Showing posts with label cannes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cannes. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 3, 2018
Review: THE WAILING, A Bone-Chilling, Thunderous Descent Into Hell
Monday, June 4, 2018
Cannes 2018 Review: BURNING, a Slow Burn for the Ages
Saturday, August 26, 2017
Review: CLAIRE'S CAMERA, Hong Sangsoo's Low-Key Cannes Holiday
By Pierce Conran
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
Review: THE VILLAINESS Shoots and Chops Her Way to Bloody Revenge
By Pierce Conran
Korean action cinema bursts through to new horizons in the hyperkinetic pulp blade and bullet ballet The Villainess. Equal parts Kill Bill, Nikita, John Wick, Hardcore Henry and HK-era John Woo, the second film from Confession of Murder director Jung Byung-gil is an inspired but exhausting entry into this year's Midnight Screenings lineup at the Cannes Film Festival.
Friday, October 3, 2014
Busan 2014 Review: A GIRL AT MY DOOR Is Korean Cinema At Its Finest
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Part of MKC's coverage of the 19th Busan International Film Festival
By Pierce Conran
Screening in the Cannes Film Festival's Un Certain Regard section this year is A Girl at My Door, a film that is so well-wrought that one can't help but be swept up in its artistry, which effortlessly plunges us into an intellectual reverie. The film features the return of Bae Doo-na, following back-to-back Hollywood blockbusters, and teenage actress Kim Sae-ron. It also boasts Lee Chang-dong as a producer, whose influence over the film will not go unnoticed.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
News: A GIRL AT MY DOOR acquired by UK's Peccadillo Pictures
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By Hieu Chau
After an impressive showing at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, July Jung’s film, A Girl At My Door (Doheeya), has been picked up by independent UK distributor Peccadillo Pictures, according to Screen Daily.
Competing in the Un Certain Regard section of Cannes, the film stars MKC favourite Bae Doo-na and Kim Sae-ron, with acclaimed auteur Lee Chang-dong serving as producer.
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Cannes 2014 Review: A GIRL AT MY DOOR Is Korean Cinema At Its Finest
By Pierce Conran
Screening in the Cannes Film Festival's Un Certain Regard section this year is A Girl at My Door, a film that is so well-wrought that one can't help but be swept up in its artistry, which effortlessly plunges us into an intellectual reverie. The film features the return of Bae Doo-na, following back-to-back Hollywood blockbusters, and teenage actress Kim Sae-ron. It also boasts Lee Chang-dong as a producer, whose influence over the film will not go unnoticed.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Korean Box Office Update (05/25-05/27)
The Men in Black Score Big After Long Absence
| Title | Release Date | Market Share | Weekend | Total | Screens | |
| 1 | Men in Black 3 (us) | 5/24/12 | 47.50% | 1,064,549 | 1,210,197 | 767 |
| 2 | All About My Wife | 5/17/12 | 24.50% | 610,994 | 1,819,491 | 537 |
| 3 | The Avengers (us) | 4/26/12 | 10.30% | 260,686 | 6,741,216 | 367 |
| 4 | The Taste of Money | 5/17/12 | 7.80% | 193,197 | 951,420 | 412 |
| 5 | As One | 5/3/12 | 3.20% | 86,339 | 1,775,535 | 277 |
| 6 | Snow White and the Huntsmen (us) | 5/30/12 | 2.90% | 71,840 | 71,840 | 284 |
| 7 | Inazuma Eleven Go (jp) | 5/24/12 | 1.50% | 40,393 | 41,668 | 242 |
| 8 | Machine Gun Preacher (us) | 5/24/12 | 0.40% | 10,771 | 17,847 | 140 |
| 9 | Mirror Mirror (us) | 5/3/12 | 0.40% | 10,443 | 574,969 | 57 |
| 10 | A Muse | 4/25/12 | 0.20% | 5,498 | 1,337,811 | 52 |
Friday, May 25, 2012
Weekly Review Round-up (05/19-05/25, 2012)
A bevvy of reviews this week for Hong Sang-soo's latest as it vies for the Palme d'Or at this year's Cannes Film Festival. Also a lot of great pieces on current Korean films and for Helpless which recently opened on limited in the US.
FUTURE FILMS
In Another Country - Out 03/31
The Emperor's Concubine - Out 06/06
(The Korea Times, May 22, 2012)
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Korean Cinema News (05/17-05/23, 2012)
Some sales in Cannes this week but not too much else to report though there are some great interviews and a new trailer for incoming summer zombie feature Deranged. Next week should yield some more Cannes news and hopefully a Korean film will pick up a prize though at this point I don't think they'll get anything in the main competition unless The Taste of Money suddenly received a better welcome than in Korea where it opened last week.
