Samsung TV Plus is going all in on Korean films and TV series.
The free streaming platform added 4,000 hours worth of award-winning Korean movies and shows, ranging from Lee Chang-dong’s critically acclaimed drama “Burning” to K-romance series such as “Doom at Your Service,” and it encompasses projects from Cj Enm and New ID. The Samsung offering makes it one of the largest providers of Korean scripted and unscripted series and films in the U.S.
Also exclusive to Samsung TV Plus will be U.S. distribution rights for several different Korean shows, including “Voice 4,” “Dark Hole,” and “Doom at Your Service,” and psychological thriller “Beyond Evil” arriving soon.
Other monthly exclusives available through the Samsung partnership from Cj Enm include food entertainment shows “The Genius Paik” and “Three Meals a Day,” along with travel shows “House on Wheels” and “Youn’s Kitchen.”
Film additions range from New ID’s “Burning,...
The free streaming platform added 4,000 hours worth of award-winning Korean movies and shows, ranging from Lee Chang-dong’s critically acclaimed drama “Burning” to K-romance series such as “Doom at Your Service,” and it encompasses projects from Cj Enm and New ID. The Samsung offering makes it one of the largest providers of Korean scripted and unscripted series and films in the U.S.
Also exclusive to Samsung TV Plus will be U.S. distribution rights for several different Korean shows, including “Voice 4,” “Dark Hole,” and “Doom at Your Service,” and psychological thriller “Beyond Evil” arriving soon.
Other monthly exclusives available through the Samsung partnership from Cj Enm include food entertainment shows “The Genius Paik” and “Three Meals a Day,” along with travel shows “House on Wheels” and “Youn’s Kitchen.”
Film additions range from New ID’s “Burning,...
- 10/3/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Song Kang-ho, star of Oscar-winning film “Parasite,” will headline a series adaptation of hit film “Inside Men.”
The project was revealed on Thursday by producer Hive Media Corp. which said that the show is in the early stages of pre-production. Cameras are expected to roll in 2025.
No broadcaster or streamer has yet been attached.
The 2015 film was a political thriller that was adapted from an incomplete webtoon, penned by Yoon Tae-ho called “The Insiders” and which was published 2010-2012 in the Hankyoreh newspaper.
The webtoon featured a political bruiser, played by Lee Byung-hun in the film, who seeks revenge after being ruined by politicians and the media. Directed and written by Woo Min-ho, the film added other elements including a prosecutor (portrayed by Cho Sueng-woo), a presidential candidate Portrayed by Lee Gyeong-young) and a newspaper editor (portrayed by Baek Yoon-sik).
The series, which will be directed by Mo Wan-il (“The World of the Married...
The project was revealed on Thursday by producer Hive Media Corp. which said that the show is in the early stages of pre-production. Cameras are expected to roll in 2025.
No broadcaster or streamer has yet been attached.
The 2015 film was a political thriller that was adapted from an incomplete webtoon, penned by Yoon Tae-ho called “The Insiders” and which was published 2010-2012 in the Hankyoreh newspaper.
The webtoon featured a political bruiser, played by Lee Byung-hun in the film, who seeks revenge after being ruined by politicians and the media. Directed and written by Woo Min-ho, the film added other elements including a prosecutor (portrayed by Cho Sueng-woo), a presidential candidate Portrayed by Lee Gyeong-young) and a newspaper editor (portrayed by Baek Yoon-sik).
The series, which will be directed by Mo Wan-il (“The World of the Married...
- 9/12/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
One of the most acclaimed horror movies of the year, A24’s I Saw the TV Glow heads home this week, and it’s joined by three other horror movies as well as an anthology TV series.
Here’s all the new horror released June 10 – June 16, 2024!
For daily reminders about new horror releases, be sure to follow @HorrorCalendar.
First up, Gravitas Ventures released G.S. Foxwood’s horror film Wild Eyed and Wicked on VOD outlets this past Tuesday, June 11. The film blends elements of horror, familial drama, and fantasy to “create a unique, emotionally powerful, and terrifying experience.”
Molly Kunz (Widows, The Irrational), Michael X. Sommers (Sense8), Stefanie Estes (Soft & Quiet), and Colleen Camp (Clue) star in the indie horror film Wild Eyed and Wicked.
Wild Eyed and Wicked follows Lily Pierce (Kunz) in her attempt to strike back at the medieval creature that’s haunted her family for generations.
Here’s all the new horror released June 10 – June 16, 2024!
For daily reminders about new horror releases, be sure to follow @HorrorCalendar.
First up, Gravitas Ventures released G.S. Foxwood’s horror film Wild Eyed and Wicked on VOD outlets this past Tuesday, June 11. The film blends elements of horror, familial drama, and fantasy to “create a unique, emotionally powerful, and terrifying experience.”
Molly Kunz (Widows, The Irrational), Michael X. Sommers (Sense8), Stefanie Estes (Soft & Quiet), and Colleen Camp (Clue) star in the indie horror film Wild Eyed and Wicked.
Wild Eyed and Wicked follows Lily Pierce (Kunz) in her attempt to strike back at the medieval creature that’s haunted her family for generations.
- 6/14/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
This week’s horror releases bring a killer shark onto Netflix and the feature debut of Ishana Night Shyamalan into theaters, and that’s only the beginning of the tidal wave of new horror.
Here’s all the new horror releasing June 3, 2024 – June 9, 2024!
For daily reminders about new horror releases, be sure to follow @HorrorCalendar.
The breakout Korean blockbuster Exhuma was released in theaters here in the United States back in March, and Well Go USA Entertainment brought it home to VOD this Tuesday.
Exhuma is directed by Jang Jae-Hyun (Svaha: The Sixth Finger) and stars popular Korean actors Choi Min-Sik (Oldboy, I Saw the Devil), Kim Go-Eun (Hero, Little Women), Yoo Hai-Jin (A Taxi Driver), and Lee Do-Hyun (Prison Playbook, Sweet Home).
In the film, “When a renowned shaman (Kim Go-Eun) and her protégé (Lee Do-hyun) are hired by a wealthy, enigmatic family, they begin investigating the cause of...
Here’s all the new horror releasing June 3, 2024 – June 9, 2024!
For daily reminders about new horror releases, be sure to follow @HorrorCalendar.
The breakout Korean blockbuster Exhuma was released in theaters here in the United States back in March, and Well Go USA Entertainment brought it home to VOD this Tuesday.
Exhuma is directed by Jang Jae-Hyun (Svaha: The Sixth Finger) and stars popular Korean actors Choi Min-Sik (Oldboy, I Saw the Devil), Kim Go-Eun (Hero, Little Women), Yoo Hai-Jin (A Taxi Driver), and Lee Do-Hyun (Prison Playbook, Sweet Home).
In the film, “When a renowned shaman (Kim Go-Eun) and her protégé (Lee Do-hyun) are hired by a wealthy, enigmatic family, they begin investigating the cause of...
- 6/5/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Disney+ tentpole Uncle Samsik will debut on May 15 on the platform globally, and on Hulu. The streamer also announced that Korean crime thriller Nine Puzzles will premiere exclusively on the platform in 2025.
South Korean series Uncle Samsik stars veteran actor Song Kang-ho as Pak Doochill/Uncle Samsik and Byun Yo-han (Mr. Sunshine) as Kim San.
Set in 1960s Korea, it follows Kim San, an ambitious idealist and a recipient of an ‘Albright Scholarship.’ Driven to turn his country’s fortunes around, San crosses paths with Pak Doochill, a shady fixer who adapts quickly to any situation and together, the pair form an uneasy alliance.
The political drama will release five episodes on May 15, followed by two episodes a week until a three-part season finale on June 19.
Nine Puzzles follows two intrepid investigators who have to put aside their differences and work together after a serial killer begins playing games with police.
South Korean series Uncle Samsik stars veteran actor Song Kang-ho as Pak Doochill/Uncle Samsik and Byun Yo-han (Mr. Sunshine) as Kim San.
Set in 1960s Korea, it follows Kim San, an ambitious idealist and a recipient of an ‘Albright Scholarship.’ Driven to turn his country’s fortunes around, San crosses paths with Pak Doochill, a shady fixer who adapts quickly to any situation and together, the pair form an uneasy alliance.
The political drama will release five episodes on May 15, followed by two episodes a week until a three-part season finale on June 19.
Nine Puzzles follows two intrepid investigators who have to put aside their differences and work together after a serial killer begins playing games with police.
- 4/2/2024
- by Sara Merican
- Deadline Film + TV
Horror returns to the big screen in a big way this weekend, with four brand new horror movies now playing only in theaters. And another two are now available to watch right at home.
Here’s all the new horror releasing March 22, 2024!
For daily reminders about new horror releases, be sure to follow @HorrorCalendar.
The hotly anticipated horror movie Late Night With the Devil has been earning rave reviews from critics and Stephen King alike, and it’s now playing exclusively in theaters.
Want to watch at home? The film is next coming to Shudder on April 19, 2024.
David Dastmalchian (Dune, The Suicide Squad) stars as the host of a late-night talk show that descends into a nightmare in the Ghostwatch and Wnuf Halloween Special-inspired film.
David Dastmalchian stars as Jack Delroy, the charismatic host of “Night Owls,” and the film traces the ill-fated taping of a live Halloween special in 1977 plagued by a demonic presence.
Here’s all the new horror releasing March 22, 2024!
For daily reminders about new horror releases, be sure to follow @HorrorCalendar.
The hotly anticipated horror movie Late Night With the Devil has been earning rave reviews from critics and Stephen King alike, and it’s now playing exclusively in theaters.
Want to watch at home? The film is next coming to Shudder on April 19, 2024.
David Dastmalchian (Dune, The Suicide Squad) stars as the host of a late-night talk show that descends into a nightmare in the Ghostwatch and Wnuf Halloween Special-inspired film.
David Dastmalchian stars as Jack Delroy, the charismatic host of “Night Owls,” and the film traces the ill-fated taping of a live Halloween special in 1977 plagued by a demonic presence.
- 3/22/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
The breakout Korean blockbuster Exhuma is getting a release here in the United States, Bloody Disgusting has learned. We’ve also been provided with the film’s official US release trailer.
From leading international and indie film distributor Well Go USA Entertainment, Exhuma opens in Los Angeles March 15 and expands across U.S. theaters March 22.
The film—which surpassed 6 million admissions during its first 11 days in Korean theaters—is distributed by Showbox in its home territory.
Exhuma is directed by Jang Jae-Hyun (Svaha: The Sixth Finger) and stars popular Korean actors Choi Min-Sik, Kim Go-Eun, Yoo Hai-Jin (A Taxi Driver), and Lee Do-Hyun.
In the film, “When a renowned shaman (Kim Go-Eun) and her protégé (Lee Do-hyun) are hired by a wealthy, enigmatic family, they begin investigating the cause of a disturbing supernatural illness that affects only the first-born children of each generation. With the help of a knowledgeable mortician...
From leading international and indie film distributor Well Go USA Entertainment, Exhuma opens in Los Angeles March 15 and expands across U.S. theaters March 22.
The film—which surpassed 6 million admissions during its first 11 days in Korean theaters—is distributed by Showbox in its home territory.
Exhuma is directed by Jang Jae-Hyun (Svaha: The Sixth Finger) and stars popular Korean actors Choi Min-Sik, Kim Go-Eun, Yoo Hai-Jin (A Taxi Driver), and Lee Do-Hyun.
