On the morning of December 27th, 2023, the world woke up to the shocking news that top star actor Lee Sun-kyun, known the world over for his performance in the Academy Award-winning “Parasite” among many other great films”, was found dead in his car, reportedly from carbon monoxide poisoning. The much-loved actor, who was the subject of a police investigation for drugs related allegations at the time, had decided to take his own life at a time when he was quite possibly at the height of success in his career.
While it is not our aim to discuss the details surrounding the case or the role that the media and the police had to play in pushing the actor to the brink, we would like a lot of his fans celebrate the fantastic legacy of work that the actor, known for his unconventional good looks, inherent charm and a unique voice,...
While it is not our aim to discuss the details surrounding the case or the role that the media and the police had to play in pushing the actor to the brink, we would like a lot of his fans celebrate the fantastic legacy of work that the actor, known for his unconventional good looks, inherent charm and a unique voice,...
- 2/5/2024
- by Rhythm Zaveri
- AsianMoviePulse
Clad in black suits as a mark of respect for the late Parasite actor Lee Sun-kyun, Oscar-winning director Bong Joon Ho and other prominent Korean film figures gathered for a solemn press conference in central Seoul on Friday, where they sternly called for an investigation into the police handling of Lee’s case that would tragically end in the actor’s death by apparent suicide.
“Throughout the two months, from the initial leak of internal information regarding the deceased’s investigation to the time of his death, we urge a thorough investigation by the authorities to ascertain whether there were any lapses in police investigative security,” Bong said, reading from an official statement prepared by 29 prominent arts and culture groups, including the Busan International Film Festival and the Korea Entertainment Producer’s Association. “We request a thorough investigation to determine if there were any unlawful media responses during the investigation.
“Throughout the two months, from the initial leak of internal information regarding the deceased’s investigation to the time of his death, we urge a thorough investigation by the authorities to ascertain whether there were any lapses in police investigative security,” Bong said, reading from an official statement prepared by 29 prominent arts and culture groups, including the Busan International Film Festival and the Korea Entertainment Producer’s Association. “We request a thorough investigation to determine if there were any unlawful media responses during the investigation.
- 1/12/2024
- by Soo-mee Park
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Parasite” Oscar winner Bong Joon Ho is part of a campaign calling for an investigation into actor Lee Sun-kyun’s death.
Lee died of apparent suicide in December 2023. Bong, along with fellow Korean filmmakers, is set to hold a media event in Seoul on January 12 to campaign for authorities to investigate the circumstances behind Lee’s death. As IndieWire previously reported, Lee’s cause of death wasn’t officially ruled upon on December 27, but Lee allegedly left a message similar to a suicide note before his disappearance, and a charcoal briquette was found in his car, a device commonly used in South Korea to induce suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning. To note, the suicide rate in South Korea is one of the highest in the world.
At the time of his death, Lee had been under police investigation for weeks over suspected illegal drug use, including cannabis and other undisclosed psychoactive drugs.
Lee died of apparent suicide in December 2023. Bong, along with fellow Korean filmmakers, is set to hold a media event in Seoul on January 12 to campaign for authorities to investigate the circumstances behind Lee’s death. As IndieWire previously reported, Lee’s cause of death wasn’t officially ruled upon on December 27, but Lee allegedly left a message similar to a suicide note before his disappearance, and a charcoal briquette was found in his car, a device commonly used in South Korea to induce suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning. To note, the suicide rate in South Korea is one of the highest in the world.
At the time of his death, Lee had been under police investigation for weeks over suspected illegal drug use, including cannabis and other undisclosed psychoactive drugs.
- 1/11/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
A group of South Korean filmmakers, artists, and entertainment companies have banded in the aftermath of actor Lee Sun-Kyun’s death, calling for an investigation into the circumstances that drove the Parasite star to suicide in late December.
The Association of Solidarity Among Cultural Artists — which includes Parasite director Bong Joon-ho, filmmaker Lee Won-tae, actor Choi Deok-moon, singer Yoon Jong-shin, and dozens more — issued a statement prior to a planned Friday press conference in Seoul, where they would ask authorities to look into what happened in Lee’s death in order to avoid future incidents.
