2008

'명장' 진가신 감독, 김지운 감독과 '특별한만남'

[마이데일리 = 장서윤 기자] 이연걸, 유덕화, 금성무 주연의 영화 `명장`의 홍보차 21일 내한한 진가신 감독이 김지운 감독의 `좋은 놈, 나쁜 놈, 이상한 놈(이하 `놈놈놈)` 파주 촬영 현장을 방문, 김 감독과 특별한 만남을 가졌다.

2002년 한국, 홍콩, 태국이 공동 제작한 옴니버스 영화 `쓰리`로 처음 만난 두 감독은 이후 돈독한 관계를 유지해 온 친구 사이.

1일 오후 한국에 도착하자마자 곧바로 경기도 파주에서 막바지 촬영중인 김 감독과 만난 진가신 감독은 반갑게 안부를 전하며 기념촬영을 진행했다.

`명장`의 대규모 전쟁장면 연출을 위해 혹한의 추위 속에 수 개월간 촬영을 진행했다는 진가신 감독은 "나는 따뜻한 홍콩 출신이라 혹독한 추위를 견디기가 쉽지 않았다”며 중국 로케를 진행한 김지운 감독에게 촬영이 힘들지 않았는지를 물었다.

이에 김 감독은 "석 달간 40도를 넘는 고비사막 접경 지역에서 촬영하느라 역시 나도 고생했다"는 경험담을 전했다.

두 감독의 최신작은 세명의 톱스타와 작업했다는 점과 블록버스터급의 스케일을 지닌 선굵은 작품이라는 점, 두 작품 모두 중국촬영을 진행했다는 점 등 공통점이 많다.

`명장`은 이연걸 유덕화 금성무, `놈놈놈`은 송강호 이병헌 정우성 등 양국 대표 남자배우들이 주연으로 출연한 것.

이에 대해 김지운 감독이 “나보다 먼저 이연걸, 유덕화, 금성무라는 당대의 톱 스타와 함께 영화를 찍었다. 작업하기 어땠니?”고 운을 떼자, 진가신 감독은 "힘들 때도 있었지만, 너무나 행복하고 가슴 벅찬 경험이었다.”라며 세 배우에 대한 애정을 아낌없이 전했다.

한편, 진가신 감독은 24일까지 한국에 머물며 `명장` 무대인사, 언론 인터뷰 등의 일정을 진행한다.

[`놈놈놈` 파주 촬영현장에서 만난 김지운(왼쪽) 진가신 감독. 사진제공=영화사 `봄`]

(장서윤 기자 ciel@mydaily.co.kr)

Source: http://kr.news.yahoo.com/service/news/shel...;newssetid=1352

Briefly translated by Hyc

The Warlords(starring Andy Lau, Jet Li and Takeshi Kaneshiro) director Peter Chan from Hong Kong is currently visiting Korea and promoting the new movie from 21st to 24th January. He paid a visit to GBW filming site at Paju, and met with Dir. Kim Jee Woon.

The two directors had collaborated in "Three" (Chinese title: 三更), a 2002 international Asian horror movie collaboration consisting of three segments by three directors from three countries. (Memories, directed by Kim Ji-Woon (South Korea), The Wheel, directed by Nonzee Nimibutr (Thailand), and Going Home, directed by Peter Chan (Hong Kong)).

There are some similarities between the 2 films, The Warlords and GBW. Both films were shot in China amid severe weather. And also the two “blockbuster” rated movies have 3 superstars as male leads respectively. “The Warlords” has a strong cast of Andy Lau, Jet Li and Takeshi Kaneshiro whereas GBW has Song Kang Ho, Lee Byung Hun, and Jung Woo Sung.

The Warlords is scheduled to be released on 31st January in Korea.