In the film, “When a renowned shaman (Kim Go-Eun) and her protégé (Lee Do-hyun) are hired by a wealthy, enigmatic family, they begin investigating the cause of a disturbing supernatural illness that affects only the first-born children of each generation. With the help of a knowledgeable mortician...
- 3/6/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
The historial action drama has become the biggest film of 2023 at the local box office.
Historical action drama 12.12: The Day has surpassed 12 million admissions and $90m at the South Korea box office as of today (January 2), according to the Korea Box-office Information System (Kobis).
The Korean film has been revitalising the local box office, where the only stand-out hit of 2023 had been Don Lee’s crime action franchise film The Roundup: No Way Out, with 10.6 million admissions and $79.8m.
12.12: The Day, released by Plus M Entertainment on November 22, ended the year with more than 11.8 million admissions and $88m,...
Historical action drama 12.12: The Day has surpassed 12 million admissions and $90m at the South Korea box office as of today (January 2), according to the Korea Box-office Information System (Kobis).
The Korean film has been revitalising the local box office, where the only stand-out hit of 2023 had been Don Lee’s crime action franchise film The Roundup: No Way Out, with 10.6 million admissions and $79.8m.
12.12: The Day, released by Plus M Entertainment on November 22, ended the year with more than 11.8 million admissions and $88m,...
- 1/2/2024
- by Jean Noh
- ScreenDaily
For the first time in an illustrious career spanning 32 years, South Korean superstar is set to appear in a tv drama with “Uncle Sam-sik”.
Almost all Korean superstars have begun their careers on the small screen or have made periodic appearances in tv series, be it Choi Min-sik, Lee Byung-hun, Ha Jung-woo, Hwang Jung-min or many more. Song Kang-ho, however, was an exception so far, having made the jump from theatre to feature films rather swiftly and effectively early on in his career. That is to change now though, as he is confirmed to appear in the leading role in director Shin Yeon-shik’s “Uncle Sam-shik” (literal title).
“Uncle Sam-sik” will be a 10-episode series and, accordingly to Asia Gyeongje, will follow the bromance between a pair of long-time friends, Sam-shik and Kim-san, who survived South Korea’s turbulent 1960s period together. It must be noted that this...
Almost all Korean superstars have begun their careers on the small screen or have made periodic appearances in tv series, be it Choi Min-sik, Lee Byung-hun, Ha Jung-woo, Hwang Jung-min or many more. Song Kang-ho, however, was an exception so far, having made the jump from theatre to feature films rather swiftly and effectively early on in his career. That is to change now though, as he is confirmed to appear in the leading role in director Shin Yeon-shik’s “Uncle Sam-shik” (literal title).
“Uncle Sam-sik” will be a 10-episode series and, accordingly to Asia Gyeongje, will follow the bromance between a pair of long-time friends, Sam-shik and Kim-san, who survived South Korea’s turbulent 1960s period together. It must be noted that this...
- 8/30/2022
- by Rhythm Zaveri
- AsianMoviePulse
Song Kang-ho, known for his roles in “Memories of Murder” and “Parasite,” has signed up to make his TV series debut. He will star in indie-produced drama “Uncle Sam Shik.”
“Uncle Sam Shik” is a 1960s-set tale of two men, their pride, greed and bromance, local Korean media reports. Song’s co-lead actor has not been disclosed.
The series is to be directed by Shin Yeon-shick, with whom Song has recently shot feature films “Coweb” and “One Win.” Both films have completed physical production but have not yet been released.
The series is reported to be a ten-episode drama, produced by Slingshot Studio. A broadcast or streaming partner has not yet been announced.
The announcement was made by Slingshot on the eve of the Broadcast WorldWide convention in Seoul, which acts as a major showcase for Korean TV content. The event runs Wednesday to Thursday.
Song has dominated Korean movies...
“Uncle Sam Shik” is a 1960s-set tale of two men, their pride, greed and bromance, local Korean media reports. Song’s co-lead actor has not been disclosed.
The series is to be directed by Shin Yeon-shick, with whom Song has recently shot feature films “Coweb” and “One Win.” Both films have completed physical production but have not yet been released.
The series is reported to be a ten-episode drama, produced by Slingshot Studio. A broadcast or streaming partner has not yet been announced.
The announcement was made by Slingshot on the eve of the Broadcast WorldWide convention in Seoul, which acts as a major showcase for Korean TV content. The event runs Wednesday to Thursday.
Song has dominated Korean movies...
- 8/30/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
with coproduction companies, international sales agents and territories sold to date.
Cannes International Film Festival Jury and Award Winners 2022Cannes 2022 Competition Awards
Palme d’Or: Triangle of Sadness, directed by Ruben Ostlund, a coproduction of Sweden, United Kingdom, United States, France, Greece. International Sales Agent (Isa) Coproduction Office sold to North America-Neon; Baltics- Filmstop Ou; Benelux, Surinam, Dutch Antilles-September; France-Bac; Hungary-Vertigo; Italy-Teodora; Poland-Gutek; Romania-Independenta; Serbia-Five Stars, Slovenia & Ex-Yugoslavia-Demiurg-Cvetka Flakus; Sweden-sf; Switzerland-Xenix
‘Triangle of Sadness’
Grand Prix co-winners: Close directed by Lukas Dhont, a copro of Belgium, Netherlands, France. Isa The Match Factory sold over 100 territories including USA, Canada-A24; Australia/ Nz-Madman; Baltics-a-One; Benelux-Lumiere; Czech Republic and Slovakia-Artcam; Ex-Yugo-mcf; France-Diaphana, Germany, Austria-Pandora; Greece-Ama; Israel-Lev; Italy-Lucky Red; Netherlands-Cassestte for theatrical, Vedette for TV; Poland-New Horizons; Romania-Bad Unicorn; Scandinavia-Future; So. Korea-Challan; Spain-Vertigo; Switzerland-Filmcoopi; Taiwan-Filmware; Thailand-Sahamangkolfilm; Turkey, UK, Ireland, Latam, Turkey, India-mubi
The Stars at Noon directed Claire Denis, a copro of United States, France. Isa Wild Bunch sold to No. Am.: A24; Benelux, Surinam, Dutch Antilles-September; Czech and Slovakia-Film Europe; Turkey-Bir.
Best Actor: Song Kang Ho (Parasite, A Taxi Driver) in Broker directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, from So. Korea. Isa Cj Entertainment sold to 171 territories before its premiere, including No. America-Neon; Australia/ Nz-Madman; Benelux, Surinam, Dutch Antilles-September; Finland-Cinema Mondo; France-Metropolitan, Germany-Koch; Hong Kong-Edko; Italy-Koch; Japan-Gaga; Singapore-Clover, Golden Village; Spain-Filmin; Scandinavia-Triart; Switzerland-Ascot Elite; UK, Ireland-Picturehouse.
‘Broker’ starring Song Kang Ho
Best Actress: Zar Amir Ebrahimi, in Holy Spider, a copro of France, Sweden, Denmark, Germany. Isa Wild Bunch sold to USA, Canada-Utopia; Austria, Germany-Alamode; Baltics-a-One Films; Benelux-Cineart; Czech Republic, Slovakia-Film Europe; Denmark-Camera; Ex-Yugo-Fivia/ Cenex; France-Metropolitan; Greece-Cinobo; Hong Kong-Edko; Hungary-Vertigo; Indonesia-Falcon; Ireland, Latam, Malaysia, UK-mubi; Israel-United King; Italy-Academy 2; Japan-Gaga; Mexico-Canibal; North Africa-Ciné 7ème Art; Poland-Gutek; Portugal-Nos Lusomuno; Romania-Independenta; So. Korea-Pancinema; Spain-b-Team/ Karma; Switzerland-Xenix; Taiwan-Proview; Turkey-Bir.
Jury Prize co-winner: Eo, directed by Jerzy Skolimowski, copro of Italy, Poland. Isa Hanway sold to No. America-Sideshow and Janus Films; France-arp.
Jury Prize co-winner: The Eight Mountains, directed by Felix van Groeningen, Charlotte Vandermeersch, copro of Italy, Belgium. Isa Vision sold to Austria, Germany, Switzerland-dcm; Baltics-Kino Pavasaris; Benelux-Kinepolis, Dutch Filmworks; Bulgaria-Beta; Czech Republic, Slovakia-Aero; Denmark-Camera; Finland-Cinemanse; France-Pyramide; Greece-One from the Heart; Italy-Vision; Norway-Selmer; Poland-M2; Portugal-Outsider; So. Korea-JinJin; Spain-Avalon; Sweden-TriArt; Taiwan-Swallow Wings; Turkey-Bir; UK, Ireland-Picturehouse.
Best Director: Park Chan-wook (Old Boy) for Decision to Leave, So. Korea. Isa Cj Entertainment sold to USA, UK, Ireland, India, Turkey-mubi; Australia/ Nz-Madman; Benelux-Cinart; France-Bac; Germany-Koch; Greece-Cinobo; Hong Kong, Macao Sar China-Edko; Japan-Happinet Phantom; Poland-Gutek; Russia, ex-ussr-Arna; Scandinavia, Iceland, Baltics-Nonstop; Italy-Lucky Red; Singapore-Golden Village; Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia-Purple Plan; So. Korea-cj; Switzerland-Filmcoopi; Taiwan-Movie Cloud
Best Screenplay: Tarik Saleh, Boy From Heaven, Sweden. Isa Memento sold to Benelux-Cineart; Germany, Austria-x Verleih; Greece-Cinobo; Hungary-Vertigo, Latam-Impacto; UK, Ireland-Picturehouse Switzerland-Filmcoopi; Poland-M2 Films; Israel-New Cinema;, Ex-Yugoslavia-Blitz; Czech Republic, Slovakia-FilmEurope; Baltics-a-One; Romania-Bad Unicorn; Bulgaria-Beta; Portugal-Leopardo Filmes; Turkey -Bir Films.
Special prize for Cannes’ 75th anniversary: Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne, Tori and Lokita, copro Belgium and France. Isa Wild Bunch sold to No. America-Sideshow and Janus Films; Baltics-European Film Forum Scanorama; Benelux-Cineart; France-Diaphana; Ireland, UK-Picturehouse.
Camera d’Or: War Pony, directed by Rieley Keough, Gina Gammell, USA. Isa Protagonist.
Camera d’Or Special Mention: Plan 75, directed by Hayakawa Chie, Japan. Isa Urban Films sold to China-DDDream; France-Eurozoom; Italy-Tucker; Japan-Happinet; Singapore-Lighthouse; Taiwan-Sky Digi; UK- September
Short Film Palme d’Or: The Water Murmurs, directed by Chen Jianying
Special mention: Lori, directed by Abinash Bikram Shah
Un Certain Regard
The jury was chaired by actress-director-producer Valeria Golino and included director Debra Granik, actress Joanna Kulig, actor-singer Benjamin Biolay and actor-producer Edgar Ramírez.
Grand Prize: The Worst Ones/ Les Pires, the debut feature directed by Lise Akoka and Romane Gueret. France. Isa Pyramide. France-Pyramide.
Jury Prize: Joyland, director Saim Sadiq’s debut feature and the first Pakistani feature in official selection at Cannes. Telling the story of a young man from a patriarchal family who secretly joins an erotic dance theatre and falls in love with a trans starlet. Copro of US-based All Caps and Pakistan’s Khoosat Films. Isa Film Constellation.