The Association of Solidarity Among Cultural Artists — which includes Parasite director Bong Joon-ho, filmmaker Lee Won-tae, actor Choi Deok-moon, singer Yoon Jong-shin, and dozens more — issued a statement prior to a planned Friday press conference in Seoul, where they would ask authorities to look into what happened in Lee’s death in order to avoid future incidents.
- 1/11/2024
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Prominent Korean filmmakers and arts organizers will hold a media event in Seoul on Friday calling for an investigation by authorities into the circumstances that led to the passing of Parasite star Lee Sun-kyun, who died last month at age 48 of an apparent suicide.
Before his death, Lee had been under police investigation for several weeks over suspected illegal drug use, accusations he strenuously denied. The actor claimed that he was the victim of a blackmail plot and that if he had consumed drugs, it was because he had been tricked into doing so. South Korean police have said that Lee passed several drug tests and sat for lengthy sessions of questioning, including one marathon meeting days before his death that lasted 19 hours. His lawyers have told local media outlets that the actor was upset by the way police were handling the investigation and how details were being leaked to the press,...
Before his death, Lee had been under police investigation for several weeks over suspected illegal drug use, accusations he strenuously denied. The actor claimed that he was the victim of a blackmail plot and that if he had consumed drugs, it was because he had been tricked into doing so. South Korean police have said that Lee passed several drug tests and sat for lengthy sessions of questioning, including one marathon meeting days before his death that lasted 19 hours. His lawyers have told local media outlets that the actor was upset by the way police were handling the investigation and how details were being leaked to the press,...
- 1/11/2024
- by Etan Vlessing and Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tom Wilkinson, the Emmy-winning actor who starred in the 1997 film The Full Monty and reprised his role in the 2023 sequel TV series, has died. He was 75.
Wilkinson passed away on Saturday at his home in the UK, according to the BBC. No cause of death has been reported.
More from TVLineBobby Rivers, TV Personality and Food Network Alum, Dead at 70Tom Smothers, of Smothers Brothers Comedy Duo, Dead at 86Lee Sun-kyun, of Parasite and TV's My Mister and Dr. Brain, Dead at 48
In The Fully Monty, Wilkinson plays an unemployed steel worker, Gerald, who joins a striptease dance group to make money.
Wilkinson passed away on Saturday at his home in the UK, according to the BBC. No cause of death has been reported.
More from TVLineBobby Rivers, TV Personality and Food Network Alum, Dead at 70Tom Smothers, of Smothers Brothers Comedy Duo, Dead at 86Lee Sun-kyun, of Parasite and TV's My Mister and Dr. Brain, Dead at 48
In The Fully Monty, Wilkinson plays an unemployed steel worker, Gerald, who joins a striptease dance group to make money.
- 12/30/2023
- by Claire Franken
- TVLine.com
Bobby Rivers, a veteran television and radio personality whose credits included hosting Food Network’s Top 5, died on Dec. 26 at age 70.
“Bobby passed away last night and is no longer in any pain,” his sister Betsy shared on Facebook.
More from TVLineTom Smothers, of Smothers Brothers Comedy Duo, Dead at 86Lee Sun-kyun, of Parasite and TV's My Mister and Dr. Brain, Dead at 48Kamar de los Reyes, One Life to Live Actor, Dead at 56
Rivers started his career writing weekend newscasts at Writ-fm (Milwaukee), and after applying five times, he got hired as a morning newsman at Wqfm (based out of Nanticoke,...
“Bobby passed away last night and is no longer in any pain,” his sister Betsy shared on Facebook.
More from TVLineTom Smothers, of Smothers Brothers Comedy Duo, Dead at 86Lee Sun-kyun, of Parasite and TV's My Mister and Dr. Brain, Dead at 48Kamar de los Reyes, One Life to Live Actor, Dead at 56
Rivers started his career writing weekend newscasts at Writ-fm (Milwaukee), and after applying five times, he got hired as a morning newsman at Wqfm (based out of Nanticoke,...
- 12/27/2023
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
Tom Smothers, who with his brother Dick performed as the Smothers Brothers comedy team, passed away peacefully on Dec. 26, following a recent battle with cancer. He was 86.