KOREAN CINEMA NEWS
A number of high-profile pics have sold at Cannes, including the hotly anticipated The Thieves which was bought by firms in China, Hong Kong and Thailand. The year's biggest local hit to date, Nameless Gangster, also secured distribution in some territories such as Japan, China and Hong Kong in Asia as well as Eastern Europe, Spain and the French-speaking portion of Europe. So Ji-sub's hitman film A Company Man, which is scheduled to open next month, was sold to Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, and French and German-speaking Europe. The Scent was also taken by a few Asian markets, including Thailand, Hong Kong and Singapore. Lastly, Love On-Air, the first wide Korean release of 2012, was sold to Thailand. (Modern Korean Cinema, May 23, 2012)
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Korean Cinema News (04/19-04/25, 2012)
I was away at the 14th Udine Far East Film Festival when this update was meant to go out but I don't think I missed very much save the big Cannes lineup announcement which featured two hotly anticipated Korean films in the main competition.
KOREAN CINEMA NEWS
Showbox, Huayi Brothers Join Forces for Mr. Go 3D
Korea’s Showbox/Mediaplex has entered into an investment and distribution partnership with Chinese studio Huayi Brothers for its upcoming sports action drama Mr. Go 3D. Huayi Brothers has agreed to invest $5m into the film, which is guaranteed a 5,000-screen release across China in summer 2013 and wide releases in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. More than half of China’s 10,000 screens are 3D-equipped. (Screen Daily, April 19, 2012)
Hong Sang-soo's In Another Country and Im Sang-soo's The Taste of Money have been invited to the 65th Cannes Film Festival next month. This marks the fourth time that two Korean films have been selected for the official competition of arguably the world's most prestigious film festival in the same year. (The Chosun Ilbo, April 20, 2012)
Jeonju Film Festival Puts Indie Films Before Global Blockbusters
Jeonju, a city best known for its bibimbap (mixed vegetables and rice), will be abuzz for a different reason starting Thursday, with indie film fans, directors and stars visiting for the 13th Jeonju International Film Festival. Steadily growing in scale and recognition alongside bigger rivals including the Busan International Film Festival, online tickets for more than 70 screenings have already sold out, though some can still be purchased at the event. (Joong Ang Daily, April 20, 2012)
Yeun Sang-ho's animated feature film The King of Pigs has been invited to Cannes next month to feature at a special screening of the festival's Directors' Fortnight. Other Korean films previously presented in the section include Peppermint Candy (1999) by Lee Chang-dong, The President's Last Bang (2005) by Im Sang-soo and The Host (2006) by Bong Joon-ho. (The Chosun Ilbo, April 25, 2012)
The Korean Film Council (KOFIC) devotes sizable time to sponsoring the filming and production of movies in South Korea, as well as the promotion of completed films once they hit the international festival circuit. For the Korean animation business, however, it's a story of equal interest but far lesser success. (Animation Insider, April 25, 2012)
INTERVIEW
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On the second day of the 14th Udine Far East Film Festival in Italy, CUEAFS member Antoniya Petkova had the distinct pleasure of talking with renowned South Korean director Hyeong-Cheol Kang and producer Han-na Lee, both in town to promote the opening night screening film of their latest effort Sunny (2011). (Cine-Vue, April 24, 2012)
BOX OFFICE
Korean Cinema News is a weekly feature which provides wide-ranging news coverage on Korean cinema, including but not limited to: features; festival news; interviews; industry news; trailers; posters; and box office. It appears every Wednesday morning (GMT+1) on Modern Korean Cinema. For other weekly features, take a look at the Korean Box Office Update and the Weekly Review Round-up. Reviews and features on Korean film also appear regularly on the site.
To keep up with the best in Korean film you can sign up to our RSS Feed, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.
To keep up with the best in Korean film you can sign up to our RSS Feed, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Korean Cinema News Turns 1! (03/29-04/04, 2012)
This week's Korean Cinema News marks the feature's one-year anniversary! Thank you all so much for visiting the site, I really appreciate your continued support.
Unfortunately this is a rather slow week for Korean cinema news, bar the rumours of big new films premiering at Cannes and a very exciting trailer for Im Sang-soo's latest.
I'm sure there will be much more to chew on next week as the Udine Far East Film Festival (which MKC will be covering on site) lineup is announced and we learn more about these tantalizing Cannes selections.
Thanks again and as always, enjoy!