Best Director: Alexandru Belc for Metronom, debut feature focusing on a group of music-loving Bucharest teenagers caught up in the crackdown that followed the end of Romania’s cultural liberalization period in the early seventies. Romania. Isa Pyramide. France-Pyramide.
Best Actor: Jointly awarded to Vicky Krieps for Corsage, Marie Kreutzer’s period piece in which Krieps plays Empress Sisi of Austria, one of Europe’s first celebrity royals. Copro Austria, France, Germany, Luxembourg. Isa MK2 sold to US, Canada-ifc; Austria-Panda Lichtspiele; Benelux-The Searchers; France-Ad Vitam; Germany-Alamode; Hungary-Cirko; Ireland, UK-Picturehouse; Italy-Bim; Spain-Adso Films; Poland-M2; Czech Republic-Aerofilm; Ex-Yugoslavia-Demiurg
Best Actor: Adam Bessa for Harka, with Bessa as the impoverished young man who sparked revolutionary Tunisia and the Arab Spring. Tunisia. Isa Film Constitution sold to France-Dulac.
Best Screenplay: Mediterranean Fever, a Haifa-set, Arabic-language drama written and directed by Maha Haj. Israel. Isa Luxbox sold to France-Dulac.
The Coup de coeur prize: Rodeo directed by Lola Quivoron, about a young woman determined to infiltrate the male world of dirt-bike racing. France. Isa Les Films du Losange.
Best Documentary Award L’Oeil d’Or: All That Breathes by Shaunak Sen,a copro of India, United Kingdom, United States. Isa Submarine, USA-hbo, Sideshow.
Directors’ Fortnight
Best French Language Film Award: The Mountain by Thomas Salvador. France. Isa Le Pacte.
Europa Cinemas’ Award for Best European Film: Mia Hansen-Løve’s One Fine Morning. Europa Cinemas Network will now support the film with promotion and incentivize exhibitiors to extend its program run. The film was chosen by a jury of four exhbitiors from the network. It is the 19th time Europa has awarded the label. France. Isa Les Films du Losange sold to USA-Sony Pictures Classics; Australia/ Nz-Palace; Baltics-European Film Forum Scanorama; Benelux-Cherry Pickers; France-Les Films du Losange; Austria, Germany-Weltkino; Greece-Weird Wave; Hungary-Cirko; Portugal-Alambique; So. Korea-Challah; Spain-Elastica; Taiwan-Andrews; UK, Ireland, India, Turkey-mubi; Sweden-Nonstop; Denmark, Norway-Another World Entertainment Norway; Iceland- Myndform; Lithuania-Scanorama; Estonia-Bestfilm Eu; Latvia-Sia Best Film; Slovenia-Fivia.
Critics’ Week. Sidebar dedicated to first and second features. Kaouther Ben Hania, Jury President
Grand Prize: La Jauría feature debut by Andres Ramirez Pulido. Copro France, Colombia. Isa Pyramide. France-Pyramide.
Sacd prize: La Jauría about a country boy who is wrongly accused of a crime and incarcerated in an experimental rehabilitation center for tough boys in the heart of the Colombian tropical forest.
French Touch Prize: Charlotte Wells’ Aftersun, a bittersweet drama about a father and daughter who spend a summer holiday in a Turkish resort. United Kingdom. Isa Charades sold to No. America-A24; Austria, France, Germany, India, Ireleand, Spain, Turkey, UK — Mubi.
Louis Roederer Foundation Rising Star Award: for Zelda Samson in Love According to Dalva directed by Emmanuelle Nicot, about a 12-year-old girl who dresses and lives like a woman until one day, she’s taken away from her house. Dumbfounded at first, she later meets a social worker, and a teen with a temper and a new life seems to start for her. Copro Belgium, France. Isa MK2 sold to France-Diaphana, Netherlands-Gusto.
Leitz Cine Discovery Prize for Short Film: The Ice Merchants, a prestigious first for Portuguese animation.
Fipresci Awards
The Jury: Mariola Wiktor (Poland), Nathalie Chifflet (France), Emanuel Levy (US), Simone Soranna(Italy), Ahmed Shawky (Egypt), Jihane Bougrine (Morocco), Magali Van Reeth (France), Bidhan Rebeiro (Bangladesh), Youssoufa Halidou Harouna (Niger)
Competition: Leila’s Brothers by Saeed Roustaee. Iran. Isa Elle Driver sold to France-Wild Bunch.
Un Certain Regard: The Blue Caftan by Maryam Touzani Copro of Morocco, France, Denmark, Belgium. Isa Films Boutique sold to Austria-Thimfilm; Baltics-a-One; Benelux-Cineart; Denmark-Camera; France-Ad Vitam; Greece-Danaos; Israel-Nachshon Films; Italy-Movies Inspired; Japan-Longride; Spain-Karma; Switzerland-Filmcoopi.
Critics’ Week: Love According To Dalva by Emmanuelle Nicot
(Belgium, France, 2022, 80 mins)
Screen’s Cannes jury grid:
Park Chan-wook’s Decision To Leave finishes on top of with an average of 3.2.
Prize of the Ecumenical Jury:
Broker by Hirokazu Kore-eda.
Queer Palm Award:
Saim Sadiq’s Joyland, a daring portrait of a transgender dancer in Pakistan, for the festival’s best LGBT, queer or feminist-themed movie.
Palm Dog Awards
Palm DogManitarian Award: To Patron, a Jack Russel Terrier who has helped sniff out over 200 landmines in Ukraine. Although the film festival usually celebrates movie stars, it also runs the Palm Dog awards, which, since 2001, recognizes the best dogs to appear on screen. Unfortunately, due to the war, Patron was unable to travel to Cannes to receive the award, so another Jack Russel named Opium receiveƒd it on his behalf. Earlier this month, Patron was awarded a medal by President Zelensky for his work. Credit: Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine via Storyful (Ukrainian Jack Russell terrier mine sniffer)
Best Performance by a Dog: War Pony’s standard silver poodle, Britney
Canine cast: Godland. Denmark. Isa New Europe Film sold to Australia/ Nz-Palace; Baltics-Scanorma; Benelux-Imagine; France-Jour2Fete; Greece-One from the Heart; Hungary-Vertigo; Poland-New Horizons; Spain-Contracorriente; UK, Ireland-Curzon.
Watch the Palm Dog Ceremony here.
The Palm Dog turned 21 years old this year. What was started as a low-key event by British journalist Toby Rose and his critic friends is now a ceremony on the beach with global media in attendance, plus sponsors, as well as an embossed collar for the prize-winning pup — but still retains its all its sense of fun.
Cannes International Film Festival Jury and Award Winners 2022Cannes 2022 Competition Awards
Palme d’Or: Triangle of Sadness, directed by Ruben Ostlund, a coproduction of Sweden, United Kingdom, United States, France, Greece. International Sales Agent (Isa) Coproduction Office sold to North America-Neon; Baltics- Filmstop Ou; Benelux, Surinam, Dutch Antilles-September; France-Bac; Hungary-Vertigo; Italy-Teodora; Poland-Gutek; Romania-Independenta; Serbia-Five Stars, Slovenia & Ex-Yugoslavia-Demiurg-Cvetka Flakus; Sweden-sf; Switzerland-Xenix
‘Triangle of Sadness’
Grand Prix co-winners: Close directed by Lukas Dhont, a copro of Belgium, Netherlands, France. Isa The Match Factory sold over 100 territories including USA, Canada-A24; Australia/ Nz-Madman; Baltics-a-One; Benelux-Lumiere; Czech Republic and Slovakia-Artcam; Ex-Yugo-mcf; France-Diaphana, Germany, Austria-Pandora; Greece-Ama; Israel-Lev; Italy-Lucky Red; Netherlands-Cassestte for theatrical, Vedette for TV; Poland-New Horizons; Romania-Bad Unicorn; Scandinavia-Future; So. Korea-Challan; Spain-Vertigo; Switzerland-Filmcoopi; Taiwan-Filmware; Thailand-Sahamangkolfilm; Turkey, UK, Ireland, Latam, Turkey, India-mubi
The Stars at Noon directed Claire Denis, a copro of United States, France. Isa Wild Bunch sold to No. Am.: A24; Benelux, Surinam, Dutch Antilles-September; Czech and Slovakia-Film Europe; Turkey-Bir.
Best Actor: Song Kang Ho (Parasite, A Taxi Driver) in Broker directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, from So. Korea. Isa Cj Entertainment sold to 171 territories before its premiere, including No. America-Neon; Australia/ Nz-Madman; Benelux, Surinam, Dutch Antilles-September; Finland-Cinema Mondo; France-Metropolitan, Germany-Koch; Hong Kong-Edko; Italy-Koch; Japan-Gaga; Singapore-Clover, Golden Village; Spain-Filmin; Scandinavia-Triart; Switzerland-Ascot Elite; UK, Ireland-Picturehouse.
‘Broker’ starring Song Kang Ho
Best Actress: Zar Amir Ebrahimi, in Holy Spider, a copro of France, Sweden, Denmark, Germany. Isa Wild Bunch sold to USA, Canada-Utopia; Austria, Germany-Alamode; Baltics-a-One Films; Benelux-Cineart; Czech Republic, Slovakia-Film Europe; Denmark-Camera; Ex-Yugo-Fivia/ Cenex; France-Metropolitan; Greece-Cinobo; Hong Kong-Edko; Hungary-Vertigo; Indonesia-Falcon; Ireland, Latam, Malaysia, UK-mubi; Israel-United King; Italy-Academy 2; Japan-Gaga; Mexico-Canibal; North Africa-Ciné 7ème Art; Poland-Gutek; Portugal-Nos Lusomuno; Romania-Independenta; So. Korea-Pancinema; Spain-b-Team/ Karma; Switzerland-Xenix; Taiwan-Proview; Turkey-Bir.
Jury Prize co-winner: Eo, directed by Jerzy Skolimowski, copro of Italy, Poland. Isa Hanway sold to No. America-Sideshow and Janus Films; France-arp.
Jury Prize co-winner: The Eight Mountains, directed by Felix van Groeningen, Charlotte Vandermeersch, copro of Italy, Belgium. Isa Vision sold to Austria, Germany, Switzerland-dcm; Baltics-Kino Pavasaris; Benelux-Kinepolis, Dutch Filmworks; Bulgaria-Beta; Czech Republic, Slovakia-Aero; Denmark-Camera; Finland-Cinemanse; France-Pyramide; Greece-One from the Heart; Italy-Vision; Norway-Selmer; Poland-M2; Portugal-Outsider; So. Korea-JinJin; Spain-Avalon; Sweden-TriArt; Taiwan-Swallow Wings; Turkey-Bir; UK, Ireland-Picturehouse.