Dick Smothers said in a statement that Tom was at home with his family at the time of his death.
More from TVLineBobby Rivers, TV Personality and Food Network Alum, Dead at 70Lee Sun-kyun, of Parasite and TV's My Mister and Dr. Brain, Dead at 48Kamar de los Reyes, One Life to Live Actor, Dead at 56
“Tom was not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life, he was a one-of-a-kind creative partner,...
Dick Smothers said in a statement that Tom was at home with his family at the time of his death.
More from TVLineBobby Rivers, TV Personality and Food Network Alum, Dead at 70Lee Sun-kyun, of Parasite and TV's My Mister and Dr. Brain, Dead at 48Kamar de los Reyes, One Life to Live Actor, Dead at 56
“Tom was not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life, he was a one-of-a-kind creative partner,...
- 12/27/2023
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
Lee Sun-kyun, who played the wealthy Park family patriarch in the Oscar-winning film Parasite and whose TV credits included My Mister and Apple TV+’s Dr. Brain, has died at age 48.
The South Korean actor was found on Wednesday morning in a car parked in central Seoul, dead in an apparent suicide, South Korean police told NBC News. Law enforcement had reportedly begun looking for Lee upon receiving a tip from his manger that he had left behind what appeared to be a suicide note.
More from TVLineBobby Rivers, TV Personality and Food Network Alum, Dead at 70Tom Smothers, of Smothers Brothers Comedy Duo,...
The South Korean actor was found on Wednesday morning in a car parked in central Seoul, dead in an apparent suicide, South Korean police told NBC News. Law enforcement had reportedly begun looking for Lee upon receiving a tip from his manger that he had left behind what appeared to be a suicide note.
More from TVLineBobby Rivers, TV Personality and Food Network Alum, Dead at 70Tom Smothers, of Smothers Brothers Comedy Duo,...
- 12/27/2023
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, best known for his role in the Oscar-winning film “Parasite,” has died in an apparent suicide, South Korean police told NBC News on December 27. He was 48.
Lee’s body was discovered December 27 by authorities in his car parked on a street in northern Seoul. Police were searching for Lee after his family reported him missing, per NBC News. A cause of death hasn’t officially been ruled upon, but Lee reportedly left a message similar to a suicide note before his disappearance, and a charcoal briquette, commonly used in South Korea to induce suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning, was discovered in the passenger seat.
In the U.S., Lee was best known for his work in Bong Joon-Ho’s 2019 class satire “Parasite.” In the film, Lee plays Park Dong-ik, a wealthy man whose family is unknowingly the target of a poorer family’s schemes for employment.
Lee’s body was discovered December 27 by authorities in his car parked on a street in northern Seoul. Police were searching for Lee after his family reported him missing, per NBC News. A cause of death hasn’t officially been ruled upon, but Lee reportedly left a message similar to a suicide note before his disappearance, and a charcoal briquette, commonly used in South Korea to induce suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning, was discovered in the passenger seat.
In the U.S., Lee was best known for his work in Bong Joon-Ho’s 2019 class satire “Parasite.” In the film, Lee plays Park Dong-ik, a wealthy man whose family is unknowingly the target of a poorer family’s schemes for employment.
- 12/27/2023
- by Wilson Chapman and Erin Strecker
- Indiewire
2023 has taken many beloved actors from us and, in a shocking development, one more name has been added to the list to close out the year. Lee Sun-kyun, the actor best known to Western audiences for playing the role of wealthy family patriarch Dong Ik in director Bong Joon-ho's hit film "Parasite," sadly passed away Wednesday morning in Seoul (local time). The circumstances of the tragedy are complicated by a nationwide crackdown on illicit drug use in South Korea, which has led to allegations and investigations involving several high-profile public figures, including Lee. According to the New York Times, the death is being treated as a suicide. He was only 48 years old.
Although he rose to prominence internationally for starring in the Best Picture-winning film in 2019, Lee had built up a strong and successful career in both television and film throughout the years leading up to his breakthrough performance.
Although he rose to prominence internationally for starring in the Best Picture-winning film in 2019, Lee had built up a strong and successful career in both television and film throughout the years leading up to his breakthrough performance.
