Kwon Sang Woo 권상우

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(Movie Review) 'The Pirates,' swashbuckler with delightful action, quality visual effects

 

By Kim Boram

 

 

SEOUL, Jan. 13 (Yonhap) -- The upcoming Korean fantasy adventure "The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure" is a typical fun and exciting pirate film that features the life of pirates with a ship, a crew and the wide, wild ocean without regard for the rules. It does not miss the dream of discovering buried treasure, as its subtitle says, along with mystery and supernatural occurrences.

 

It is a sequel to 2014's hit blockbuster "The Pirates," starring Son Ye-jin, Kim Nam-gil and Yoo Hae-jin, which attracted 8.6 million moviegoers with a star-studded cast and humor.

 

Set in the late 14th century when the Joseon Dynasty replaced the Goryeo Dynasty, the movie starts as Muchi (Kang Ha-neul), a bandit leader, and his gangs are rescued by pirate captain Haerang (Han Hyo-joo) and her crew.

 

While seizing a Japanese pirate ship, Haerang and Muchi are informed of a rumor that tons of royal treasures from the collapsed Goryeo Dynasty are concealed somewhere over the dangerous thunderbolt island. The two leaders join hands to search for the fabled riches.

 

But their journey to obtain the jewels is not rosy and calm, as Bu Heung-soo (Kwon Sang-woo), a militant rebel who dreams of becoming the king of a southern island with the fortune, disturbs them.

 

The two forces clash on their way to the treasure island, constantly offering amazing ship battles, swordfights, bloody struggles against a heavy sea or unseen monsters, and even some romance.

 

"The Pirates" is not far from a predictable and palpable film, as it has so many tropes and cliches that can be seen in Hollywood pirate movies, like the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series.

 

But it has enough twists and creative moments that are far better portrayed by quality visual effects than those from its 2014 predecessor.

 

The underwater sequences where the pirate crew swims through a group of small jellyfish to find a mysterious treasure map are colorful and bright enough to look like a fantasy animation.

 

The computer-generated thunderbolt island, a huge wave that almost capsizes Haerang's ship and waterspout-like fire pillars are also worth watching.

 

The performances of the actors complete the action-packed pirate movie. The last swordfight between Muchi and Bu Heung-soo under flashes of lightning is one of the highlights of the film.

 

Han Hyo-joo performs many challenging stunts in the rare female-fronted pirate film, proving that Haerang is not just a good-natured female caption, but also a highly-skilled fighter.

 

Lee Kwang-soo, a clumsy pirate who wants to become the captain of the rover, provides comfortable comedic and slapstick sequences that help "The Pirates" create the swashbuckling atmosphere and likely become solid family entertainment for the Lunar New Year holiday that starts on Jan. 29.

 

"The Pirates" will hit local screens on Jan. 26.

 

 

 

brk@yna.co.kr
(END)

 

credit : Yonhap News

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[willenette]

*** According to figures released by KOFIC, "The Pirates: Goblin Flag" is leading all other films in terms of early reservations at the South Korean box office. The movie alongside Kingmaker are the only two major releases for January 26th. I hope "The Pirates" will dominate film sales for the Lunar New Year holiday.  

 

 

 

 

source : Hancinema

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*** "The Pirates" will hit local theaters next week ahead of the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday. It will open Wednesday, three days before the five-day Lunar New Year holiday begins. The first day of the new year based on the lunar calendar falls on Feb. 1 this year. It is the first time once again that a Korean flick will go head-to-head ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday. In Korea, it's regarded as a high season for the local cinema scene as blockbuster movies compete is before the spring season. I'm concerned that the rapid spread of the omicron variant might hurt the movie. I hope it won't, though. Last year when the Lunar New Year fell in mid-February, most big-name films postponed theatrical releases due to a resurgence in COVID-19 cases. Good luck!   

[willenette]

*** In a recent interview and pictorial for Arena Homme Plus magazine, Kwon Sang Woo shared some of his knowledge for filming action scenes! He is currently starring in “The Pirates: Goblin Flag." As for the key to filming a great action scene, he remarked, “When it comes to action, I think the most important thing is speed. In order to create action scenes that can satisfy audiences, there needs to be a sense of speed in your bodily movements, instead of trying to make the scene dynamic by adjusting the camera frame.” He shared that his primary goal as an actor is versatility. “I want to hear that I’m able to flexibly pull off a wide variety of genres.To be honest, those are the words I most want to hear.”