Dir. KJW and Dir. Peter Chan

[Guest jicks]

^Hyc, thanks for the news. It's always nice to see artists from different cultures mingle it up! I'm eagerly excited for The Warlords (but not as much as GBW!!) simply because of Takeshi Kaneshiro XP

Anyways, rubie, those GIFs are awesome! And yeah, the expectations for the movie are insane, & it does kinda worry me when they hype ANYTHING up to this extent but sometimes things really do live up to all the fuss. Kim Ji Woon has practically impressed on everything he's ever made... I know the wait is painful, but I rather they take their time to get it right, I'm sure it will be worth it (even if it's just to perve on a cowboy or 2 XP!)

BTW, thankYOoUUUUUUU for this pic!! >>>

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v681/Hun...5048_9730_M.jpg

OMG <333333

[rubie]

^ Haha jicks-hunnie, I knew you'd <3 the pic of the GOOD! Looking so sool, huh!

----

Really appreciate the update & gist by Ching. It's really cool to see Dir. Kim (man of the hour!).. finally.. he's GBW related. It's been too quiet waiting for something from the movie set.. but it's alright, Dir. Kim is just hiding his actors.. to have a great & grand impact when the movie is finally set to roll for promotions and the much-awaited summer-release.

Another image of Dir. Kim at yahoo.kr.. Must be soooooooo anticipating GBW that just seeing the director brings much happiness.. hehee.. at least he's not running anywhere *leaving us* and we are still going to see GBW soon..

Dir. Kim is really enjoying the 'spotlight'.. he has a great movie coming..

Source: http://kr.news.yahoo.com/service/news/shel...;newssetid=1352

[rubie]

Great update!

:w00t: This is soooo cool! GBW will have English subs when it's shown in Korea later. This is such great news for those going to the premieres to celebrate & support the movie later.

Previously, each time foreign fans went to support the movies.. they watched without understanding anything.. with some gist provided by the Korean fans, of course. :blush:

Wishing more than ever.. I'm just as lucky but this is awesome news. Fans going can now share their thoughts better when they return from the premiere. How awesome. Just hope our friends wouldn't be too shy to share. that's all! ^^

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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]

The anticipation is really and steadily building up for GBW! There's even a lecture on the upcoming movie and it's impact on the Korean movie culture in 2008. Wow.

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January 23, 2008

Wondering what will happen to the cultural-contents industry in 2008?

Let's go to Cyber Open Lecture Series and find out!

"Let's find out the major policy changes and upcoming trendsetting works in the cultural-contents industry in 2008!"

Cyber Cultural Content Academy, operated by Korea Culture and Content Agency (KOCCA, CEO: Ko, Seok-Man), offers an open lecture entitled Preview of 2008 Cultural Content Industry at the KOCCA building (1st floor, Seminar Room) in Yeoksam-dong, Seoul, on January 26.

Lee, Byeong-Min, Director of KOCCA Policy Developing Team, will open the lecture series by making a presentation on "Major Policies and Changes in the Cultural Contents Industry in 2008," in which Lee will discuss 10 major issues that symbolize this year's cultural-contents industry, such as HE2 (Human, Experience, Health, & Environment) contents, the Korea Syndrome at its second phase, and Neo-UCC, a more evolved UCC that leads the culture and business of the future.

The lecture series also offers participants a preview of The Good, The Bad, and The Weird, arguably the best-expected film directed by Kim, Ji-Woon and starred in by Song, Kang-Ho, Lee, Byeong-Heon, Jeong, and Woo-Seong. The introduction to the film is provided by Seo, Woo-Sik, Director of Barunson Film Production's Business Team.

Other speakers include Kang, Byeong-Joon, Director of the U-Media Team at The Electronic Newspaper, who will discuss the trends in the cultural-contents industry in 2008.

The Open Lecture Series are a series of monthly lectures offered by Cyber Cultural Content Academy to provide a place in which specialists in the cultural-contents industry and audience to meet and discuss hot and exciting issues in the industry. Those who wish to participate in the lectures can apply for a seat by visiting the academy's Web site (http://contents.connect.or.kr). Up to 100 audiences will be admitted for free.