- 12/27/2023
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
A few years ago, actor Lee Sun-kyun had a major role in a film that made history: director Bong Joon-ho’s dark comedy thriller Parasite, which racked up multiple Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film. It was the first non-English-language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. But now Lee’s life has come to a tragic early end. South Korea’s emergency office has confirmed that Lee has passed away at the age of 48, and it’s suspected that he committed suicide.
As Deadline notes, since October Lee had been “under investigation after drug use allegations amid an ongoing crackdown on illegal drugs by the South Korean government. Local news service Yonhap reported that Lee had been questioned multiple times by authorities, including for 19 hours this past weekend. The actor had said he was tricked into taking drugs.” Lee...
As Deadline notes, since October Lee had been “under investigation after drug use allegations amid an ongoing crackdown on illegal drugs by the South Korean government. Local news service Yonhap reported that Lee had been questioned multiple times by authorities, including for 19 hours this past weekend. The actor had said he was tricked into taking drugs.” Lee...
- 12/27/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Lee Sun-kyun, a South Korean actor best known internationally for his performance in Parasite, died Wednesday, Dec. 27, in Seoul, The New York Times reports. He was 48.
Lee’s body was found in a parked car, not long after his manager had reported him missing. Authorities are investigating his death as a suicide, and say the actor left what appears to be a suicide note. An official cause of death has not yet been determined.
Prior to his death, Lee had been under investigation as part of a probe into illegal drug use.
Lee’s body was found in a parked car, not long after his manager had reported him missing. Authorities are investigating his death as a suicide, and say the actor left what appears to be a suicide note. An official cause of death has not yet been determined.
Prior to his death, Lee had been under investigation as part of a probe into illegal drug use.
- 12/27/2023
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
The South Korean star was facing an investigating into alleged drug use.
South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, star of Oscar-winning film Parasite, has died aged 48.
Lee was found dead in car at a park in central Seoul on Wednesday morning, according to news agency Yonhap and the Associated Press. Police had been searching for the actor after his family reported that he had left home after writing what appeared to be a suicide note.
He had been under investigation by the police since October over allegations over illegal drug use. Lee himself had reportedly brought details to authorities, claiming he...
South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, star of Oscar-winning film Parasite, has died aged 48.
Lee was found dead in car at a park in central Seoul on Wednesday morning, according to news agency Yonhap and the Associated Press. Police had been searching for the actor after his family reported that he had left home after writing what appeared to be a suicide note.
He had been under investigation by the police since October over allegations over illegal drug use. Lee himself had reportedly brought details to authorities, claiming he...
- 12/27/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Lee Sun-kyun, the South Korean actor who starred in Bong Joon-ho’s Academy Award-winning film Parasite, has died in an apparent suicide. He was 48 years old.
According to South Korean news outlet Yonhap, Lee was found dead inside of a car in Seoul on Wednesday, December 27th. His wife reported him missing to police and said he had left a suicide note.
In October 2022, Lee was charged on suspicion of using marijuana and psychoactive drugs. South Korea has notoriously strict drug laws, and crimes carry the potential of a multi-year prison sentence.
In the days prior to his death, Lee was reportedly questioned by South Korean police for 19 hours over his alleged drug use.
Lee was an accomplished actor, who starred in a number of South Korean films and television series. He is best known to Western audiences for his acclaimed performance in Parasite, for which he was awarded a...
According to South Korean news outlet Yonhap, Lee was found dead inside of a car in Seoul on Wednesday, December 27th. His wife reported him missing to police and said he had left a suicide note.
In October 2022, Lee was charged on suspicion of using marijuana and psychoactive drugs. South Korea has notoriously strict drug laws, and crimes carry the potential of a multi-year prison sentence.
In the days prior to his death, Lee was reportedly questioned by South Korean police for 19 hours over his alleged drug use.
Lee was an accomplished actor, who starred in a number of South Korean films and television series. He is best known to Western audiences for his acclaimed performance in Parasite, for which he was awarded a...