KOREAN CINEMA NEWS
After her successful film, Chilling Romance, actress Son Ye Jin has chosen her next project, Accomplice, which will be directed by a rookie director. While Chilling Romance was also shot by a rookie director, Accomplice will be Son Ye Jin's third straight project with a rookie director. People are wondering whether this is mere coincidence or if Son Ye Jin has certain preferences. (soompi, March 28, 2012)
A list has been leaked which purports to be the official selection for the upcoming Cannes Film Festival and features the new oeuvres from both Hong Sang-soo (In Another Country) and Park Chan-wook (Stoker), both Cannes stalwarts. The rest of the picks are equally impressive, all we need now is official confirmation. (cinema-licious, April 2, 2012)
Three Bollywood films are opening in local theaters this month, only about a month after the Indian Film Festival in Seoul, expanding Indian films’ presence in Korea’s movie market. The release of the three films – Stanley’s Tiffin Box, God’s Own Child, and The Robot – comes after a surprisingly successful year for Bollywood pictures in Korea. (The Korea Herald, April 3, 2012)
The table tennis coach and gold medalist, Hyun Jung Hwa (who is being portrayed in the upcoming Korea) revealed that she requested to be portrayed by Ha Ji Won. She joined the actresses Ha Ji Won and Bae Doo Na for a Korea press conference. (soompi, April 3, 2012)
INTERVIEW
There’s little doubt that Chan-wook Park’s first foray into English-language filmmaking will be of great interest to the many fans the South Korean director has attracted over the years, not least for his brutal and brilliant Vengeance trilogy, and there’s a distinct air of mystery around Stoker. (heyuguys.co.uk, March 6, 2012)
Last Friday morning, during my coverage of the Fribourg International Film Festival, I had the opportunity to sit down with Huh Jong-ho, the director of Countdown, which was screening in the main competition of the festival. His film was awarded the FIPRESCI award during Saturday's closing ceremony. We covered a range of topics in our long discussion, including film schools, first time directors in Korea, the future of the industry, plans for his next project and much more. (Modern Korean Cinema, April 3, 2012)
TRAILER
The Taste of Money
BOX OFFICE
(Modern Korean Cinema, April 2, 2012)
Korean Cinema News is a weekly feature which provides wide-ranging news coverage on Korean cinema, including but not limited to: features; festival news; interviews; industry news; trailers; posters; and box office. It appears every Wednesday morning (GMT+1) on Modern Korean Cinema. For other weekly features, take a look at the Korean Box Office Update and the Weekly Review Round-up. Reviews and features on Korean film also appear regularly on the site.
To keep up with the best in Korean film you can sign up to our RSS Feed, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Korean Cinema News (05/23-05/29, 2011)
Lots of news this week, including, festival news, castings, features, and much more.
Director Jang Hun Preps Upcoming War Film The Frontline
Following on from his brilliant debut Rough Cut (2008) and his extremely successful sophomore effort Secret Reunion (2010), Kim Di-duk's former protege Jang Hun is readying The Frontline for release this summer. The big budget blockbuster stars Sin Ha-kyun and tells the story of the final jockeying over final borders in the closing moments of the Korean war, after a truce had been agreed upon. The film is set to hit multiplexes in July. (Twitch Film, May 23, 2011)
Kim Ki-duk picks up award at Cannes
KOREAN CINEMA NEWS
Director Jang Hun Preps Upcoming War Film The Frontline
Following on from his brilliant debut Rough Cut (2008) and his extremely successful sophomore effort Secret Reunion (2010), Kim Di-duk's former protege Jang Hun is readying The Frontline for release this summer. The big budget blockbuster stars Sin Ha-kyun and tells the story of the final jockeying over final borders in the closing moments of the Korean war, after a truce had been agreed upon. The film is set to hit multiplexes in July. (Twitch Film, May 23, 2011)
Kim Ki-duk picks up award at Cannes
After competing in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival, Arirang, Kim Ki-duk's first directorial effort in three years has earned him the best film prize which he will share with German helmer Andreas Dresen whose film Stopped on Track was also in competition. (Joong Ang Daily, May 23, 2011)
Details and Poster Released for New K-Horror Ghastly
Details and Poster Released for New K-Horror Ghastly
Plot details have emerged regarding Yang Yun-ho's follow-up to Grand Prix (2010), the horror film Ghastly. Horror-movies.ca has a look at the poster. (horror-movies.ca, May 23, 2011)
The Journals of Musan Triumphs at Tribeca
The Journals of Musan Triumphs at Tribeca
Park Jung-bum's The Journals of Musan has won yet another award, this time at the illustrious Tribeca Film Festival in New York. It was named the winner in the best new narrative competition and was awarded a $25,000 cash prize as well as a further $50,000 towards post-production costs. (KOBIZ, May 24, 2011)
Final Details from the Cannes Film Market
Final Details from the Cannes Film Market
As the Cannes Film Festival packed up last week, details emerged regarding the final sales from the film market, which included more international sales of Na Hong-jin's The Yellow Sea this time to Scandinavia and the Baltic region. (Film Business Asia, May 25, 2011)
Joint Venture Between Korean and Japanese High School Students
A new project, funded by the Processing Together Charity, will bring eight Japanese students to Seoul where they will collaborate with eight Korean students to make a film dealing with their cultures and histories. (The Korea Herald, May 25, 2011)
Korean Entertainment Dictates Fashion Trends in China
Korean entertainment is massively popular across Asia. In China, as well as other countries, hallyu has become so pervasive that it has begun to influence local fashion trends. Many young Chinese consumers who are hooked on Korean TV drama and movies are keen to adapt their lifestyle and consumption choices in order to emulate their Korean idols. (The Korea Times, May 25, 2011)
