‘Train to Busan’ smashes records

Director Yeon Sang-ho’s “Train to Busan” has been setting records since its opening here nearly three weeks ago. The apocalyptic thriller is the first film of the year to attract more than 10 million viewers at local theaters, according to distribution company Next Entertainment World. In Korean film history, only 13 other movies have surpassed the 10 million viewers. In a press interview, the movie’s lead actor Gong Yoo said that he would be thrilled if the film even surpassed 5 million viewers

Aug. 8, 2016

[Herald Review] ‘Tunnel’ aims to rediscover the value of one life against many

The all-too-realistic nature of director Kim Seong-hun’s upcoming summer thriller “Tunnel” may leave a bitter taste in the audience’s mouth.Centered around one man’s fight for survival after a tunnel collapse, the film holds a mirror up to societal and political shortcomings that pervade all organizations.  In a short but telling portrayal of protagonist Lee Jung-soo (Ha Jung-woo) before the freak accident, he is an avuncular character who exudes a sense of familiarity. A father, a husband and a

Aug. 4, 2016

[Herald Interview] ‘Last Princess’ is career-defining film, says actress Son Ye-jin

When Son Ye-jin was a young girl, she would be gripped by fear each time a new school year came around. 　“I used to be very shy. I hated going to a new classroom and having to make new friends, meet new teachers and adjust to a new environment,” the actress said at a group interview at a cafe in Seoul Wednesday. 　Son, 34, has come a long way from those days: She is a prolific performer with 19 films under her belt since debuting in 2000 and widely known for romantic roles in films such as “The C

Aug. 3, 2016

Godzilla comes back to Japan, in ways fresh and familiar

TOKYO (AP) - Godzilla is back in its homeland of Japan after a 12-year absence, still breathing fire and mercilessly stomping everything in its way. The Associated Press noted four ways the new film “Shin Godzilla,” or “New Godzilla,” breaks from its past, and other ways it is reassuringly familiar. It's now showing in theaters in Japan and is promised for the U.S. and other countries later this year. What's different:The Americans: Japan's most important ally sends scientists and other advisers

Aug. 3, 2016

‘The Wailing’ wins double at Bucheon Film Festival

Director Na Hong-jin’s horror-thriller “The Wailing” took home the best film and audience awards at the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, which ran from July 21-31. A still from "The Wailing" (20th Century Fox)　 At the closing ceremony Friday, the film won the Best of Bucheon award in the Bucheon Choice: Features competition section, which celebrates progressive and unique genre films. Its panel -- consisting of veteran actors Jang Mi-hee and Jung Jin-young, director Park Chan-wook,

July 31, 2016

[Herald Review] ‘The Last Princess’ a refreshing historical drama

“The Last Princess” provides a refreshing change from typical dramas about the Japanese occupation of Korea, which are usually intent on delivering a message of patriotism, and tend to be heavy-handed in their emotional arcs. This film has been handled by a director who is sensitive to the inner turmoil of characters, understands that a muted approach can often evoke greater emotions, and weaves an intensely personal story into historical context.  Actress Son Ye-jin stars in “The Last Princess.

July 31, 2016

Kim Ki-duk’s ‘The Net’ to be shown at Venice Film Festival

Korean filmmaker Kim Ki-duk has been invited to the annual Venice International Film Festival for the world premiere of “The Net.” Scheduled to be screened under the festival’s noncompetitive program, “The Net” will be presented alongside Kim Ji-woon’s historical thriller “The Age of Shadows” and American actor Mel Gibson’s first directorial production in a decade, “Hacksaw Ridge,” among others.  Featuring actor Ryoo Seung-bum, “The Net” follows a North Korean fisherman who finds himself driftin