Source:Koreacontent News Team

http://www.koreacontent.org/weben/inmarket...mp;search_word=

[rubie]

January 27, 2008

Retro movies rediscover colonial era

Gyeongseong is emerging as a popular background for Korean films, reflecting the public's recent penchant for retro style, and filmmakers' newfound interest in the Japanese colonial period -- evidence of their quest for fresh characters and themes.

During the Japanese colonial rule of the early 20th century, today's Seoul was called Gyeongseong. It was the very cultural center where tradition and Western modernity began to fuse.

Four new films exemplify this dipping into the past -- "Once Upon a Time," "Radio Days," "Modern Boy" and "The Good, The Bad, The Weird," all of which come with high-profile directors and actors. Production houses are pinning their hopes on the success of this new breed of Gyeongseong films at a time when home-grown movies face an uphill battle against Hollywood blockbusters.

In the past few decades, a host of filmmakers already used Gyeongseong as a historical setting -- but only superficially. In contrast, these upcoming films rely heavily on the cultural diversity of the period to create fantasy or induce retro feelings.

"Once Upon a Time," directed by Jeong Yong-gi and financed by SK Telecom's new film division, revolves around a hilarious treasure hunt in the 1940s, and features repartee between con artists, Japanese military officers and independence fighters. The movie begins with a top Japanese soldier finally obtaining the long-sought-after "Light of the East," a legendary diamond believed to have been placed in the forehead of the monumental statue of the Buddha inside the Seokguram Grotto in Kyungju. The great diamond is said to have mysterious power, but what's more important for thieves and con artists is its gigantic size.

Bong-gu (Park Yong-woo), a self-styled master of fraud and forgery, does not lose any time getting prepared to steal the diamond shortly before it is shipped to Japan. But he has a competitor, Chun-ja (Lee Bo-young), a jazz singer who rules the night of Gyeongseong as a masked thief.

With the retro costumes, furniture and houses evoking the era of budding modernity in Korea, "Once Upon a Time" rightly appropriately quickens its storytelling pace in a style that is rare in Korean comic movies. Particularly impressive are the solid performances of the leading characters. Park demonstrates his versatility in switching between comic and action sequences, while Lee shows off her charm as a seductress who cares more about her dream than the hard times all around her. Also notable in this film that's due to be released on Jan. 31 is the show-stealing slapstick acts by the two prominent sidekicks played by Seong Dong-il and Cho Hee-bong.

Scheduled to hit the theaters on the same day is "Radio Days," set in the 1930s when Korea got it first radio station. The movie does not focus on the gloomy historical facts related to the Japanese rule; instead, it highlights the romanticism of the period, typified by the launching of a Korean-language radio station.

A young radio station manager, Lloyd (Ryoo Seung-beom), undertakes a live drama series which is commissioned by the Japanese rulers. The main voice actors in this show are not professionals. A jazz musician, a courtesan and even a clueless office clerk are invited to perform in the drama, and the scripts are largely ignored, as the actors resort to liberal ad-libbing. Despite the shoddy production quality, the radio show becomes a huge hit. This movie pokes fun at the broadcasting practices of the time, as well as at Japanese rule.

Director Jung Ji-woo's "Modern Boy" also belongs to the retro category that takes full advantage of the vibrant days of Korea, despite the suffocating control by Japan. Park Hae-il and Kim Hye-soo have joined the project set in the 1930s, with newly-introduced Western culture including cafes, coffee, and department stores featured prominently.

Although background of "The Good, The Bad, The Weird" not Gyeongseong, this one fits in the category, insofar as it's set in the 1930s. The place is Manchuria, and this Oriental western-style movie stands out with its star-studded cast. Well-known Korean Wave stars Lee Byung-hun, Song Kang-ho and Jung Woo-sung play exotic roles -- a bandit, a train robber and a bounty hunter -- and expectations are rising concerning this big-budget flick which will be released during the summer vacation season.

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

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