Joint Venture Between Korean and Japanese High School Students
A new project, funded by the Processing Together Charity, will bring eight Japanese students to Seoul where they will collaborate with eight Korean students to make a film dealing with their cultures and histories. (The Korea Herald, May 25, 2011)
Korean Entertainment Dictates Fashion Trends in China
Korean entertainment is massively popular across Asia. In China, as well as other countries, hallyu has become so pervasive that it has begun to influence local fashion trends. Many young Chinese consumers who are hooked on Korean TV drama and movies are keen to adapt their lifestyle and consumption choices in order to emulate their Korean idols. (The Korea Times, May 25, 2011)
A new film dealing with the North is set to open domestically in June. Poongsan is produced by Kim Ki-duk and directed by Juhn Jai-hong. It tells the story of a mysterious man whose job is to transport goods across the border in three hours. (The Korea Times, May 26, 2011)
SIFF Launches Mobile Film Competition
SIFF Launches Mobile Film Competition
50 films shot on smartphones will compete in the first ever Mobile Film Competition as part of the Shanghai International Film Festival. Park Chan-yu's Lofty Waves will be in competition. (CNN, May 26, 2011)
Sector 7 Presold to 46 Countries
Sector 7 Presold to 46 Countries
CJ's much anticipated 3D monster film Sector 7 has presold its distribution rights to 46 countries. The film is Kim Ji-hoon's follow-up to May 18 (2007). (hancinema.net, May 26, 2011)
Korean Film Emerging in US Market
A great article about how Korean cinema and filmmakers are becoming more prominent in the United States. The new CGV cinemas were packed for screenings during the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival of Late Autumn and others. Korea auteurs Park Chan-wook and Kim Jee-woon are prepping their Hollywood debuts while others, such as Jennifer Yuh, have already gained a foothold. (The Korea Herald, May 27, 2011)
Winners Announced for Baeksang Awards
Last Thursday, Lee Byun-hun won the prestigious Daesang grand prize at the 47th Baeksang awards. The Man From Nowhere came way with best film while Ha Jung-woo of The Yellow Sea and Tang Wei of Late Autumn walked away with the best actor and actress prizes respectively. Lee Chang-dong was also awarded best Director for Poetry. (Manila Bulletin, May 27, 2011)
Kim Ki-young's First Film Discovered
Korean Film Emerging in US Market
A great article about how Korean cinema and filmmakers are becoming more prominent in the United States. The new CGV cinemas were packed for screenings during the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival of Late Autumn and others. Korea auteurs Park Chan-wook and Kim Jee-woon are prepping their Hollywood debuts while others, such as Jennifer Yuh, have already gained a foothold. (The Korea Herald, May 27, 2011)
Winners Announced for Baeksang Awards
Last Thursday, Lee Byun-hun won the prestigious Daesang grand prize at the 47th Baeksang awards. The Man From Nowhere came way with best film while Ha Jung-woo of The Yellow Sea and Tang Wei of Late Autumn walked away with the best actor and actress prizes respectively. Lee Chang-dong was also awarded best Director for Poetry. (Manila Bulletin, May 27, 2011)
Kim Ki-young's First Film Discovered
After being thought lost for more than half a century, Kim Ki-young's debut feature The Boxes of Death (1955) has been found. It was discovered in a US archive and screened in Seoul last Thursday. (The Korea Times, May 27, 2011)
Korean-American at the Helm of Kung Fu Panda 2
Hollywood latest blockbuster animation, the much-anticipated Kung Fu Panda 2, was shepherded to the screen by Korean-American filmmaker Jennifer Yuh. She started out as an assistant at Dreamworks in 2003 and she is the first Asian woman to direct at the studio. (Joong Ang Daily, May 27, 2011)
Kwon Sang-woo Set for Chinese Debut
Korean heartthrob Kwon Sang-woo is currently filmin Repeat, I Love You with Cecilia Cheung in China and will next be seen in Jackie Chan's Chinese Zodiac. (The Washington Post, May 27, 2011)
Seven Films to Get You Well Versed in Korean Cinema
Hancinema.com presents seven films that should get you well acquainted with Korean cinema. The list spans from 1999-2006 and includes, multiplex (The Host, 2006), arthouse (Peppermint Candy, 1999), and cult fare (Oldboy, 2003). (hancinema.net, May 28, 2011)
Next Hollywood Role for Lee Byung-hun
Lee Byung-hun is set to reprise his role in the sequel to G.I. Joe (2009) which will begin filming later this year. (hancinema.net, May 29 2011)
New 3DTV Breakthrough from LG
Korea's electronics manufacturer LG is set to heighten the 3-dimensional home entertainment experience with a new innovation which does not require the purchase of bulky and expensive 3D glasses. (Inquirer Technology, May 29, 2011)
A couple of new trailers this week, sadly with no subtitles. Quick doesn't really need them however.
Kung Fu Panda Knocks Out the Competition
The weekend was won by Kung Fu Panda 2 which amassed an enormous 1.5 million admissions, no doubt spurred by the fact that it was directed by Korean-American Jennifer Yuh. Pirates 4 saw half its loot disappear in its sophomore stint at the Korean box office but still managed nearly 600,000 admissions, it has 2.4 million to date. Meanwhile, Sunny didn't let up with nearly half a million tickets sold, bringing its total close to 3.5 million. Head opened small with 33,000 admissions and all other local fare was relegated to the bottom of the chart. (hancinema.net, May 29, 2011)
Korean Cinema News is a weekly feature which provides wide-ranging news coverage on Korean cinema, including but not limited to: features; festival news; interviews; industry news; trailers; posters; and box office. It appears every Wednesday morning (GMT+1) on Modern Korean Cinema. For other weekly features, take a look at the Korean Box Office Update and the Weekly Review Round-up. Reviews and features on Korean film also appear regularly on the site.