- 12/27/2023
- by Scoop Harrison
- Consequence - Film News
Some of the best genre movies of the past two decades come from Korea. While a lot of people know the names Bong Joon-ho and Park Chan-wook, not as many people are aware of the brilliant but underrated Kim Jee-woon. Director Kim has given us some all-time great Korean horror and genre movies like "I Saw the Devil." He even made the fantastic Apple TV+ series "Dr. Brain."
But before all that, director Kim's made "A Tale of Two Sisters," a horror movie based on a popular Korean folktale (which has been adapted several times). The plot focuses on Su-mi, a young girl recently released from a mental institution. Finally back home, she is very protective of her younger sister Su-yeon, and quite cold toward her stepmother Eun-joo — who used to be a nurse for the sisters' late mother. Su-mi seems plagued by disturbing visions of ghosts plaguing the house,...
But before all that, director Kim's made "A Tale of Two Sisters," a horror movie based on a popular Korean folktale (which has been adapted several times). The plot focuses on Su-mi, a young girl recently released from a mental institution. Finally back home, she is very protective of her younger sister Su-yeon, and quite cold toward her stepmother Eun-joo — who used to be a nurse for the sisters' late mother. Su-mi seems plagued by disturbing visions of ghosts plaguing the house,...
- 11/13/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
Lee Sun-kyun, star of Oscar-winning Korean film “Parasite,” is being investigated by police over his alleged drug use, Korean news media report.
“Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency had begun an investigation into eight people, including the actor and the offspring of a chaebol [major family-controlled conglomerate], over allegations they took illegal drugs multiple times this year,” the publicly-owned Yonhap News Agency reported on Friday afternoon.
The news outlet also reported that “while the police have not officially named Lee as a suspect, they are said to have discovered a lead in connection with the actor’s illegal activities.” There has been no explanation of what substances Lee is alleged to have used.
Lee’s agency Hodu&u, put out a statement addressing the allegations. “We sincerely apologize for causing concerns over reports about actor Lee Sun-kyun. We are checking the veracity of the suspicions raised against Lee, and will fully cooperate with any future police investigation,...
“Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency had begun an investigation into eight people, including the actor and the offspring of a chaebol [major family-controlled conglomerate], over allegations they took illegal drugs multiple times this year,” the publicly-owned Yonhap News Agency reported on Friday afternoon.
The news outlet also reported that “while the police have not officially named Lee as a suspect, they are said to have discovered a lead in connection with the actor’s illegal activities.” There has been no explanation of what substances Lee is alleged to have used.
Lee’s agency Hodu&u, put out a statement addressing the allegations. “We sincerely apologize for causing concerns over reports about actor Lee Sun-kyun. We are checking the veracity of the suspicions raised against Lee, and will fully cooperate with any future police investigation,...
- 10/20/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Cannes best actor winner and ‘Parasite’ star Song Kang-ho stars in the black comedy.
Samuel Goldwyn Films has acquired US distribution rights to Kim Jee-woon’s black comedy Cobweb from South Korea’s Barunson E&a.
The film, which premiered out of competition at Cannes in May, will receive a US theatrical release in in early 2024.
Set in 1970s South Korea, when censors could dictate the plot of a film, Cobweb stars Song Kang-ho as an obsessive filmmaker who becomes hellbent on reshooting the ending of his latest film in two days in a bid to create a masterpiece.
Cobweb has...
Samuel Goldwyn Films has acquired US distribution rights to Kim Jee-woon’s black comedy Cobweb from South Korea’s Barunson E&a.
The film, which premiered out of competition at Cannes in May, will receive a US theatrical release in in early 2024.
Set in 1970s South Korea, when censors could dictate the plot of a film, Cobweb stars Song Kang-ho as an obsessive filmmaker who becomes hellbent on reshooting the ending of his latest film in two days in a bid to create a masterpiece.
Cobweb has...
- 9/7/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Kim Jee-woon’s black comedy “Cobweb,” which debuted this year at Cannes, is set for a U.S. theatrical release in early 2024. Rights to the picture were licensed by distributor Samuel Goldwyn Films from Korea-based sales agent Barunson E&a.
The 1970s-set film within a film stars Song Kong-ho, star of Oscar-winning “Parasite” and 2022 winner of the best actor award at Cannes for his role in Kore-eda Hirokazu’s “Broker.”