Best Director: Park Chan-wook (Old Boy) for Decision to Leave, So. Korea. Isa Cj Entertainment sold to USA, UK, Ireland, India, Turkey-mubi; Australia/ Nz-Madman; Benelux-Cinart; France-Bac; Germany-Koch; Greece-Cinobo; Hong Kong, Macao Sar China-Edko; Japan-Happinet Phantom; Poland-Gutek; Russia, ex-ussr-Arna; Scandinavia, Iceland, Baltics-Nonstop; Italy-Lucky Red; Singapore-Golden Village; Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia-Purple Plan; So. Korea-cj; Switzerland-Filmcoopi; Taiwan-Movie Cloud
Best Screenplay: Tarik Saleh, Boy From Heaven, Sweden. Isa Memento sold to Benelux-Cineart; Germany, Austria-x Verleih; Greece-Cinobo; Hungary-Vertigo, Latam-Impacto; UK, Ireland-Picturehouse Switzerland-Filmcoopi; Poland-M2 Films; Israel-New Cinema;, Ex-Yugoslavia-Blitz; Czech Republic, Slovakia-FilmEurope; Baltics-a-One; Romania-Bad Unicorn; Bulgaria-Beta; Portugal-Leopardo Filmes; Turkey -Bir Films.
Special prize for Cannes’ 75th anniversary: Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne, Tori and Lokita, copro Belgium and France. Isa Wild Bunch sold to No. America-Sideshow and Janus Films; Baltics-European Film Forum Scanorama; Benelux-Cineart; France-Diaphana; Ireland, UK-Picturehouse.
Camera d’Or: War Pony, directed by Rieley Keough, Gina Gammell, USA. Isa Protagonist.
Camera d’Or Special Mention: Plan 75, directed by Hayakawa Chie, Japan. Isa Urban Films sold to China-DDDream; France-Eurozoom; Italy-Tucker; Japan-Happinet; Singapore-Lighthouse; Taiwan-Sky Digi; UK- September
Short Film Palme d’Or: The Water Murmurs, directed by Chen Jianying
Special mention: Lori, directed by Abinash Bikram Shah
Un Certain Regard
The jury was chaired by actress-director-producer Valeria Golino and included director Debra Granik, actress Joanna Kulig, actor-singer Benjamin Biolay and actor-producer Edgar Ramírez.
Grand Prize: The Worst Ones/ Les Pires, the debut feature directed by Lise Akoka and Romane Gueret. France. Isa Pyramide. France-Pyramide.
Jury Prize: Joyland, director Saim Sadiq’s debut feature and the first Pakistani feature in official selection at Cannes. Telling the story of a young man from a patriarchal family who secretly joins an erotic dance theatre and falls in love with a trans starlet. Copro of US-based All Caps and Pakistan’s Khoosat Films. Isa Film Constellation.
Best Director: Alexandru Belc for Metronom, debut feature focusing on a group of music-loving Bucharest teenagers caught up in the crackdown that followed the end of Romania’s cultural liberalization period in the early seventies. Romania. Isa Pyramide. France-Pyramide.
Best Actor: Jointly awarded to Vicky Krieps for Corsage, Marie Kreutzer’s period piece in which Krieps plays Empress Sisi of Austria, one of Europe’s first celebrity royals. Copro Austria, France, Germany, Luxembourg. Isa MK2 sold to US, Canada-ifc; Austria-Panda Lichtspiele; Benelux-The Searchers; France-Ad Vitam; Germany-Alamode; Hungary-Cirko; Ireland, UK-Picturehouse; Italy-Bim; Spain-Adso Films; Poland-M2; Czech Republic-Aerofilm; Ex-Yugoslavia-Demiurg
Best Actor: Adam Bessa for Harka, with Bessa as the impoverished young man who sparked revolutionary Tunisia and the Arab Spring. Tunisia. Isa Film Constitution sold to France-Dulac.
Best Screenplay: Mediterranean Fever, a Haifa-set, Arabic-language drama written and directed by Maha Haj. Israel. Isa Luxbox sold to France-Dulac.
The Coup de coeur prize: Rodeo directed by Lola Quivoron, about a young woman determined to infiltrate the male world of dirt-bike racing. France. Isa Les Films du Losange.
Best Documentary Award L’Oeil d’Or: All That Breathes by Shaunak Sen,a copro of India, United Kingdom, United States. Isa Submarine, USA-hbo, Sideshow.
Directors’ Fortnight
Best French Language Film Award: The Mountain by Thomas Salvador. France. Isa Le Pacte.
Europa Cinemas’ Award for Best European Film: Mia Hansen-Løve’s One Fine Morning. Europa Cinemas Network will now support the film with promotion and incentivize exhibitiors to extend its program run. The film was chosen by a jury of four exhbitiors from the network. It is the 19th time Europa has awarded the label. France. Isa Les Films du Losange sold to USA-Sony Pictures Classics; Australia/ Nz-Palace; Baltics-European Film Forum Scanorama; Benelux-Cherry Pickers; France-Les Films du Losange; Austria, Germany-Weltkino; Greece-Weird Wave; Hungary-Cirko; Portugal-Alambique; So. Korea-Challah; Spain-Elastica; Taiwan-Andrews; UK, Ireland, India, Turkey-mubi; Sweden-Nonstop; Denmark, Norway-Another World Entertainment Norway; Iceland- Myndform; Lithuania-Scanorama; Estonia-Bestfilm Eu; Latvia-Sia Best Film; Slovenia-Fivia.
Critics’ Week. Sidebar dedicated to first and second features. Kaouther Ben Hania, Jury President
Grand Prize: La Jauría feature debut by Andres Ramirez Pulido. Copro France, Colombia. Isa Pyramide. France-Pyramide.
Sacd prize: La Jauría about a country boy who is wrongly accused of a crime and incarcerated in an experimental rehabilitation center for tough boys in the heart of the Colombian tropical forest.
French Touch Prize: Charlotte Wells’ Aftersun, a bittersweet drama about a father and daughter who spend a summer holiday in a Turkish resort. United Kingdom. Isa Charades sold to No. America-A24; Austria, France, Germany, India, Ireleand, Spain, Turkey, UK — Mubi.
Louis Roederer Foundation Rising Star Award: for Zelda Samson in Love According to Dalva directed by Emmanuelle Nicot, about a 12-year-old girl who dresses and lives like a woman until one day, she’s taken away from her house. Dumbfounded at first, she later meets a social worker, and a teen with a temper and a new life seems to start for her. Copro Belgium, France. Isa MK2 sold to France-Diaphana, Netherlands-Gusto.
Leitz Cine Discovery Prize for Short Film: The Ice Merchants, a prestigious first for Portuguese animation.
Fipresci Awards
The Jury: Mariola Wiktor (Poland), Nathalie Chifflet (France), Emanuel Levy (US), Simone Soranna(Italy), Ahmed Shawky (Egypt), Jihane Bougrine (Morocco), Magali Van Reeth (France), Bidhan Rebeiro (Bangladesh), Youssoufa Halidou Harouna (Niger)
Competition: Leila’s Brothers by Saeed Roustaee. Iran. Isa Elle Driver sold to France-Wild Bunch.
Un Certain Regard: The Blue Caftan by Maryam Touzani Copro of Morocco, France, Denmark, Belgium. Isa Films Boutique sold to Austria-Thimfilm; Baltics-a-One; Benelux-Cineart; Denmark-Camera; France-Ad Vitam; Greece-Danaos; Israel-Nachshon Films; Italy-Movies Inspired; Japan-Longride; Spain-Karma; Switzerland-Filmcoopi.
Critics’ Week: Love According To Dalva by Emmanuelle Nicot
(Belgium, France, 2022, 80 mins)
Screen’s Cannes jury grid:
Park Chan-wook’s Decision To Leave finishes on top of with an average of 3.2.
Prize of the Ecumenical Jury:
Broker by Hirokazu Kore-eda.
Queer Palm Award:
Saim Sadiq’s Joyland, a daring portrait of a transgender dancer in Pakistan, for the festival’s best LGBT, queer or feminist-themed movie.
Palm Dog Awards
Palm DogManitarian Award: To Patron, a Jack Russel Terrier who has helped sniff out over 200 landmines in Ukraine. Although the film festival usually celebrates movie stars, it also runs the Palm Dog awards, which, since 2001, recognizes the best dogs to appear on screen. Unfortunately, due to the war, Patron was unable to travel to Cannes to receive the award, so another Jack Russel named Opium receiveƒd it on his behalf. Earlier this month, Patron was awarded a medal by President Zelensky for his work. Credit: Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine via Storyful (Ukrainian Jack Russell terrier mine sniffer)
Best Performance by a Dog: War Pony’s standard silver poodle, Britney
Canine cast: Godland. Denmark. Isa New Europe Film sold to Australia/ Nz-Palace; Baltics-Scanorma; Benelux-Imagine; France-Jour2Fete; Greece-One from the Heart; Hungary-Vertigo; Poland-New Horizons; Spain-Contracorriente; UK, Ireland-Curzon.
Watch the Palm Dog Ceremony here.
The Palm Dog turned 21 years old this year. What was started as a low-key event by British journalist Toby Rose and his critic friends is now a ceremony on the beach with global media in attendance, plus sponsors, as well as an embossed collar for the prize-winning pup — but still retains its all its sense of fun.
- 6/5/2022
- by Sydney
- Sydney's Buzz
(Welcome to The Daily Stream, an ongoing series in which the /Film team shares what they've been watching, why it's worth checking out, and where you can stream it.)
The Movie: "A Taxi Driver"
Where You Can Stream It: Amazon Prime, Hoopla
The Pitch: Movies that attempt to cover such sensitive topics as a real-world massacre tend to be moody, unpleasant, and relentlessly grim. Not so with 2017's "A Taxi Driver," which couldn't possibly be more different from the usual (typically Oscar-bait) fare. This South Korean film chronicles the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, a momentous historical event that proved to be a significant stepping stone on...
The post The Daily Stream: A Taxi Driver Uses Humor To Emphasize The Horrors Of Fascism appeared first on /Film.
The Movie: "A Taxi Driver"
Where You Can Stream It: Amazon Prime, Hoopla
The Pitch: Movies that attempt to cover such sensitive topics as a real-world massacre tend to be moody, unpleasant, and relentlessly grim. Not so with 2017's "A Taxi Driver," which couldn't possibly be more different from the usual (typically Oscar-bait) fare. This South Korean film chronicles the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, a momentous historical event that proved to be a significant stepping stone on...
The post The Daily Stream: A Taxi Driver Uses Humor To Emphasize The Horrors Of Fascism appeared first on /Film.
- 9/17/2021
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
Jang Hoon, who started his career as an assistant to Kim Ki-duk, has only directed four feature films as of now. “Rough Cut” in 2008, “Secret Reunion” in 2010, “The Front Line”, in 2011 and “A Taxi Driver” in 2017. However, all of them are considered top notch, with Hung managing to combine commercial success with acclaimed reviews. This particular one also netted him the Best Film Award from the Blue Dragon Awards.
Ji-won and Han-gyoo are special agents for North and South Korea, respectively. The two of them exchange glances during a North Korean assassination attempt of Kim Jong-il’s second cousin, which fails due to Tae-soon’s betrayal. Shortly after, Han-gyoo is discharged for mishandling the case and Ji-won takes the blame for Tae-soon, subsequently going into hiding from his commander named Shadow. Six years later, Ji-won and Han-gyoo meet again and through a series of seemingly random consequences,...
Ji-won and Han-gyoo are special agents for North and South Korea, respectively. The two of them exchange glances during a North Korean assassination attempt of Kim Jong-il’s second cousin, which fails due to Tae-soon’s betrayal. Shortly after, Han-gyoo is discharged for mishandling the case and Ji-won takes the blame for Tae-soon, subsequently going into hiding from his commander named Shadow. Six years later, Ji-won and Han-gyoo meet again and through a series of seemingly random consequences,...