To keep up with the best in Korean film you can sign up to our RSS Feed, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.
Korean-American at the Helm of Kung Fu Panda 2
Hollywood latest blockbuster animation, the much-anticipated Kung Fu Panda 2, was shepherded to the screen by Korean-American filmmaker Jennifer Yuh. She started out as an assistant at Dreamworks in 2003 and she is the first Asian woman to direct at the studio. (Joong Ang Daily, May 27, 2011)
Kwon Sang-woo Set for Chinese Debut
Korean heartthrob Kwon Sang-woo is currently filmin Repeat, I Love You with Cecilia Cheung in China and will next be seen in Jackie Chan's Chinese Zodiac. (The Washington Post, May 27, 2011)
Seven Films to Get You Well Versed in Korean Cinema
Hancinema.com presents seven films that should get you well acquainted with Korean cinema. The list spans from 1999-2006 and includes, multiplex (The Host, 2006), arthouse (Peppermint Candy, 1999), and cult fare (Oldboy, 2003). (hancinema.net, May 28, 2011)
Next Hollywood Role for Lee Byung-hun
Lee Byung-hun is set to reprise his role in the sequel to G.I. Joe (2009) which will begin filming later this year. (hancinema.net, May 29 2011)
New 3DTV Breakthrough from LG
Korea's electronics manufacturer LG is set to heighten the 3-dimensional home entertainment experience with a new innovation which does not require the purchase of bulky and expensive 3D glasses. (Inquirer Technology, May 29, 2011)
TRAILERS
A couple of new trailers this week, sadly with no subtitles. Quick doesn't really need them however.
Hoichori (no subs)
Quick (no subs)
BOX OFFICE
Kung Fu Panda Knocks Out the Competition
The weekend was won by Kung Fu Panda 2 which amassed an enormous 1.5 million admissions, no doubt spurred by the fact that it was directed by Korean-American Jennifer Yuh. Pirates 4 saw half its loot disappear in its sophomore stint at the Korean box office but still managed nearly 600,000 admissions, it has 2.4 million to date. Meanwhile, Sunny didn't let up with nearly half a million tickets sold, bringing its total close to 3.5 million. Head opened small with 33,000 admissions and all other local fare was relegated to the bottom of the chart. (hancinema.net, May 29, 2011)
Korean Cinema News is a weekly feature which provides wide-ranging news coverage on Korean cinema, including but not limited to: features; festival news; interviews; industry news; trailers; posters; and box office. It appears every Wednesday morning (GMT+1) on Modern Korean Cinema. For other weekly features, take a look at the Korean Box Office Update and the Weekly Review Round-up. Reviews and features on Korean film also appear regularly on the site.
To keep up with the best in Korean film you can sign up to our RSS Feed, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Korean Cinema News (05/16-05/22, 2011)
Korean films have been selling well at Cannes this week, Criterion has caught up with the times, and 3D Korean films are beginning to make an impact. Some interviews and trailers this week and the box office report.
KOREAN CINEMA NEWS
Lee Chang-dong's film prior to Poetry is being released on DVD & Blu-ray in the US and not only that but Secret Sunshine (2007) is making it's way to home theaters courtesy of the Criterion Collection, long the go-to collection for serious film buffs. This is an especially auspicious event as it is the first Korean film to be added to the series. (Criterion, May 16, 2011)
In his latest film, Kim Ki-duk attacks the Korean film industry, including his former protege Jang Hoon for not being able to resist capitalism. Kim has been withdrawn recently and with his comeback he seems more eccentric than ever. (The Korea Herald, May 16, 2011)
Korea's Green Film Festival got underway last Wednesday and is features 140 eco-related films throughout its 8-day run. The event is hosted by the Green Korea Foundation and has various sections including: Climate Change and the Future, Green Panorama, Korean Eco-Panorama, Children of the Earth, Animals, Desertification or Forestation, and Eco-fantastic. (The Chosun Ilbo, May 18, 2011)
On May 16, the Korean Film Council, in tandem with the Busan International Film Festival, Pucheon International Fantastic Film Festival and Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, hosted a Korean Film Night at the Cannes Film Festival. The event attracted 540 guests, including many luminaries of the Korean film industry and other important figures such as the programer of the Cannes Film Festival and the Cannes film market's executive director. (KOBIZ, May 18, 2011)
Korean sales company Finecut had a good run this year at Cannes and managed to presell a number of films, including many from last year such as Bedevilled, Midnight FM, and Cyrano Agency. Among this year's slate, Finecut is in charge of both Hong Sang-soo and Kim Ki-duk's latest offerings. (KOBIZ, May 19, 2011)
LA 3D Film Fest Awards Top Prize to Korean Filmmakers
27 Years Later, a 3D film from Shinterra and Joy Park was awarded First Place at the 8th Los Angeles 3D Movie Festival which was presided over by Hollywood experts including Chuck Comisky, the 3D VFX supervisor of Avatar (2009). (The Korea Times, May 19, 2011)
27 Years Later, a 3D film from Shinterra and Joy Park was awarded First Place at the 8th Los Angeles 3D Movie Festival which was presided over by Hollywood experts including Chuck Comisky, the 3D VFX supervisor of Avatar (2009). (The Korea Times, May 19, 2011)
A film made by the students of the Korean Academy of Film Arts will screen at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival. The House will feature in the main competition section and has already been released by CJ domestically. (KOBIZ, May 20, 2011)
INTERVIEWS
Park Jung-bum at SIFF
Before picking up his prize for Best New Director at the San Francisco International Film Festival, Journals of Musan director Park Jung-bum sat down for an interview in which he discusses his experiences that led to the making of his award-winning film. (SF360.org, May 16, 2011)
Hong Sang-soo's Proust Questionnaire
Hong Sang-soo replie candidly to a Proust questionnaire put to him by Korean Cinema Today. (Korean Cinema Today, May 17, 2011)
TRAILERS
A few trailers and clips this week. Sadly most do not feature English subtitles.