 

His full interview is available in the February issue of Arena Homme Plus magazine. KSW is still sexy & freaking HOT! 

 

 

 

 

Spoiler

 

 

source : https://www.smlounge.co.kr/arena/article/50045

 

 

[willenette]

*** I'm very surprised why in the movie The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure, Kwon Sang Woo is only the third-billed actor after Kang Ha Neul and Han Hyo Joo.  Why? The actor, who always came first in the billing order. I wonder why he's not in the lead role. Is it because he played his first-ever villain role this time? This is also his first historical genre in his entire career so far. In an interview with JTBC News, he opened up about various stories related to the movie. 

 

 

Q1. This is your first historical genre in your career.

I knew I was going to do it someday. And I’ve been wondering what kind of work it would be. I’ve worked with director Kim Jung Hoon in The Accidental Detective. I’ve heard about this movie long before, but I’ve joined the production because of my trust in the director. 

 

 

Q2. You’ve shown special love for “The Accidental Detective” franchise.

The Accidental Detective is a work that helped me take the “second leap” in my life. At the time, I felt like I was backed against the corner as an actor. But The Accidental Detective helped me break through it. It didn’t receive that much attention that year, but we overcame everything with the director’s power.

 

 

Q3. What does ‘The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure’ mean to you?

I think The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure will be an opportunity to show the expandability of Kwon Sang Woo as an actor and make people think, “So Kwon Sang Woo can do different things.”

 

 

Q4. You’ve played your first villain role.

In most projects, the ultimate end of the strong man’s greed is power. The line that directly shows that is “I will become the king of Tamna.” However, from my point of view, I did not approach the role with the mindset of “He’s a terrible guy.” As with all the actors, I tried to understand him. I thought of him as a hyena-like character chasing the others.

 

Q5. You’re well-experienced in action scenes. How was the action for this movie?

I’m actually comfortable with bare body actions. But this time, I had to do action sequences with a sword. It could have hurt me or others if I did something wrong, so I had to be very careful.

 

Q6. Until when do you want to do action scenes?

My goal is to hear people of my age or older than me say, “Oh, Kwon Sang Woo took such good care of his body that he could do action even at his age.” My body won’t be the same, but I’m trying my best to keep my condition the best I can. I’m working out for my dream. I always want to show my best performance.

 

Q7. You started the year 2022 with ‘The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure.’ How do you want the audience to remember you?

It is my hope that it will achieve good results to mark the start of Korean cinema this year. I have filmed two movies in a genre that I personally like very much, and I think they’ll be released this year. I hope they can also receive a lot of love. I hope to be remembered as an actor that makes interesting works.

 

 

 

 

source : https://news.jtbc.joins.com/article/article.aspx?news_id=NB12043831

[willenette]

*** "The Pirates" is opening TODAY January 26 in Korea.   

 

 

 

 

 

Directed by Kim Jeong-hoon-II

With Kang Ha-neul, Han Hyo-joo, Lee Kwang-soo, Kwon Sang-woo, Chae Soo-bin, Sehun,...

Started filming: 2020/07
Wrapped up filming: 2021/01/11
Synopsis
An action adventure film about a sea battle between pirates, bandits, and pioneers who search for a seal that disappeared in a whale attack before the founding of the Joseon Dynasty.

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[Photo] New Behind-the-scenes Still Added for the Korean Movie "The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure"

 

 

 

 

source : Hancinema

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[Box Office] Movies in theaters this week

 

The Pirates: Goblin Flag
(Korea)
Opened Jan. 26
Action, Comedy
Directed by Kim Jung-hoon

Set in the Joseon era, pirate captain Hye-rang (Han Hyo-joo) and her crew members go on a journey to look for hidden treasures of the Goryeo Kingdom that no longer exist. Trouble-making swordsman Muchi (Kang Ha-neul) and his followers also decide to join the pirates. However, on their way, they are met with all sorts of adversities. 

 

 

(skipped unrelated....)

 

 

credit : Korea Herald

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*** According to figures released by the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) yesterday January 30th, "The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure" has cemented its position as the box office leader going into Lunar New Year weekend. Over four days, the movie has had 358,782 admissions. "Kingmaker" is in second place.  

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Korean Films Take over Cinemas at Lunar New Year

 

Korea's movie scene has been dominated in recent weeks by Hollywood blockbusters.

 

"Spider-Man: No Way Home" has taken the top spot in terms of ticket sales for five straight weeks drawing 6.89 million viewers, and others like "The King's Man," "Matrix: Resurrection" and "West Side Story" hit theaters while few

 

Korean films were released.