- 7/31/2021
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Koreans are no strangers to protest. Underneath the thin veneer of idol culture, smart technology, and (now apparent) phenomenal pandemic-care, South Korea has juggled with a history rife with public discontent. Maybe this is more “Parasite” vibes; in 2016-17, for example, the Candlelight Demonstrations witnessed one of the largest protests in history. International media turned all eyes to Korea, as the uprising usurped the corrupt absurdities interwoven into Park Geun-hye’s administration. The historic moment brought to light (no pun intended) a crucial part to Korea’s contemporary democracy, the end-result of a long and hard road of protest.
Forty years ago, the death of a different political leader — Park Cheong-hee — eventually led to an earlier turning-point: the Gwangju Uprising of 1980 on May 18. This bloody revolt has carved a deep scar in lived memory. As politicians climbed to power and curators commemorated the city through Asia’s oldest biennial, filmmakers...
Forty years ago, the death of a different political leader — Park Cheong-hee — eventually led to an earlier turning-point: the Gwangju Uprising of 1980 on May 18. This bloody revolt has carved a deep scar in lived memory. As politicians climbed to power and curators commemorated the city through Asia’s oldest biennial, filmmakers...
- 5/18/2021
- by AMP Group
- AsianMoviePulse
Man-seob (played by Song Kang-ho) belts out Cho Yong-pil’s Short Hair as if appearing on an episode of James Corden’s Carpool Karaoke. Man-seob who is a Seoul taxi driver and widow living alone with his young daughter barely makes ends meet. He would not have to drive Hinzpeter (Thomas Kretschmann) to Gwangju if it weren’t for his back rent 100,000 won. “Let’s go Gwangju,” he says briskly to Hinzpeter, not knowing what awaits him.
The story resorts to Jürgen Hinzpeter’s witness to what he saw and what happened to him in May 1980. It is not detailed about the actual politics of the period and does not invoke the name, Chun Doo-hwan who imposed martial law and slaughtered Gwangju citizens. That is because it is not meant to inflame, but asks the audiences to empathize with Man-seob; we see Gwangju and its citizens at the time through his eyes.
The story resorts to Jürgen Hinzpeter’s witness to what he saw and what happened to him in May 1980. It is not detailed about the actual politics of the period and does not invoke the name, Chun Doo-hwan who imposed martial law and slaughtered Gwangju citizens. That is because it is not meant to inflame, but asks the audiences to empathize with Man-seob; we see Gwangju and its citizens at the time through his eyes.
- 4/5/2021
- by Guest Writer
- AsianMoviePulse
A Korean space opera with a large budget and a star-studded cast. Possibly the first of its kind, it’s hard for it to live up to its hype. Despite the film not being perfect, it’s still a big step for Korean cinema to branch out, and try new things.
“Space Sweepers” revolves around the crew of ‘Victory’, a notorious space-junk collector ship in 2092. Earth is becoming uninhabitable, and humans are quick to ruin space next. The crew is down on their luck, need money, and need it fast. It is then rather convenient that such a solution falls into their laps, a humanoid robot girl, wanted by police as well as terrorists. Before long, it turns into a story about putting others above yourself or saving yourself.
The production ends up being a little cheesy, yet charming. Fun, but in the large scope of science-fiction films, middle-of-the-road. This...
“Space Sweepers” revolves around the crew of ‘Victory’, a notorious space-junk collector ship in 2092. Earth is becoming uninhabitable, and humans are quick to ruin space next. The crew is down on their luck, need money, and need it fast. It is then rather convenient that such a solution falls into their laps, a humanoid robot girl, wanted by police as well as terrorists. Before long, it turns into a story about putting others above yourself or saving yourself.
The production ends up being a little cheesy, yet charming. Fun, but in the large scope of science-fiction films, middle-of-the-road. This...
- 2/9/2021
- by Reinier Brands
- AsianMoviePulse
The producers of Taiwan Film Festival Edinburgh and Queer East Film Festival are delighted to announce their first ever collaboration, Tffe x Qeff. The project sees 2 UK premieres – Nobody (2020), a debut feature film from director Lin Chun-hua which reveals the story of an elderly transsexual character, rarely explored in LGBTQ+ cinema, and The Shepherds (2018), a documentary by Elvis Lu charting the struggles of LGBTQ+ Christians in Taiwan, and the challenges they face in making their voices heard.
The 3 short films presented earlier this year by Taiwan Ffe are brought back and presented alongside the two features. These are: Towards the Sun (2016), directed by Wang Yi-Ling, a moving story of an unlikely friendship, Chen He-Yu’s The Busy Young Psychic (2013) focusing on a teenage girl with a special gift and A Taxi Driver (2018), directed by Chen Yen-Hong, a thrilling story of a man finally deciding to take control of his own life.
The 3 short films presented earlier this year by Taiwan Ffe are brought back and presented alongside the two features. These are: Towards the Sun (2016), directed by Wang Yi-Ling, a moving story of an unlikely friendship, Chen He-Yu’s The Busy Young Psychic (2013) focusing on a teenage girl with a special gift and A Taxi Driver (2018), directed by Chen Yen-Hong, a thrilling story of a man finally deciding to take control of his own life.
- 10/18/2020
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
A small but impactful revolution is narrated with grace and a dose of sense of humour in South Korean patriotic hit “Mal-Mo-e: The Secret Mission” which tells another story revolving around the Japanese occupation, from a seemingly unexplored point of view. This directorial debut of Eom Yoo-na, marked the transition from successful writer of “A Taxi Driver” to the director’s chair, and landed in theatres just before the 100th anniversary of the March First Movement, or the “Sam-il”, a day celebrating the beginning of Korea’s national independence movement from Japan.
“Mal-Mo-e: The Secret Mission” is screening at Florence Korean Film Festival 2020
It’s 1941 and, while fighting World War II, Japan rules Korea and as an effective way to keep the nation well under its thumb, Japan is trying to suppress Korean national identity in any possible way. Language is one important aspect of the culture of a nation and therefore,...
“Mal-Mo-e: The Secret Mission” is screening at Florence Korean Film Festival 2020
It’s 1941 and, while fighting World War II, Japan rules Korea and as an effective way to keep the nation well under its thumb, Japan is trying to suppress Korean national identity in any possible way. Language is one important aspect of the culture of a nation and therefore,...
- 9/23/2020
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
Set up by former Showbox executive Helen Jung, who had been behind multiple hit films such as historical drama “A Taxi Driver,” crime drama “Inside Men,” as well as disaster pic “Tunnel” and 2014 Cannes Directors’ Fortnight title “A Hard Day,” Acemaker Movieworks began its journey in the Korean film industry in 2018.
As with several other new entrants at the time, Acemaker represented a combination of industry veterans and non-industry capital. It sourced its money from the former owner of cosmetic company Carver Korea, which Unilever acquired in 2017.
“[We] seek diversity in content and support creators without prejudice,” says the company in its mission statement. Acemaker’s line-up includes not only strong box- office hits, but also festival-acclaimed slates such as “The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil.”
Indeed, over the past two years, Acemaker has built up a colorful catalog of films, including 2019 Cannes Midnight Screening title “The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil,...
As with several other new entrants at the time, Acemaker represented a combination of industry veterans and non-industry capital. It sourced its money from the former owner of cosmetic company Carver Korea, which Unilever acquired in 2017.
“[We] seek diversity in content and support creators without prejudice,” says the company in its mission statement. Acemaker’s line-up includes not only strong box- office hits, but also festival-acclaimed slates such as “The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil.”
Indeed, over the past two years, Acemaker has built up a colorful catalog of films, including 2019 Cannes Midnight Screening title “The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil,...
- 6/25/2020
- by Sonia Kil
- Variety Film + TV
The company is selling titles including ‘Protector’, ‘Dirty Money’ and ‘New Year Blues’ at the online Marche.
South Korean financier, producer and distributor Acemaker movieworks is launching its own sales unit at the Cannes virtual market.
Headed by former M-Line Distribution executive Jamie Seo, the company’s international business team is selling films including the directorial debut of leading Korean actor Jung Woo-sung, Protector (working title). The kidnap revenge thriller, which stars Jung with Kim Nam-gil and Park Sung-woong, is currently in production.
Acemaker also has Kim Tae-yong’s sci-fi drama Wonderland (working title) in production. Set in a world...
South Korean financier, producer and distributor Acemaker movieworks is launching its own sales unit at the Cannes virtual market.
Headed by former M-Line Distribution executive Jamie Seo, the company’s international business team is selling films including the directorial debut of leading Korean actor Jung Woo-sung, Protector (working title). The kidnap revenge thriller, which stars Jung with Kim Nam-gil and Park Sung-woong, is currently in production.
Acemaker also has Kim Tae-yong’s sci-fi drama Wonderland (working title) in production. Set in a world...
- 6/21/2020
- by 134¦Jean Noh¦516¦
- ScreenDaily
Kofic’s annual report reveals that South Korea’s top ten releases in 2019 accounted for 46.2% of total box office.
South Korea’s box office hit an all-time high last year, but also recorded increased polarisation, with Disney titles and big-budget local films drawing a greater proportion of screens and audiences, according to a report from the Korean Film Council (Kofic).
Last year, total admissions increased by 4.8% to an all-time high of 226.68 million tickets sold, amounting to $1.61bn in box office revenues – similar to the previous year’s take of $1.62bn – but in local currency terms, due to fluctuating exchange rates,...
South Korea’s box office hit an all-time high last year, but also recorded increased polarisation, with Disney titles and big-budget local films drawing a greater proportion of screens and audiences, according to a report from the Korean Film Council (Kofic).
Last year, total admissions increased by 4.8% to an all-time high of 226.68 million tickets sold, amounting to $1.61bn in box office revenues – similar to the previous year’s take of $1.62bn – but in local currency terms, due to fluctuating exchange rates,...
- 2/19/2020
- by 134¦Jean Noh¦516¦
- ScreenDaily
The Oscar for Best International Feature Film going to Bong Joon Ho’s “Parasite” marks a history-making moment for the Academy Awards. “Parasite’s” victory is the first time South Korea has won the International Feature Film category in the history of the Oscars. The category was formerly called Best Foreign Language Film. Bong’s social thriller was the frontrunner to win the International Feature Film Oscar after nabbing six total Oscar nominations this year, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Editing, Best Production Design, and Best Original Screenplay. “Parasite” was the first South Korean movie to be nominated in any of these categories, making the film a history-making before the awards ceremony even began.
“Parasite” ending its awards season journey with a history-making victory at the 92nd Academy Awards is a full circle moment as the movie started its run at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, where it world premiered...
“Parasite” ending its awards season journey with a history-making victory at the 92nd Academy Awards is a full circle moment as the movie started its run at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, where it world premiered...
- 2/10/2020
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Mainstream Korean media gave pride of place to Monday’s unprecedented haul of six Oscar nominations for Bong Joon-ho’s “Parasite.” The dark satire was nominated in categories including best international feature film, best screenplay and best picture.
Digital editions of The Korea Herald newspaper made “Parasite” its front page lead. The story was accompanied by a picture of Bong receiving a Golden Globes award.