Sector 7 (no subs)
The Frontline (no subs)
White: Melody of Death (no subs)
The Cat (English subs)
The Yellow Sea (clip)
BOX OFFICE
Pirates Reels in the Crowds
The fourth installment in the ever-popular Pirates of the Caribbean franchise was met with a lot of success in the international marketplace and Korea is no exception. With 1.2 million admission over the weekend, it is easily the biggest opening of the year, what remains to be seen is how it is received and how it will perform in coming weeks. Sunny - 2010 is still holding strong with 535,000, barely down form last week, it has now brought in over 2.6 million spectators. The Apprehenders suffered another big hit and is now all but guaranteed to fall short of a million admissions. The only new Korean film ws The Cane which opened with just under 30,000 sales. (Hancinema.net, May 22, 2011)
Korean Cinema News is a weekly feature which provides wide-ranging news coverage on Korean cinema, including but not limited to: features; festival news; interviews; industry news; trailers; posters; and box office. It appears every Wednesday morning (GMT+1) on Modern Korean Cinema. For other weekly features, take a look at the Korean Box Office Update and the Weekly Review Round-up. Reviews and features on Korean film also appear regularly on the site.
To keep up with the best in Korean film you can sign up to our RSS Feed, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.
Korean Cinema News (05/09-05/15, 2011)
With Cannes underway we await with bated breath to see if any Korean films will walk away with some trophies. For now some industry news to hold us over and this week's box office report.
While Audiences Shrink, Box Office Grows
KOREAN CINEMA NEWS
While Audiences Shrink, Box Office Grows
The box office report for the first quarter of 2010-2011 from the Korean Film Council shows that while audiences have slightly diminished, revenue is up due to varied platforms including 3D showings. 2011 is off to a good start with Korean films clinching 56% of the market while the earning rate is the best it has been in a few years. (KOBIZ, May 9, 2011)
CJ Entertainment has secured a number of sales at the Cannes film marjet. Chief among them is Tarbosaurus, the dinosaur action film and Sector 7, the 3D underwater monster film. Also pre-sold was K-pop horror film White: The Melody of the Curse. (Screen Daily, May 11, 2011)
To spur local business by enticing foreign filmmakers, the Korea Film Council has undertaken to launch an incentive program which will offer a 25% rebate on production costs on foreign films with a budget under 3 billion won shot in Korea. (Korean Cinema Today, May 13, 2011)
The Hollywood Reporter investigates the success of smaller Korean films that are finding niche audiences. The film also alludes to the depression of Korean film industry. While very informative be warned, this article is frequently wrong, for example: 'After hitting an all-time low in the mid-2000s', as I recall it this was the peak of Korean cinema. I was also flabbergasted to find out that Battlefield Heroes cost nearly $80 million to make! (The Hollywood Reporter, May 13, 2011)
10 Korean Films You Probably Haven't Seen
Japancinema.net offers up ten films from the 2000s that may not appear on more conventional lists. Those listed include: A Good Lawyer's Wife (2003), Family Ties (2006), When Romance Meets Destiny (2005), Breathless (2008), and more. (Japancinema.net, May 14, 2011)
In an effort to push into international markets, Fox International Pictures (FIP) has begun making films in local markets. One example is Na Hong-jin's acclaimed The Yellow Sea which was a success in Korea and is now vying for the Palme d'Or at Cannes. It is expected to do well at the Cannes film market. (The Hollywood Reporter, May 15, 2011)
BOX OFFICE
This week Sunny - 2010 took the Box Office crown, commanding the marketplace with over 600,000 admissions. The Apprehenders took a big hit and came away with 135,000. Clash of the Families likely spent its last weekend in the Top 10, it has accumulated 2.5 million ticket sales to date. (Hancinema.net, May 15, 2011)
Korean Cinema News is a weekly feature which provides wide-ranging news coverage on Korean cinema, including but not limited to: features; festival news; interviews; industry news; trailers; posters; and box office. It appears every Wednesday morning (GMT+1) on Modern Korean Cinema. For other weekly features, take a look at the Korean Box Office Update and the Weekly Review Round-up. Reviews and features on Korean film also appear regularly on the site.
To keep up with the best in Korean film you can sign up to our RSS Feed, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.