July 29, 2016

[Box Office] Latest movie releases

Operation Chromite(Korea)Opened July 27War, Drama. Directed by Lee Jae-hanThe story of the famed Incheon landing operation during the Korean War is told through the stellar cast of Liam Neeson, who plays Gen. Douglas MacArthur of the U.S. Army, and Lee Jung-jae, an undercover South Korean Navy lieutenant. Jason Bourne(U.S.)Opened July 27Action, Thriller. Directed by Paul GreengrassThis direct sequel to 2007’s “The Bourne Ultimatum” and the fifth installment of the “Bourne” film series features M

July 29, 2016

‘Jason Bourne’ is a ripped-from-the-headlines thrill

It turns out you can teach an old dog new tricks. That’s if the dog is super-soldier former CIA agent Jason Bourne (Matt Damon), and the trainer is director Paul Greengrass, who helmed Bournes “Supremacy” and “Ultimatum.” After the misfire that was “The Bourne Legacy,” a misguided attempt to pass off the franchise to Jeremy Renner, Damon and Greengrass ably right the ship, delivering a Bourne film that looks and feels like the kind we’ve always loved.“Jason Bourne” delivers everything we expect

July 29, 2016

Hollywood honors Michael Keaton's rollercoaster career

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Michael Keaton capped a glorious late-career return from the wilderness Thursday when he finally received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, almost four decades after his first movie. The 64-year-old actor gave a crowd-pleasing but political speech, mixing self-effacing jokes with a show of support for efforts to improve relations between black communities and police in the United States.Dressed in a green sports jacket and open-neck shirt in the steamy California sunshi

July 29, 2016

‘Operation Chromite’ tops local box office

War drama film “Operation Chromite” topped the Korean box office on the first day of its release, according to the Korean Film Council on Thursday. On Wednesday, the movie attracted 477,033 viewers across 899 theaters, while “Train to Busan” ranked second with 422,303 moviegoers. The apocalyptic thriller “Train to Busan” released on July 20 set opening day and single day viewership records for all films ever screened in Korea. The American spy action film “Jason Bourne,” which also opened Wednes

July 28, 2016

Prequel to ‘Train to Busan’ set for August release

The prequel to the summer blockbuster film “Train to Busan” is scheduled for release in August, according to distribution company Next Entertainment World on Monday. Directed by the man behind the apocalyptic thriller “Train to Busan” Yeon Sang-ho, “Seoul Station” is a 93-minute-long animation film that details what happens at Seoul Station, the epicenter of the virus outbreak portrayed in “Train to Busan” that transforms humans into flesh-hungry zombies. Voiced by actors Ryu Seung-ryong, Shim E

July 25, 2016

Warner, Marvel wow Comic-Con with blockbuster previews

SAN DIEGO (AFP) - Two of Hollywood’s biggest studios went head-to-head at the San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday in an epic battle to demonstrate which has the best upcoming superhero movies.Warner Brothers -- still smarting from the lukewarm reception to “Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice” -- presented a star-studded lineup ahead of Marvel’s showcase later in the day.Its first exclusive of the session was a sneak peek at “Wonder Woman,” which saw Gal Gadot’s Amazonian princess leaving her lush i

July 25, 2016

Director Kim Ki-duk to produce big-budget Chinese film

Art house filmmaker Kim Ki-duk has received 250 million yuan ($37.4 million) in investment from a Chinese production company for his upcoming film “Who is God,” according to an industry insider Friday.A war epic set in an ancient Asian kingdom, “Who is God” has been a work in progress since even before the release of Kim’s award-winning film “Pieta,” which was met with controversy in Korea due to its violent and graphic nature.Kim’s biggest budget film to date, the upcoming movie will star an al

July 24, 2016

Snowden film 'almost killed' by self-censorship

SAN DIEGO (AFP) - It was the largest data leak in United States history, fueling a firestorm over the issue of mass surveillance that resonated with Americans and the world.Oliver Stone's hotly-anticipated “Snowden” tells the story of NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden in dramatic form for the first time -- but the movie almost never made it to theaters.“Frankly, it was turned down by every major studio. The script was good, the budget was good, the cast was good. It was definitely... self-censors

July 24, 2016