The text was supplied by official news agency Yonhap, which called the film a “sensation,” but otherwise reported without flourish or quotes. That may have reflected the time of day that the story broke – early morning in Los Angeles is late evening in Seoul. But Yonhap happily noted that the film has earned $24 million at the North American box office – “the most popular subtitled film of the year.”
The Korea Times also used Yonhap material, but added: “It is the first time that a South...
Digital editions of The Korea Herald newspaper made “Parasite” its front page lead. The story was accompanied by a picture of Bong receiving a Golden Globes award.
The text was supplied by official news agency Yonhap, which called the film a “sensation,” but otherwise reported without flourish or quotes. That may have reflected the time of day that the story broke – early morning in Los Angeles is late evening in Seoul. But Yonhap happily noted that the film has earned $24 million at the North American box office – “the most popular subtitled film of the year.”
The Korea Times also used Yonhap material, but added: “It is the first time that a South...
- 1/14/2020
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Bong Joon Ho’s “Parasite” is officially a history-making Academy Award nominee. The critical and commercial favorite earned six Oscar nominations this morning and has written itself into the Academy Awards history books as the first South Korean nominee for Best International Feature Film (formerly Best Foreign Language Movie). South Korea had failed to receive an Oscar nomination for 91 years, but that has all changed with “Parasite.” Additionally, the film is the first South Korean movie nominated for Best Picture and Bong Joon Ho is the first South Korean filmmaker nominated for Best Director. Additional Oscar nominations for “Parasite” include Best Director, Best Editing, Best Production Design, and Best Original Screenplay.
“Parasite” started its awards run as a history maker at the Cannes Film Festival, where it was awarded the Palme d’Or. The prize made Bong Joon Ho the first South Korean filmmaker to win the Cannes Film Festival’s top prize.
“Parasite” started its awards run as a history maker at the Cannes Film Festival, where it was awarded the Palme d’Or. The prize made Bong Joon Ho the first South Korean filmmaker to win the Cannes Film Festival’s top prize.
- 1/13/2020
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
One of the most captivating actors in South Korea, Ryu Jun-yeol grabbed audiences’ attention in supporting roles in films like The King, A Taxi Driver, and Believer; so much so that the New York Asian Film Festival honoured Ryu with their Rising Star award. Presenting his first leading role in Money, Ryu had an exclusive chat with Lmd about the seduction of the ₩on, and how his upcoming project, The Battle, crosses one goal off his acting bucket list. The Lady Miz Diva: How did the role of Choi Il-hyun come to you in Money? Ryu Jun-yeol: First of all, it was a really good script, I didn’t know at the time that it was based on a book. All in...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 7/21/2019
- Screen Anarchy
Ryu Jun-yeol has had quite the upward career graph. Beginning his career as an important part of an ensemble of young actors in 2015’s “Socialphobia”, he begun making his mark on South Korean cinema in 2017 with important supporting roles in “A Taxi Driver”, “The King” and “Heart Blackened”, some of the year’s biggest films in which he shared screen space with South Korean bigwigs such as Song Kang-ho, Jung Woo-sung and Choi Min-sik respectively. He followed that up with more prominent roles in films such as “Little Forest” and “Believer” the following year. Now, 2019 brings with it his first leading roles in the financial thriller “Money” by director Park Noo-ri.
“Money” is screening at New York Asian Film Festival
Jo Il-hyun, the son of raspberry farmers, comes from humble upbringings but dreams of becoming a stock broker and getting rich. He joins one of the top firms on the Yeouido,...
“Money” is screening at New York Asian Film Festival
Jo Il-hyun, the son of raspberry farmers, comes from humble upbringings but dreams of becoming a stock broker and getting rich. He joins one of the top firms on the Yeouido,...
- 7/7/2019
- by Rhythm Zaveri
- AsianMoviePulse
The star of Ryu Jun-yeol continues to ascend. He starred in the adrenalin-fuelled ensemble film “Hit-and-Run Squad” earlier this year before getting his first leading role in “Money”. He is also to be honoured with the Rising Star Asia Award later this month at the New York Asian Film Festival. Shortly after, he will be back on-screen in his latest starring role in director Won Shin-yun’s historical “The Battle: Roar to Victory”.
Synopsis
The story of the national independece army who fought for four days for a miracle in the Battle of Fengwudong where they won for the first time. Over a 4 day period, a fierce battle took place between Korean independence militias and Japanese forces in Manchuria, China. The militia includes Hwang Hae-cheol, who is a master with the sword, and Lee Jang-ha, who is an expert marksman.
Tacky English title aside, the film comes with some heavy names attached to it,...
Synopsis
The story of the national independece army who fought for four days for a miracle in the Battle of Fengwudong where they won for the first time. Over a 4 day period, a fierce battle took place between Korean independence militias and Japanese forces in Manchuria, China. The militia includes Hwang Hae-cheol, who is a master with the sword, and Lee Jang-ha, who is an expert marksman.
Tacky English title aside, the film comes with some heavy names attached to it,...
- 6/21/2019
- by Rhythm Zaveri
- AsianMoviePulse
Korean actor Ryu Jun-yeol and Japanese actress Nana Komatsu will both be awarded the Rising Star Asia Award at this year’s New York Asian Film Festival, which will run from June 28th to July 14th, 2019.
Ryu Jun-yeol in Lee Hae-young’s “Believer
Ryu, who got his break in the Korean Academy of Film Arts feature graduation project “Socialphobia”, exploded as a film star in 2017, with star-making turns in “The King”, “Heart Blackened” and the year’s biggest hit “A Taxi Driver“. He followed it up in 2018 with equally impressive roles in “Little Forest” and “Believer” and has already featured in “Hit-and-Run Squad” and the financial drama “Money” already this year.
Tokyo-born Nana Komatsu, meanwhile, started her cinematic journey in 2015 with “Close Range Love” and suspense thriller “The World of Kanako“. Her impressive filmography includes “Destruction Babies“, Martin Scorsese’s “Silence”, hit romantic drama “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday” as well...
Ryu Jun-yeol in Lee Hae-young’s “Believer
Ryu, who got his break in the Korean Academy of Film Arts feature graduation project “Socialphobia”, exploded as a film star in 2017, with star-making turns in “The King”, “Heart Blackened” and the year’s biggest hit “A Taxi Driver“. He followed it up in 2018 with equally impressive roles in “Little Forest” and “Believer” and has already featured in “Hit-and-Run Squad” and the financial drama “Money” already this year.
Tokyo-born Nana Komatsu, meanwhile, started her cinematic journey in 2015 with “Close Range Love” and suspense thriller “The World of Kanako“. Her impressive filmography includes “Destruction Babies“, Martin Scorsese’s “Silence”, hit romantic drama “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday” as well...
- 6/5/2019
- by Rhythm Zaveri
- AsianMoviePulse
Locarno Film Festival have announced that South Korean superstar Song Kang-ho will be honoured with the Excellence Award at the 72nd edition of the Swiss festival in August this year, making him the first person from Asia to receive the award.
Song Kang-ho is an eclectic, versatile, graceful actor, who has been able to conquer South Korean cinema and then access the world of international stardom, and to whom the Locarno Film Festival will bestow the Excellence Award. His artistic birth can be traced back to the late 1990s, in Hong Sang-soo’s “The Day a Pig Fell Into the Well”, and his career path was laid down in the early 2000s. After “The Quiet Family”, he reteamed with Kim Jee-woon for “The Foul King”, causing audiences to stare in amazement at performances based on versatility and physical skill. This has been the case for twenty years’ worth of film sets,...
Song Kang-ho is an eclectic, versatile, graceful actor, who has been able to conquer South Korean cinema and then access the world of international stardom, and to whom the Locarno Film Festival will bestow the Excellence Award. His artistic birth can be traced back to the late 1990s, in Hong Sang-soo’s “The Day a Pig Fell Into the Well”, and his career path was laid down in the early 2000s. After “The Quiet Family”, he reteamed with Kim Jee-woon for “The Foul King”, causing audiences to stare in amazement at performances based on versatility and physical skill. This has been the case for twenty years’ worth of film sets,...
- 6/4/2019
- by Rhythm Zaveri
- AsianMoviePulse
One of the finest Hong Kong cop thrillers of the previous decade, Johnnie To’s celebrated “Drug War” was a major success when it was released and continued his stance as one of the country’s finest modern directors. Now four years later, South Korea has opted for a remake of the film that takes the core essence of the same story into a new direction with Lee Hae-yeong’s new effort “Believer”.
“Believer” is screening at the Udine Far East Film Festival
After a friend is killed, determined cop Won-ho now has more ammunition than ever to nail the drug kingpin at the centre of the past two years of his life. After getting further clues to his identity, he and his squad begin an operation with the survivor of one of the attacks, Rak, a low-level employee in the operation, and begin to work through the organisation, in order to reach the top.
“Believer” is screening at the Udine Far East Film Festival
After a friend is killed, determined cop Won-ho now has more ammunition than ever to nail the drug kingpin at the centre of the past two years of his life. After getting further clues to his identity, he and his squad begin an operation with the survivor of one of the attacks, Rak, a low-level employee in the operation, and begin to work through the organisation, in order to reach the top.
- 5/4/2019
- by Don Anelli
- AsianMoviePulse
The London Korean Film Festival 2019 presents the UK Premiere of “Default” at Regent Street Cinema, Monday 20th May
“The poor get poorer… unemployment becomes the norm…
we must not choose that world.”
Recent years have witnessed a boom in political dramas in Korea, with hits such as “A Taxi Driver” (2017) and “1987: When the Day Comes” (2017) bringing in audiences in their millions. The second teaser in our showcase, based on the true events of the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, adds the dimension of a fast-paced financial thriller to this popular genre. Default is an affecting film that considers the human impact of the crisis alongside acerbic commentary.
The crisis occurred when large companies, aspiring to compete globally, began to take out massive loans for expansion projects. When these investments failed to achieve returns, a domino effect began that would result in nationwide debt and the impending crash of the economy…
Set...
“The poor get poorer… unemployment becomes the norm…
we must not choose that world.”
Recent years have witnessed a boom in political dramas in Korea, with hits such as “A Taxi Driver” (2017) and “1987: When the Day Comes” (2017) bringing in audiences in their millions. The second teaser in our showcase, based on the true events of the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, adds the dimension of a fast-paced financial thriller to this popular genre. Default is an affecting film that considers the human impact of the crisis alongside acerbic commentary.
The crisis occurred when large companies, aspiring to compete globally, began to take out massive loans for expansion projects. When these investments failed to achieve returns, a domino effect began that would result in nationwide debt and the impending crash of the economy…
Set...
- 4/26/2019
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
If not for the wonders of technology — and world’s most popular ride-sharing app in particular — Vic and Stu never would have met. Vic (Dave Bautista) is an enormous bull-in-a-china-shop-style cop recovering from eye surgery who can’t see well enough to drive (or shoot) on the night of his big bust. Stu (Kumail Nanjiani) is a touchy, easily disconcerted Uber driver who can’t afford to get another one-star review. And “Stuber” is the wildly irreverent, crash-test action-comedy that throws these two polar opposites together for a night of shootouts, stakeouts, and bust-out big laughs, as Vic commandeers Stu’s puny electric car, simultaneously deputizing and endangering its terrified driver, who hates it when you call him “Stuber.”
Debuting to justifiably enthusiastic response at the SXSW Film Festival as a work-in-progress screening — though tighter and no less polished than any of the flashy, fully-ready studio premieres that screened over...