Korean Cinema News is a weekly feature which provides wide-ranging news coverage on Korean cinema, including but not limited to: features; festival news; interviews; industry news; trailers; posters; and box office. It appears every Wednesday morning (GMT+1) on Modern Korean Cinema. For other weekly features, take a look at the Korean Box Office Update and the Weekly Review Round-up. Reviews and features on Korean film also appear regularly on the site.
To keep up with the best in Korean film you can sign up to our RSS Feed, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Korean Cinema News (04/25-05/01, 2011)
I moved this past week and was without internet and phone for a few days until a few moments ago, so I apologize for the delay in this cycle of industry news. Some festival news, a couple of good features, box office analysis, and a couple of trailers make up this week's content. Again sorry for this taking so long, next week I'll be back on track and this will be more thorough!
KOREAN CINEMA NEWS
The Korean Wave (also known as Hallyu) has spent the last decade sweeping across Asia but could it now have seeped into North Korea. A new report from two academics claims that it has, recent defectors have confirmed that people are purchasing films on the black market and tuning their sets illegally to view programming from below the border. Could this be a portend of things to come? (Reuters, April 29, 2011)
The popular Jeonju International Film Festival got underway last Thursday. Over at theoneonefour.com, Marc Raymond counts down his 10 most anticipated, including an early screening of Bela Tarr's new and perhaps final film, The Turin Horse, a Lee Myung-se retrospective, and much more. (theoneonefour.com, April 26, 2011)
At the age of 72, veteran actor Kim In-moon has passed on after a long battle with cancer. He started his career in 1967 with Barefoot Glory and worked more-or-less nonstop for the rest of his life. Due to his acquired handicap, he set up the Korean Disabled Actors Association, which he was greatly praised for. (hancinema.net, April 25, 2011)
Arirang reports that the Korean film industry is losing ground to emerging powers such as China and India. The industry has reacted by opening centers in Los Angeles and Beijing. In addition a meeting will be held at the end of this month to discuss the current state of affairs, 200 are expected to attend. (arirang.co.kr, April 26, 2011)
Master director Lee Chang-dong writes an editorial for the Cannes Film Festival about the evolution and themes and the Korean film industry. (Cannes Film Festival, April 2011)
Journals of Musan continues to rake in awards, this time at Tribeca where it has won its director Park Jeun-beom, the first narrative feature award. (April 29, 2011)
TRAILERS
New trailers have been released for Korean films premiering at Cannes:
BOX OFFICE
Thor has a strong opening in Korea with over half a million admissions, while Fast Five in its second week is inches away from the one million mark. Meanwhile Suicide Forecast and Clash of the Families are still going strong after a few weeks of in release. Korean war film In Love and the War got off to a decent start with over 100,000 tickets sold, while Sunny and The Apprehenders chalked up some mid-level numbers. (hancinema.net, May 1, 2011)
Korean Cinema News is a weekly feature which provides wide-ranging news coverage on Korean cinema, including but not limited to: features; festival news; interviews; industry news; trailers; posters; and box office. It appears every Wednesday morning (GMT+1) on Modern Korean Cinema. For other weekly features, take a look at the Korean Box Office Update and the Weekly Review Round-up. Reviews and features on Korean film also appear regularly on the site.
To keep up with the best in Korean film you can sign up to our RSS Feed, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Korean Cinema News (04/11-04/17, 2011)
A lot of festival news this week as the lineups to Canne and the Udine Far East Film Festival were announced. I have decided to cover Korean box office as well as other industry news and have included under its own heading at the bottom of the post. Both this and last weekend's box office are covered this time around.
KOREAN CINEMA NEWS
The Busan International Film Festival is set to expand funding opportunities for documentary filmmakers. A new fund is available for documentaries depicting conflict areas and the Busan FIlm Commission Fund has been set up to contribute to post-production costs on high-quality works with meager means. (Film Business Asia, April 13, 2011)
Entering its 13th year, the Udine Far East Film Festival has announced the films which will be screening at this edition. The program includes 12 new Korean films, including favorites Bedevilled, The Man From Nowhere, and The Unjust, but also many world festival premieres such as Cyrano Agency. In addition a pair of Korean comedies form 1961 will be screened as part of the festival's Asia Laughs section. (Udine Far East Film Festival, April 13, 2011)
As part of its 2011 plan to support local filmmaking, the Korean Film Council will: make funds available to foreign co-productions filming in Korea; subsidize labour costs on low-budget films; act as guarantor for films with overseas potential; and invest in contents fund. The KFC will also work to retrain films crews, develop 3D technology, fight piracy, and more. (Screen Daily, April 14, 2011)
While none were selected for the main competition vying for the Palme d'Or, three much-anticipated Korean films will screen in the Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival. These include: The Day He Arrives, the new Hong Sang-soo; Na Hong-jin's follow-up the The Chaser, The Yellow Sea, which has been recut for the festival; and Arirang, Kim Ki-duk's first film in three years. (The Chosun Ilbo, April 15, 2011)
Park Jung-bum's The Journals of Musan is the newest in a long line of Korean films dealing with the North in an increasingly more direct manner. This Washington Post article briefly analyzes the change of North Korea's depiction in South Korean cinema since censorship was relaxed enough to allow it in the late 1990s. (The Washington Post, April 17, 2011)
BOX OFFICE
Going against powerhouse Clash of the Families, hot off two first place finishes at the Korean box office, Suicide Forecast managed to clinch the weekend crown in a close finish with 279,636 admissions. Clash of the Families took a big hit but nonetheless gained 265,795 admissions, its has sold 1,827,051 ticket to date. Also opening this week were I Am a Dad, which had a so-so showing with 70,860 entries, and critical hit The Journals of Musan, which mustered barely over a thousand spectators in limited release. (Hancinema, April 17, 2011)
Korean Cinema News is a weekly feature which provides wide-ranging news coverage on Korean cinema, including but not limited to: features; festival news; interviews; industry news; trailers; posters; and box office. It appears every Wednesday morning (GMT+1) on Modern Korean Cinema. For other weekly features, take a look at the Korean Box Office Update and the Weekly Review Round-up. Reviews and features on Korean film also appear regularly on the site.