 

But now Korean films are taking over the silver screen for the Lunar New Year holiday.

 

 

"The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure," the sequel to the 2014 hit "The Pirates," hit theaters early this week, along with the political drama "Kingmaker" depicting the presidential race back in 1971. The crime flick, "Special Delivery," starring Park So-dam already opened on Jan. 12.

Cho Sung-jin at movie theater chain CGV said, "This is the first time Korean films to compete since last summer, when 'Escape form Mogadishu' and 'Sinkhole' opened in theaters. We expect the local movie scene to be reinvigorated."

 

◆ "The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure"

"The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure" is the sequel to the 2014 hit, "The Pirates," which drew 8.6 million viewers. It again blends comedy, action and fantasy, with an entirely new cast featuring Han Hyo-joo, Kang Ha-neul and Lee Kwang-soo.

 

(skipped unrelated.....)

 

 

credit : Chosun Ilbo

[willenette]

*** KSW's daughter is big now............Time flies so fast. She's now 7-years old. Here in this picture, she went out with her mom in New York. She's riding a sled on the snow. Son Tae-young posted this picture on her IG on January 30th with a caption - ""It's a day to feel a steamy winter. My hands, my face is cold." This was taken in front of their house.

 

 

 

 

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*** “The Pirates: Goblin Flag” has a strong start at the Korean box office! Today February 5, it was announced that as of 2:50 p.m. KST, the movie had officially surpassed 1 million moviegoers. The film was released on January 26, meaning that it took about ten days to reach the milestone. As a result, “The Pirates: Goblin Flag” is the first Korean film of 2022 to draw over 1 million moviegoers. It's more remarkable considering that the Korean government placed strict social distancing guidelines on movie theaters due to COVID-19, which undoubtedly had an effect on the box office. Despite being in competition with various domestic and foreign movies, the movie solidified its position at the top of the box office for ten consecutive days since its release.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

source : https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=117&aid=0003574699

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[willenette]

*** Maintaining its lead was "The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure",  which slowed 50% as it welcomed an additional 165,000 viewers. It's reported that the film has filled 1.09 million seats to date. 

[willenette]

*** Can't wait for Wavve's upcoming original comedy series "Critical X," starring actors Kwon Sang-woo and Sung Dong-il.  I'm glad that this local  OTT service is taking a leap forward to win in competitive market by providing original content. 

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*** "The Pirates" will be released simultaneously in 190-countries around the world through Netflix with subs in 31-languages and dub in 8-languages. Netflix has already unveiled the trailer. Thus, raising expectations for the upcoming launch of the streaming giant. The movie has garnered positive reviews from the audience. It's screened in various formats including IMAX & 4D and the big screen & sound give the audience great satisfaction with the theater experience. Now, the partnership with Netflix would bring the high-quality film not only to domestic audiences but, also overseas viewers. It's also the 1st K-movie content to be distributed worldwide with Netflix's investment.   

 

 

 

video source : Hellokpop

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*** Based from the IG posts of Son Tae-young since many months now, she's living in NY, USA. I wonder if she's with her children. I wonder if KSW is also currently living in the United States with his family.  

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*** According to figures released by FlixPatrol yesterday March 4th, "The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure" is now the fourth most popular film on the platform worldwide. The movie premiered on Netflix this March 2nd. However, its first appearance on the Netflix charts was on March 3rd, where it was third place. Despite this, "The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure" had actually increased in popularity. This is due to how FlixPatrol distributes the points used to determine rankings. The FlixPatrol charts are based on every Netflix region's top ten movies for the day. Countries with more higher rankings in more countries get more points. The movie actually had more points on March 4th compared to March 3rd (390 compared to 343), but still dropped a rank because a new film, The Weekend Away, had jumped to the top of the charts. "The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure" is now the number one Netflix film in seven regions. These are Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. The movie was released in South Korean theaters on January 26th and earned over 1.3 million admissions at the box office.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

credit : William Schwartz / Hancinema

 

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*** According to figures released by FlixPatrol on March 6th, "The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure" is now the third most popular film on the streaming platform worldwide. This is an improvement from March 5th, when it was only the fourth most popular film. The number one regions for the movie are the same as the previous day. They include Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. The main improvement for the adventure film, it's appearing in the top ten lists for the first time in a large number of countries from Latin and South America.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

credit : William Schwartz / Hancinema