Debuting to justifiably enthusiastic response at the SXSW Film Festival as a work-in-progress screening — though tighter and no less polished than any of the flashy, fully-ready studio premieres that screened over...
- 3/14/2019
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
The narcotics industry, or what existed of it, in South Korea has for the most part never been explored in cinema up until recently. 2018, however, changed that with two films on the subject out in a year. While “Believer” was a remake of the Johnnie To film “Drug War”, director Woo Min-ho’s latest film “The Drug King” attempted to tell the true tale of the 1970s drug trade through Busan into Japan. It was highly anticipated not only for being Woo Min-ho’s follow-up to the excellent 2015 thriller “Inside Men”, but also for starring South Korean superstar Song Kang-ho, who was last seen in the hit Gwangju Uprising drama “A Taxi Driver” as well as Bae Doona, one of the leading South Korean actresses. So does the film live up to the hype and the towering names it comes with? Let’s break it down.
After a brief introduction to methaphetamine,...
After a brief introduction to methaphetamine,...
- 3/9/2019
- by Rhythm Zaveri
- AsianMoviePulse
The rise of Ryu Jun-yeol as an actor has been an interesting one to watch. Starting his film career in the excellent 2015 social thriller “Socialphobia”, he really exploded on the scene in 2017 with three important and appreciated supporting roles in hit films “The King”, “A Taxi Driver” and “Heart Blackened”. These were followed by equally lauded roles in “Little Forest” and “Believer” in 2018. Only two months into the new year, we have the trailer for his second film of 2019, and his first leading role, in director Park Noo-ri’s “Money” (literal title).
Synopsis
Il-Hyun begins to work as a stock broker. His dream is to become rich. Il-Hyun meets a stock market scammer known as “Ticket Man”. He asks Il-Hyun to help in a stock market scam. Meanwhile, Han Ji-Cheol works for Financial Supervisory Service and has chased “Ticket Man” for a long time. He senses something suspicious with Il-Hyun.
Synopsis
Il-Hyun begins to work as a stock broker. His dream is to become rich. Il-Hyun meets a stock market scammer known as “Ticket Man”. He asks Il-Hyun to help in a stock market scam. Meanwhile, Han Ji-Cheol works for Financial Supervisory Service and has chased “Ticket Man” for a long time. He senses something suspicious with Il-Hyun.
- 2/13/2019
- by Rhythm Zaveri
- AsianMoviePulse
Han Jun-hee’s crime action film heading to Australia and New Zealand.
South Korea’s Showbox has sold crime action film Hit-And-Run Squad to a raft of territories led by Australia and New Zealand (Jbg Pictures).
The other territories are Japan (New Select), Us and Canada (815 Pictures), Hong Kong (Megaton), Taiwan (Movie Cloud), the Philippines (Viva Communications), Singapore (Shaw Renters), Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam (Westec Media), and Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Thailand (Cj E&M Hk). The film also sold worldwide in-flight rights excluding Korea (Emphasis).
From director Han Jun-hee (Coin Locker Girl), the film stars Kong Hyo-jin (Door...
South Korea’s Showbox has sold crime action film Hit-And-Run Squad to a raft of territories led by Australia and New Zealand (Jbg Pictures).
The other territories are Japan (New Select), Us and Canada (815 Pictures), Hong Kong (Megaton), Taiwan (Movie Cloud), the Philippines (Viva Communications), Singapore (Shaw Renters), Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam (Westec Media), and Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Thailand (Cj E&M Hk). The film also sold worldwide in-flight rights excluding Korea (Emphasis).
From director Han Jun-hee (Coin Locker Girl), the film stars Kong Hyo-jin (Door...
- 2/8/2019
- by Jean Noh
- ScreenDaily
Korean filmmakers have a knack for turning their national crises into riveting entertainment, choice examples being last year’s “A Taxi Driver” and “1987: When the Day Comes.” Following in that tradition, domestic hit “Default” (which opened Nov. 30 in the U.S.) manages to make currency crashes and the Asian Financial Crisis a juicy subject onscreen.
Set in 1997, when South Korea faced national bankruptcy, this financial thriller dramatizes the tense run-up to the Imf’s bailout, which the Korean media coined the nation’s “day of humiliation.” Racily paced yet boasting crystal-clear exposition, this hard-nosed and clear-eyed lesson on capitalist hubris bristles with relevance given the escalation of the Trade War.
It’s hard to believe that director Choi Kook-hee has only shot one feature film “Split” before making a work of such lofty ambition. With consummate skill, he pulls together three character arcs that represent the lower-middle class, the financial sector,...
Set in 1997, when South Korea faced national bankruptcy, this financial thriller dramatizes the tense run-up to the Imf’s bailout, which the Korean media coined the nation’s “day of humiliation.” Racily paced yet boasting crystal-clear exposition, this hard-nosed and clear-eyed lesson on capitalist hubris bristles with relevance given the escalation of the Trade War.
It’s hard to believe that director Choi Kook-hee has only shot one feature film “Split” before making a work of such lofty ambition. With consummate skill, he pulls together three character arcs that represent the lower-middle class, the financial sector,...
- 12/24/2018
- by Maggie Lee
- Variety Film + TV
A new Song Kang-ho film is quite the event in South Korean cinema. Possibly the country’s biggest superstar, and one of the best known South Korean actors around the world, Song Kang-ho is known to star in massive hits and his films are often South Korea’s official entries to the Academy Awards for the Best Foreign Language category. So when he teams up with “Inside Men” director Woo Min-ho and Bae Doona, one of South Korea’s best actresses and Song Kang-ho’s co-star from “The Host”, big things are expected from the resulting collaboration “The Drug King”.
Synopsis
Set in Busan, South Korea during the 1970’s, Lee Doo-Sam builds an empire as a drug smuggler in the Busan underworld, while public prosecutor Kim In-goo attempts to take down Lee Doo-Sam.
Joining Song Kang-ho and Bae Donna is a strong supporting cast of Jo Jung-suk, who also starred...
Synopsis
Set in Busan, South Korea during the 1970’s, Lee Doo-Sam builds an empire as a drug smuggler in the Busan underworld, while public prosecutor Kim In-goo attempts to take down Lee Doo-Sam.
Joining Song Kang-ho and Bae Donna is a strong supporting cast of Jo Jung-suk, who also starred...
- 11/14/2018
- by Rhythm Zaveri
- AsianMoviePulse
Eighteen years after his debut feature film “Happy End”, director Jung Ji-woo reunites with actor par excellence Choi Min-sik for murder mystery/courtroom drama “Heart Blackened”, the remake of Chinese film “Silent Witness” starring superstar Aaron Kwok. “Heart Blackened” earned Best Supporting Actress nominations for both Lee Hanee and Lee Soo-kyung at the 54th Baeksang Art Awards, with the latter eventually emerging victorious.
Heart Blackened is screening at London Korean Film Festival
Yim Tae-san is the CEO of a vast empire who believes that money is the solution to all of life problems, except for his fledgling relationship with his daughter Yim Mi-ra. His relationship with her is further dented with his engagement to beautiful and much-loved singer Park Yoo-na, who just cannot seem to get Mi-ra to warm up to her, despite her best efforts. When Yoo-na is found killed in a parking lot shortly after a meeting with Mi-ra,...
Heart Blackened is screening at London Korean Film Festival
Yim Tae-san is the CEO of a vast empire who believes that money is the solution to all of life problems, except for his fledgling relationship with his daughter Yim Mi-ra. His relationship with her is further dented with his engagement to beautiful and much-loved singer Park Yoo-na, who just cannot seem to get Mi-ra to warm up to her, despite her best efforts. When Yoo-na is found killed in a parking lot shortly after a meeting with Mi-ra,...
- 10/29/2018
- by Rhythm Zaveri
- AsianMoviePulse
One of the finest Hong Kong cop thrillers of the previous decade, Johnnie To’s celebrated “Drug War” was a major success when it was released and continued his stance as one of the country’s finest modern directors. Now four years later, South Korea has opted for a remake of the film that takes the core essence of the same story into a new direction with Lee Hae-yeong’s new effort “Believer”.
After a friend is killed, determined cop Won-ho now has more ammunition than ever to nail the drug kingpin at the center of the past two years of his life. After getting further clues to his identity, he and his squad begin an operation with the survivor of one of the attacks, Rak, a low-level employee in the operation, and begin to work through the organization, in order to reach the top. Complicated by...
After a friend is killed, determined cop Won-ho now has more ammunition than ever to nail the drug kingpin at the center of the past two years of his life. After getting further clues to his identity, he and his squad begin an operation with the survivor of one of the attacks, Rak, a low-level employee in the operation, and begin to work through the organization, in order to reach the top. Complicated by...
- 10/22/2018
- by Don Anelli
- AsianMoviePulse
“… a wild and boisterous crime drama …” ~ David Ehrlich, Indiewire
“… solid two hours of action and suspense that’s muscularly directed by Lee and stylishly shot …” ~ Richard Kuipers, Variety
Directed by Lee Hae-Young (“The Silenced”), “Believer”, the stylish, action-packed remake of Johnnie To’s Drug War, hits digital, Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD October 30 from Well Go USA Entertainment. While technically a remake, Cary Darling of The Houston Chronicle notes that “Lee Hae-Yeong’s gripping retelling … stands on its own and is different enough from the original to make it less a clone and more of a genuflection.” The story follows an investigator who, in an effort to bring down the boss of Asia’s biggest drug cartel, conspires with a lowly member of the gang seeking revenge against the boss. “Believer”, stars Cho Jin-woong (“The Handmaiden”), Ryu Jun-yeol (“A Taxi Driver”), Kim Joo-hyuck (“The Servant”), Kim Sung-ryoung (“The Target”), Park...
“… solid two hours of action and suspense that’s muscularly directed by Lee and stylishly shot …” ~ Richard Kuipers, Variety
Directed by Lee Hae-Young (“The Silenced”), “Believer”, the stylish, action-packed remake of Johnnie To’s Drug War, hits digital, Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD October 30 from Well Go USA Entertainment. While technically a remake, Cary Darling of The Houston Chronicle notes that “Lee Hae-Yeong’s gripping retelling … stands on its own and is different enough from the original to make it less a clone and more of a genuflection.” The story follows an investigator who, in an effort to bring down the boss of Asia’s biggest drug cartel, conspires with a lowly member of the gang seeking revenge against the boss. “Believer”, stars Cho Jin-woong (“The Handmaiden”), Ryu Jun-yeol (“A Taxi Driver”), Kim Joo-hyuck (“The Servant”), Kim Sung-ryoung (“The Target”), Park...
- 9/16/2018
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
With a history as rich and vast as the peninsula of Korea’s, it is no surprise that films based on the lives of revered national figures are made in South Korea in plenty. It is, however, baffling that no film that focused specifically on the very eventful life of activist, freedom fighter and the last Premier of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea, Kim Koo, had been made so far. He is finally given his just dues in Lee Won-tae’s biopic “Man of Will”, starring Cho Jin-woong and Song Seung-heon, which focuses on his early days when he was still called Kim Chang-soo.
The film starts with the fight that would change the course of Kim Chang-soo’s life, where he ends up killing a Japanese man. As it turns out, Kim Chang-soo killed the man because he suspects him of having assassinated the beloved Empress Myeongseong,...
