A poster for the film 'The Good, the Bad,
the Weird.'

Invited to the Out of Competition section of the 61st International Cannes Film Festival, the Korean movie "The Good, the Bad, the Weird" screened at the Grand Theater Lumiere on Saturday (local time), giving the world its first glimpse at the potential of a bold new genre -- the Korean Western.

Warmly received, a reporter from U.S. film industry magazine Variety wondered why a U.S. distributor had yet to be decided for the movie, while Hollywood actor and director Mel Gibson's Icon Entertainment International snapped up the U.K. distribution rights.

"While In Competition puts an emphasis on the spirit of the times, Out of Competition can be considered the 'flower' of the festival in terms of popular films," the film's director Kim Jee-woon said at a press conference at the Palais de Festival earlier Saturday. "I think the invitation of my movie proves that Cannes recognizes the new experiments being made in Korean commercial cinema."

From left, director Kim Jee-woon and actors Jung Woo-sung,
Lee Byung-hun and Song Kang-ho pose as they arrive
for the screening of their film 'The Good, the Bad, the Weird'
at the 61st International Cannes Film Festival
on Saturday in Cannes. /AFP

"The movie reflects Koreans' desires to advance into the Chinese continent beyond the narrow Korean Peninsula," Kim said, brought to life in the wild chase scene on the open Manchurian plain.

The W20 billion (US$1=W1,048) movie is expected to rescue Korea's film industry, currently suffering a dismal slump. The screening at Cannes gave grounds to those expectations, serving as a first step to a recovery of confidence.

Credit:englishnews@chosun.com

source : Chosun
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/...0805260009.html

Tags: korean movie/Lee Byung hun/Jung Woo sung/Song Gang ho

'Soo' is Korean-Japanese director Choi Yang-il's first Korean film. He was noted for 'Blood and Bones,' which won numerous awards in Japan.

The film features star actors such as Ji Jin-hee, Kang Sung-yeon and Moon Sung-keun. The film is currently being screened at the 'Hallyu Cinema Festival 2008 Spring' in Tokyo, to be held until the end of May.

Ji will attend the 'Ji Jin-hee Special Talk Event 2008' in Tokyo on April 5 to promote the film, and greet Japanese audiences on April 6 during the special screening of the film.

Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/mcontents/entertainment/...html

Tags: Ji Jin hee/soo/Korean film/korean actor

Song plays Woomin, a gangster who enjoys the trust of his boss and colleagues. "I thought hard about my first work after the discharge. I chose ‘Destiny’ in the end because I wanted to change my gentle image. My family and friends were against my decision, but I wanted a completely new, wild and masculine image, because I’m returning after a long break. So while I was thinking about my new image, I read the ‘Destiny’ screenplay and heard that director Kim Hae-gon would make the movie."

"Woomin is rough and tough. But he is human. I liked his character and sentiments and decided to play the part. I hope people will say, 'Song Seung-hun is not what he used be. He is a real wild, tough guy.'"

The most difficult thing was repressing his emotions while playing Woomin, Song says. “At first, I thought I understood Woomin best and had some different views from the director. But later I came to understand why he asked me to restrain my emotions." He added, "I watched the completed movie for the first time today. I am satisfied."

Credit : englishnews@chosun.com

source: Chosun
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news...

Fans should be prepared for Kwon's transformation in character. He curses, he's vile and he's vicious. He doesn't even blink an eye when he stabs another character in the hand with a broken beer bottle.

"At first, I was very worried about all the swearing, especially because my mother and her friends were coming to the premiere. But after she watched the movie, she told me my character didn't seem like a bad guy because I was playing him! Actually, many people said that so I guess I'm okay... 'Chul-joong' isn't completely bad."

Kwon is already 32 years old. He has become more of a society figure than one of celebrity status. The actor is a veteran in his own right and he spoke today with easy candor. "I shot the movie at a hard time in my life.

When I got really stressed, I would scream and curse on-set. It was great stress release!"

The movie was honored at this year's Asian Film Awards in Hong Kong in three categories -- Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actress.

In the Best Film category "Secret Sunshine" went up against Academy Award-winning director Ang Lee's erotic espionage thriller "Lust, Caution."

Actress Jeon Do-yeon who played the lead female role in "Secret Sunshine" grabbed the Best Actress award. Jeon also won Best Actress at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival for her performance in "Secret Sunshine."

Actor Song Seung-heon expressed his satisfaction over his latest film role in 'Fate' and said he hopes the film does well at the

box office. He added that he felt thankful that people are noticing the changes in him.

'Fate' co-star Kwon Sang-woo also said he wanted to portray a different side of himself in the film and said his latest role has helped him achieve that goal.

'Fate' revolves around four best friends who find themselves face-to-face with their unexpected destinies which involves betraying each other.

At the premiere of the film, Korean fans as well as Japanese fans crowded around the theater to get a glimpse of the star actors.

'Girl of the Himalayas' directed by Jeon Soo-il received the best cinematography and the audience's choice awards at the 9th annual Las Palmas International Film Festival. Prior to the Las Palmas film festival, the film received three awards at the 22nd annual Swiss International Film Festival.

I'm a Cyborg but That's OK

Breath

'I'm a Cyborg but That's OK' directed by Park Chan-wook received special honors in the fantasy category of the main competition section at the 28th annual FantasPorto International Film Festival. Meanwhile, director Kim Ki-duk's 'Breath' took home the Special Jury Prize in the Orient Express category exclusively for Asian films.

source: kbs global

The spotlight had been on just who the female star would be. The part involves many adult scenes alongside male heart throb Song Kang-ho, who claimed the main role in the international hit film "The Host."

"Evil Live" or "Bakjwi" in Korean is a melo-horror film of a human-turned-vampire's affair with a married woman.

Director Park, known for his award-winning film "Old Boy" and "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance", says he chose Kim for her unique talents that allow her to assume a vast range of characters.

Shooting will begin in March.

Actor Lee Jung-jae will return to the big screen by starring in '1724 Kibang Nandongsageon.' The actor recently said he feels alive as an actor whenever he takes on more "energetic" roles.

At a recent press conference, the actor said he felt significant pressure because of his sophisticated urban image. He said he overcame his stress by practicing hard.

On the Andre Kim labeled clothes he wore in the movie, Lee said he had asked the famous designer to design something for him and that he was more than happy with the results. Talking about the film, he said the audience will have the chance to experience a faster-paced, unique-style movie as the film was alternatingly shot with 10mm and 6mm cameras.

The story revolves around the most sought-after gisaeng during the early 18th-century Joseon Dynasty. Lee co-stars with other top actors, including Kim Suk-hoon and Lee Won-jong. The film will open nationwide in May.

source: KBS global