[비즈한국] Can a warm breeze blow through the stagnant theater scene? Three Korean films await audiences during the five-day Lunar New Year holiday, which begins on February 14. First to start is 'The Man Who Lives with the King', followed by the most anticipated film of the first half of the year, 'Humint', and finally 'Number One', a collaboration between director Kim Tae-yong and the duo of Choi Woo-shik and Jang Hye-jin. These films vary in genre, scale, and therefore, target audiences and points of appeal. In any case, it is a pleasure to have many options to choose from depending on your tastes and circumstances. If you have plans to visit the cinema with family, a partner, or friends during the holidays, take note. 'The Man Who Lives with the King' was released on February 4, and the other films were all released on February 11.
For families of all ages: 'The Man Who Lives with the King'
The Gyeyu Jeongnan, where an uncle deposed his young nephew to usurp the throne, is a story every South Korean knows. However, 'The Man Who Lives with the King' tries to differentiate itself by focusing not on Prince Suyang (King Sejo), the protagonist of the Gyeyu Jeongnan, but on the deposed King Danjong, Lee Hong-wi (played by Park Ji-hoon), and the village headman Eom Heung-do (played by Yoo Hae-jin), who encounters him at his place of exile.
The plot is plausible. To make his village slightly more prosperous, Eom Heung-do strives to welcome exiled scholars from Hanyang to his town. In modern terms, it's like a local government jumping into a bidding war to host a prison to create economic effects. However, the person he ends up hosting is not a high-ranking official who could return to Hanyang, but the deposed King Lee Hong-wi, who could bring disaster to the village. Lee Hong-wi, having lost his will to live due to the guilt that so many people died because of his existence, pays no mind to the efforts of Eom Heung-do and the villagers. How will they become closer?
While the conclusion is predetermined, it is the actors' strong performances that fill the gaps and make it rich. If Yoo Hae-jin's comedic acting drives the beginning, it is supported by the infinitely deep gaze of Park Ji-hoon. Park Ji-hoon, who firmly established his presence as an actor through the 'Weak Hero Class' series, breathes life into the film—which could have been monotonous—by playing a Danjong so impressive that you forget all previous portrayals. Yoo Ji-tae, who plays Han Myung-hoe, as well as special appearances by Park Ji-hwan and Lee Jun-hyuk, also do their part in maintaining the film's tension.
If you want spectacular thrills, it might feel a bit plain, but the strength of this film is that it can be enjoyed without issue. Above all, it seems to be the least risky choice for families of all ages gathered during the holidays.
For members who can't stand boredom: 'Humint'
Director Ryoo Seung-wan's new film 'Humint' is one of the most anticipated films of the year, going beyond just the Lunar New Year holiday. Since it shares a worldview with 'The Berlin File', it will pique the interest of those who love Ryoo Seung-wan's films. Above all, as expected from an action master, the thrill of the action, ranging from hand-to-hand combat to gunfights and car chases, is extraordinary.
The film is set in Vladivostok, Russia. Section Chief Jo (Jo In-sung), a black-ops agent from the National Intelligence Service who came here following clues left by a sacrificed informant, makes contact with North Korean restaurant worker Chae Seon-hwa (Shin Se-kyung) and uses her as an informant for a new HUMINT operation. Meanwhile, Park Geon (Park Jung-min), a team leader from the State Security Department sent to investigate a disappearance in the border area, finds out that there is a secret relationship between him and Seon-hwa. Added to this is North Korean Consul General Hwang Chi-sung (Park Hae-joon), who is involved in the incident, leading to a clash between intelligence agents from the South and North, each with their own objectives.
'Humint' first catches the eye with the skillful action wielded by the cool physique of Jo In-sung, who reunites with Ryoo Seung-wan following 'Escape from Mogadishu' and 'Smugglers'. However, what captures the attention even more is the melodrama of Park Jung-min, which the entire nation has been yearning for since his celebratory performance at the Blue Dragon Film Awards. There is not a single bit of fluttering skinship or romantic mood, but he completes the narrative by becoming the perfect 'ex-boyfriend mode' with that indescribable gaze and expression. This is coupled with the intense performance of Park Hae-joon, who has transformed into a definitive villain as if to say, "Please forget about Yang Gwan-sik."
As the title is a synthesis of 'human' and 'intelligence', 'Humint' is ultimately an action film centered on people. If you were looking for a sleek action spy thriller, you might be slightly taken aback by the mood, which is reminiscent of old Hong Kong noir. But it is certain that your eyes and ears will not have a moment to be bored.
If you want a simple and warm healing film: 'Number One'
Choi Woo-shik and Jang Hye-jin, key players in the 10-million-viewer film 'Parasite', reunite as mother and son. Moreover, the megaphone is held by director Kim Tae-yong of 'Set Me Free', which is no exaggeration to say is what made Choi Woo-shik who he is today. It even includes the cheat-code setting of mom's home-cooked meals. It’s a combination and setting that is hard to ignore once you start watching.
'Number One' is the story of Ha-min (Choi Woo-shik), who one day starts seeing mysterious numbers every time he eats food cooked by his mother. After learning that when the numbers count down to zero, his mother Eun-sil (Jang Hye-jin) will die, Ha-min tries to avoid his mother's food to protect her at all costs. He struggles for over a decade, but Eun-sil, unaware of the situation, only misses her distant son, and Ha-min misses his mother too but believes there is no other way he can do it. To make matters worse, his girlfriend Ryeo-eun (Gong Seung-yeon) gets closer to Eun-sil.
Like the title of Sora Uwano's original novel, 'The Number of Times You Can Eat Your Mother's Home-cooked Meals is 328', 'Number One' is a work that makes one deeply realize the weight of the finite time between parents and children. It is clear that you won't be able to shake the imagination of "What if it were me?" while watching the film. However, apart from the fantasy setting that lets the imagination run wild, the film has a somewhat plain taste. It stimulates the tear ducts, but it is not a tear-jerking melodrama that forces tears, so there is no need to turn away for fear of heavy emotions. It seems to be a good choice to watch with parents who want a simple and warm healing film. Since the main subject is Mom's home-cooked meals, we also recommend that after watching the movie, your family makes a delicious meal together at home.
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If you want to leave family aside and go for high-stimulation: 'Wuthering Heights'
Not all schedules over the holiday will be spent with family. If you want high stimulation alone, with a friend, or with a partner, 'Wuthering Heights' could be an option. Emily Brontë's immortal classic 'Wuthering Heights' has been adapted into video more often than Korea's Gyeyu Jeongnan, but this version, directed by 'Promising Young Woman' director Emerald Fennell and starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as Cathy and Heathcliff, guarantees a 'Wuthering Heights' you have never seen before. The splendid costumes by Jacqueline Durran, who showed off her talent in 'Pride and Prejudice', 'Atonement', and 'Spencer', and the intense soundtrack featuring Charli XCX also play a big part in the vibe of this never-before-seen 'Wuthering Heights'. Note, however, that die-hard purists of the original work may be taken aback.
Who is writer Jung Soo-jin?
Worked through various magazines, covering and writing about movies, travel, and popular culture. I don't want to fall behind on trends, but I've become an old-school person who predicts obvious clichés for the next scene while watching the latest dramas. Trying to regain my lost sense by drifting through the vast OTT world, and my current wish is for a unified OTT subscription plan.