The film starts with the fight that would change the course of Kim Chang-soo’s life, where he ends up killing a Japanese man. As it turns out, Kim Chang-soo killed the man because he suspects him of having assassinated the beloved Empress Myeongseong,...
- 9/7/2018
- by Rhythm Zaveri
- AsianMoviePulse
The 26th edition of the oldest and biggest film festival will be held in the urban center of eastern Slovakia – Košice – from 15 to 23 June 2018.
Košice Art Film Fest’s primary goal is to present a compendium of contemporary world cinema in all its diversity of genres, themes and varieties, while also featuring classic and timeless pictures from throughout film history, emphasizing Slovak cinematic production.
The Festival intends to promote dialogue between professionals and the community, and to provide a unique venue for interaction between for international and local visitors. This inclusive project grants equal space for the screening of both professional and student work, as well as for talks and panel discussions on various topics.
Košice Art Film Fest is a a special treat for Asan movie fans as one whole section of the Festival called „Prísľuby Z Východu / Eastern Promises“ is entirely dedicated to the Cinema of East and Southeast Asia,...
Košice Art Film Fest’s primary goal is to present a compendium of contemporary world cinema in all its diversity of genres, themes and varieties, while also featuring classic and timeless pictures from throughout film history, emphasizing Slovak cinematic production.
The Festival intends to promote dialogue between professionals and the community, and to provide a unique venue for interaction between for international and local visitors. This inclusive project grants equal space for the screening of both professional and student work, as well as for talks and panel discussions on various topics.
Košice Art Film Fest is a a special treat for Asan movie fans as one whole section of the Festival called „Prísľuby Z Východu / Eastern Promises“ is entirely dedicated to the Cinema of East and Southeast Asia,...
- 6/5/2018
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
Young and beautiful, EstAsia Festival is back with its 3rd edition in Reggio Emilia, one of the more bountiful regions of of Italy, from the 11th to the 18th of June 2018.
Curated by Cineclub Peyote, Fondazione Palazzo Magnani e Comune di Reggio Emilia, EstAsia’s aim is to brings to the big screen a selection of the best Asian Movies seen over the year in Festivals but unseen in Italian cinemas. The participant countries include India, Vietnam and Singapore but this edition has allowed more space to explore works from China and Japan.
EstAsia has finally revealed the full programme of its 2018 edition. The selection is very promising and comprises a good mix of both independent and commercial features, plus some European premieres, and this year – for the first time – a jury will award a winner. The Festival will have also some international guests introducing their works to the audience.
Curated by Cineclub Peyote, Fondazione Palazzo Magnani e Comune di Reggio Emilia, EstAsia’s aim is to brings to the big screen a selection of the best Asian Movies seen over the year in Festivals but unseen in Italian cinemas. The participant countries include India, Vietnam and Singapore but this edition has allowed more space to explore works from China and Japan.
EstAsia has finally revealed the full programme of its 2018 edition. The selection is very promising and comprises a good mix of both independent and commercial features, plus some European premieres, and this year – for the first time – a jury will award a winner. The Festival will have also some international guests introducing their works to the audience.
- 6/3/2018
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
Tagline: "Don't Follow its Voice." Well Go USA has announced this month that Huh Jung's The Mimic will be releasing in June. This terrifying horror film was originally released, in South Korea, in late 2017. The film involves a mythological figure, known as "the Tiger of Mt. Jang." This entity simulates people, causing chaos. This Korean language film stars: Park Hyuk-Kwon (A Taxi Driver), Shin Rin-Ah (Ode To My Father), Yum Jung-Ah (Tell Me Something) and P Heo Jin. The North American release trailer has just been released and the clip can be found here. The trailer shows a family moving into a new home. The daughter finds a strange character in the home. Slowly, the family begins to succumb to a strange ghost, which cannot be escaped (nor buried). The North American debut will take place on a couple of formats. The film will be available on Blu-ray and on Digital platforms,...
- 5/29/2018
- by noreply@blogger.com (Michael Allen)
- 28 Days Later Analysis
“1987: When the Day Comes“. With an impressive ensemble cast and polemic real-life story, director ’s powerful portrayal of the events that led to Korea’s historic June Democratic Uprising was as much a hit with audiences as it was with critics when it stormed the box-office at the start of this year.
In 1980s South Korea, the military regime of President Chun Doo-hwan pushes the masses to breaking point with its widespread corruption and oppression. In 1987, a series of events will be set in motion through which the heroic actions of ordinary people from all walks of life result in nationwide protests, altering the course of the nation’s history forever.
When a student protester dies under police interrogation, the order is given to quickly cremate the body, effectively burying the evidence. Unfortunately for Director Park, the head of the Anti-Communism Investigations Bureau in Seoul desperately trying to cover up the crime,...
In 1980s South Korea, the military regime of President Chun Doo-hwan pushes the masses to breaking point with its widespread corruption and oppression. In 1987, a series of events will be set in motion through which the heroic actions of ordinary people from all walks of life result in nationwide protests, altering the course of the nation’s history forever.
When a student protester dies under police interrogation, the order is given to quickly cremate the body, effectively burying the evidence. Unfortunately for Director Park, the head of the Anti-Communism Investigations Bureau in Seoul desperately trying to cover up the crime,...
- 5/24/2018
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
Following the acclaim for his first feature film Hide and Seek, writer/director Huh Jung returns to the genre that made him famous with his sophomore horror-thriller The Mimic, generating terror on digital and Blu-ray June 12 from Well Go USA Entertainment. Based on the mythological “Tiger of Mt. Jang,” where a legendary ghost that mimics humans, a woman takes in a lost girl she finds near the mysterious Mt. Jang and mystifying things begin to happen to her frightened family.The Mimic stars Yum Jung-Ah (Tell Me Something), Park Hyuk-Kwon (A Taxi Driver), Shin Rin-Ah (Ode To My Father), Heo Jin (The Wailing), Kil Hae-Yeon (Missing) and Lee Yool (Hello Murderer).
A classic Korean ghost story gets a horrifying new spin in The Mimic, as the mother of a missing child takes in a lost girl she finds in the woods and soon begins to wonder if she is even human.
A classic Korean ghost story gets a horrifying new spin in The Mimic, as the mother of a missing child takes in a lost girl she finds in the woods and soon begins to wonder if she is even human.
- 5/21/2018
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Don Lee (aka Ma Dong-seok) who has headlined films such as Train To Busan and The Outlaws, stars in debuting director Kim Min-ho’s Unstoppable.
South Korean distributor Showbox has picked up sales rights to crime actions films Unstoppable and Hit-And-Run Squad.
Don Lee (aka Ma Dong-seok) who has headlined films such as Train To Busan and The Outlaws, stars in debuting director Kim Min-ho’s Unstoppable. He will play a legendary gangster trying to clean up his act to live an ordinary life with his wife Ji-soo, played by Song Ji-hyo (New World), who keeps getting tricked into bad business decisions.
South Korean distributor Showbox has picked up sales rights to crime actions films Unstoppable and Hit-And-Run Squad.
Don Lee (aka Ma Dong-seok) who has headlined films such as Train To Busan and The Outlaws, stars in debuting director Kim Min-ho’s Unstoppable. He will play a legendary gangster trying to clean up his act to live an ordinary life with his wife Ji-soo, played by Song Ji-hyo (New World), who keeps getting tricked into bad business decisions.
- 5/8/2018
- by Jean Noh
- ScreenDaily
Returning for his second feature film, Huh Jung's (Hide and Seek) supernatural-thriller The Mimic will be released for your viewing pleasure on digital platforms and Blu-ray beginning June 12th courtesy of Well Go USA Entertainment:
Press Release: Plano, Texas. – Following the acclaim for his first feature film Hide and Seek, writer/director Huh Jung returns to the genre that made him famous with his sophomore horror-thriller The Mimic, generating terror on digital and Blu-ray June 12 from Well Go USA Entertainment. Based on the mythological “Tiger of Mt. Jang,” where a legendary ghost that mimics humans, a woman takes in a lost girl she finds near the mysterious Mt. Jang and mystifying things begin to happen to her frightened family. The Mimic stars Yum Jung-Ah (Tell Me Something), Park Hyuk-Kwon (A Taxi Driver), Shin Rin-Ah (Ode To My Father), Heo Jin (The Wailing), Kil Hae-Yeon (Missing), and Lee Yool (Hello Murderer...
Press Release: Plano, Texas. – Following the acclaim for his first feature film Hide and Seek, writer/director Huh Jung returns to the genre that made him famous with his sophomore horror-thriller The Mimic, generating terror on digital and Blu-ray June 12 from Well Go USA Entertainment. Based on the mythological “Tiger of Mt. Jang,” where a legendary ghost that mimics humans, a woman takes in a lost girl she finds near the mysterious Mt. Jang and mystifying things begin to happen to her frightened family. The Mimic stars Yum Jung-Ah (Tell Me Something), Park Hyuk-Kwon (A Taxi Driver), Shin Rin-Ah (Ode To My Father), Heo Jin (The Wailing), Kil Hae-Yeon (Missing), and Lee Yool (Hello Murderer...
- 5/7/2018
- by Tamika Jones
- DailyDead
The first trailer of Believer, the highly-anticipated remake of Johnnie To’s 2012 Hong Kong crime thriller Drug War, has been unveiled ahead of its May 24th release in South Korea.
Lee Hae-young, the director of The Silenced, brings to the screen the tale of detective Won-ho (Cho Jin-woong from A Hard Day). He teams up with drug dealer Rak (Ryu Jun-yeol of A Taxi Driver) in the hopes of infiltrating and taking down a major crime syndicate that oversees the dark world of drug trade in South Korea.
The film will also act as a final bow for the late actor Kim Joo-hyuk, who sadly passed away this last November. If the trailer is any indication, however, his turn as the crazed drug kin pin Ha-rim will be a memorable, worthy swan song.
Buckle up and check out the action-packed, fast-paced trailer below.
Source: ScreenAnarchy...
Lee Hae-young, the director of The Silenced, brings to the screen the tale of detective Won-ho (Cho Jin-woong from A Hard Day). He teams up with drug dealer Rak (Ryu Jun-yeol of A Taxi Driver) in the hopes of infiltrating and taking down a major crime syndicate that oversees the dark world of drug trade in South Korea.
The film will also act as a final bow for the late actor Kim Joo-hyuk, who sadly passed away this last November. If the trailer is any indication, however, his turn as the crazed drug kin pin Ha-rim will be a memorable, worthy swan song.
Buckle up and check out the action-packed, fast-paced trailer below.
Source: ScreenAnarchy...
- 4/25/2018
- by Kristen Barrett
- AsianMoviePulse
The much-anticipated Korean remake of Johnnie To's crime drama Drug War has dropped an electric first trailer ahead of its domestic release on May 24. From The Silenced director Lee Hae-young, the film will head overseas under the new international title Believer. Cho Jin-woong (A Hard Day) takes the lead role, played by Sun Honglei in the original, of detective Won-ho, who is looking to take down a large crime syndicate that controls the drug trade in Korea. Rising superstar Ryu Jun-yeol (A Taxi Driver) fills Louis Koo's shoes as Rak, the drug pusher who teams up with Won-ho to take them on. Park Hae-joon (Fourth Place), Kim Sung-ryoung (The Fatal Encounter) and Cha Seung-won (Man on High Heels) co-star in the crime thriller, which also...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 4/18/2018
- Screen Anarchy
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.