To keep up with the best in Korean film you can sign up to our RSS Feed, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Korean Cinema News (04/04-04/10, 2011)
I am starting a brief industry news section which will run weekly and feature posts on Korean films from a global perspective. As I dabble with it over the coming weeks, the format and content may well change. Please contact me with thoughts or any suggestions to improve it.
KOREAN CINEMA NEWS
After two stints as Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenneger's return to the silver screen may come as the star of Kim Ji-woon's US debut The Last Stand, which will come from a blacklisted Hollywood screenplay. (Ain't It Cool. April 6, 2011)
Poetry's Yoon Jung-hee Honored with French Cultural Order
Yoon Jung-hee, star of the Lee Chang Dong's much-lauded film Poetry (2010), has been honoured with a top French cultural award. French culture minister Frederic Mitterrand named Yoon an "Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters." (YonHap News Agency, April 6, 2011)
Independent Korean cinema will be featured prominently at this year's Jeonju film festival. Short films from Yang Ik-jun, hot off the heels of Breathless (2009), and internationally-renowned woman's director Boo Ji-young will be featured alongside efforts from Im Kwon-taek and others in Korean Cinema Showcase section. (JoonAng Daily, April 8, 2011)
Bong to Preside over Cannes' Camera d'Or Prize
Bong Joon-ho has been selected to head the jury for the Camera d'Or prize at the Cannes Film Festival, which is given to the best effort from a debut filmmaker. He has previously attended the festival in competition as part of the omnibus Tokyo! in 2008 and his most recent feature effort Mother in 2009. (Deadline New York, April 7, 2011)
Bong Joon-ho has been selected to head the jury for the Camera d'Or prize at the Cannes Film Festival, which is given to the best effort from a debut filmmaker. He has previously attended the festival in competition as part of the omnibus Tokyo! in 2008 and his most recent feature effort Mother in 2009. (Deadline New York, April 7, 2011)
Lee to Judge Critics' Week at Cannes
Master filmmaker Lee Chang-dong whose last two films, Poetry (2010) and Secret Sunshine (2007), both won awards at Cannes, will return to the festival this year as the head judge for the Grand Jury prize during the Critics’ Week Festival de Cannes. (The Hollywood Reporter, April 7, 2011)
Master filmmaker Lee Chang-dong whose last two films, Poetry (2010) and Secret Sunshine (2007), both won awards at Cannes, will return to the festival this year as the head judge for the Grand Jury prize during the Critics’ Week Festival de Cannes. (The Hollywood Reporter, April 7, 2011)
Upcoming Korean blockbuster My Way will be the focus of a promotional event hosted by this year's Cannes film festival. Kang Je-gyu's My Way, a World War II set film with a record setting 30 billion won budget, is set to be released simultaneously in Korea and Japan in December. (The Korea Times, April 7, 2011)
BOX OFFICE
Clash of the Families has now spent two weekends atop the Korean box office with a haul of just over 450,000 admissions. That's a 6% decline from last weekend and its total now stands at 1,375,000. Late Blossom continues to play well, having just crossed 1.5 million admissions in its 8th week. This week Clash of the Families will vie with Suicide Forecast for the box office crown. (Hancinema, April 10, 2011)
Korean Cinema News is a weekly feature which provides wide-ranging news coverage on Korean cinema, including but not limited to: features; festival news; interviews; industry news; trailers; posters; and box office. It appears every Wednesday morning (GMT+1) on Modern Korean Cinema. For other weekly features, take a look at the Korean Box Office Update and the Weekly Review Round-up. Reviews and features on Korean film also appear regularly on the site.
To keep up with the best in Korean film you can sign up to our RSS Feed, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.
Korean Cinema News is a weekly feature which provides wide-ranging news coverage on Korean cinema, including but not limited to: features; festival news; interviews; industry news; trailers; posters; and box office. It appears every Wednesday morning (GMT+1) on Modern Korean Cinema. For other weekly features, take a look at the Korean Box Office Update and the Weekly Review Round-up. Reviews and features on Korean film also appear regularly on the site.
To keep up with the best in Korean film you can sign up to our RSS Feed, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.
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