Song appears as obsessive film director Kim, who is seized by the desire to re-shoot the ending of his completed film “Cobweb” in two days to create a masterpiece. Chaos lurks around every corner, from his confused and uncooperative cast and crew to interference from the then all-powerful censorship authorities.
Following its premiere at Cannes in May, the Anthology Studios-produced “Cobweb” will play at fall festivals including the 19th Fantastic Fest, the BFI London Film Festival and the 56th Sitges Film Festival.
The 1970s-set film within a film stars Song Kong-ho, star of Oscar-winning “Parasite” and 2022 winner of the best actor award at Cannes for his role in Kore-eda Hirokazu’s “Broker.”
Song appears as obsessive film director Kim, who is seized by the desire to re-shoot the ending of his completed film “Cobweb” in two days to create a masterpiece. Chaos lurks around every corner, from his confused and uncooperative cast and crew to interference from the then all-powerful censorship authorities.
Following its premiere at Cannes in May, the Anthology Studios-produced “Cobweb” will play at fall festivals including the 19th Fantastic Fest, the BFI London Film Festival and the 56th Sitges Film Festival.
- 9/7/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Samuel Goldwyn Films has acquired U.S. rights to Korean filmmaker Kim Jee-woon’s Cobweb, starring Song Kang-ho, which had its world premiere Out Of Competition at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
Barunson E&a is handling international sales on the film, which has also been sold to most of the rest of the world, including Japan (Happinet Phantom Studio), France, Germany & Italy (Plaion Pictures), Spain (La Aventura) and Australia & New Zealand (Umbrella Entertainment).
Set in 1970s Korea, when censors could dictate the plot of a film, Cobweb stars Song as an obsessive director who wants to re-shoot the ending of his completed film ‘Cobweb’ in two days to create a masterpiece. In the process he must contend with an uncooperative cast and crew, as well as interference from the censorship authorities.
Song starred in Bong Joon Ho’s Parasite and won...
Barunson E&a is handling international sales on the film, which has also been sold to most of the rest of the world, including Japan (Happinet Phantom Studio), France, Germany & Italy (Plaion Pictures), Spain (La Aventura) and Australia & New Zealand (Umbrella Entertainment).
Set in 1970s Korea, when censors could dictate the plot of a film, Cobweb stars Song as an obsessive director who wants to re-shoot the ending of his completed film ‘Cobweb’ in two days to create a masterpiece. In the process he must contend with an uncooperative cast and crew, as well as interference from the censorship authorities.
Song starred in Bong Joon Ho’s Parasite and won...
- 9/7/2023
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
South Korea is known globally for its web series, movies and K-pop, with content including Squid Game and Parasite and groups like BTS and Blackpink becoming household names internationally. But there is another Korean cultural export – webtoons and their associated IP – that is starting to have an impact, not just in Korea, but around the world.
Webtoons are comics that have been designed specifically for mobile phones. Unlike Western comics and Japanese manga, they’re composed of single panels arranged vertically so that they can be easily scrolled through with one hand while you’re using the other to hang off the strap of your local commuter train.
Originating on the platforms of two Korean tech giants, Daum (which was later absorbed into Kakao) and Naver, in the early 2000s, the format is already huge across Asia and has become an invaluable source of IP for the region’s booming streaming industry.
Webtoons are comics that have been designed specifically for mobile phones. Unlike Western comics and Japanese manga, they’re composed of single panels arranged vertically so that they can be easily scrolled through with one hand while you’re using the other to hang off the strap of your local commuter train.
Originating on the platforms of two Korean tech giants, Daum (which was later absorbed into Kakao) and Naver, in the early 2000s, the format is already huge across Asia and has become an invaluable source of IP for the region’s booming streaming industry.
- 7/7/2023
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
After the lukewarm “Illang: The Wolf Brigade” and his largely well-received foray into tv with “Dr. Brain”, Kim Jee-woon is back with his latest feature film “Cobweb”. Written by indie director Shin Yeon-shick, who was initially also attached to direct, “Cobweb” is the first production of the newly set up production house by Kim Jee-woon and his long-time collaborator and actor extraordinaire Song Kang-ho.
Synopsis
In 1970s Korea, when both art and dreams are censored, a film director dreams of a masterpiece.
After his successful debut, Director Kim endures scathing attacks from critics who call him a specialist in trashy dramas. After finishing his latest feature ‘Cobweb’, he has vivid dreams over several days of an alternative ending to the film. Sensing that if he can just shoot those scenes as he envisioned them, a masterpiece will surely emerge, he tries to arrange just two days of additional shooting. However,...
Synopsis
In 1970s Korea, when both art and dreams are censored, a film director dreams of a masterpiece.
After his successful debut, Director Kim endures scathing attacks from critics who call him a specialist in trashy dramas. After finishing his latest feature ‘Cobweb’, he has vivid dreams over several days of an alternative ending to the film. Sensing that if he can just shoot those scenes as he envisioned them, a masterpiece will surely emerge, he tries to arrange just two days of additional shooting. However,...
- 5/13/2023
- by Rhythm Zaveri
- AsianMoviePulse
South Korean director, writer and producer Kim Jee-woon has signed with CAA for representation.
Kim’s latest film, “Cobweb,” will premiere at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, his third film to do so following “A Bittersweet Life” in 2005 and “The Good, the Bad, the Weird” in 2008, which also debuted out of competition.
“Cobweb” is the first project from Kim’s production company, Anthology Studios, which he co-founded in 2021 with producer Jay Choi (who was previously local production head for Warner Bros. Korea) and actor Song Kang-Ho. When the project was announced in 2021, Kim described the film as “experimental” and said that it will be shot entirely on sound stages in support of a film-within-a-film narrative.
Song stars in the film, playing an obsessive director on a mission to reshoot the end of his latest film, also titled “Cobweb,” in two days to create a masterpiece. His attempts are constantly...
Kim’s latest film, “Cobweb,” will premiere at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, his third film to do so following “A Bittersweet Life” in 2005 and “The Good, the Bad, the Weird” in 2008, which also debuted out of competition.
“Cobweb” is the first project from Kim’s production company, Anthology Studios, which he co-founded in 2021 with producer Jay Choi (who was previously local production head for Warner Bros. Korea) and actor Song Kang-Ho. When the project was announced in 2021, Kim described the film as “experimental” and said that it will be shot entirely on sound stages in support of a film-within-a-film narrative.
Song stars in the film, playing an obsessive director on a mission to reshoot the end of his latest film, also titled “Cobweb,” in two days to create a masterpiece. His attempts are constantly...
- 4/24/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Kevin MacDonald Strikes Factual Deal With Workerbee
Oscar-winning director and producer Kevin Macdonald has struck a multi-project creative partnership with the Workerbee Group. Macdonald, whose credits include “One Day in September,” “Touching the Void” and “Marley,” is executive producing a major feature documentary for a streaming platform as the first element of his two-year Workerbee deal. Details are yet to be announced of the film or the other premium factual projects which are expected to include those he directs and executive produces.
Manchester-based Workerbee recent credits including “Janet” for Lifetime and A&e, “Bruno Vs Tyson” (Sky), “The Bridge” for Channel 4 and HBO Max, “Peter Crouch: Save Our Beautiful Game” for Discovery and “Idris Elba’s Fight School” for BBC Two.
The company has recently been revamped into a clear films and formats divisional structure. The Macdonald deal is the first creative partnership to be announced by the newly formed Workerbee Group,...
Oscar-winning director and producer Kevin Macdonald has struck a multi-project creative partnership with the Workerbee Group. Macdonald, whose credits include “One Day in September,” “Touching the Void” and “Marley,” is executive producing a major feature documentary for a streaming platform as the first element of his two-year Workerbee deal. Details are yet to be announced of the film or the other premium factual projects which are expected to include those he directs and executive produces.
Manchester-based Workerbee recent credits including “Janet” for Lifetime and A&e, “Bruno Vs Tyson” (Sky), “The Bridge” for Channel 4 and HBO Max, “Peter Crouch: Save Our Beautiful Game” for Discovery and “Idris Elba’s Fight School” for BBC Two.
The company has recently been revamped into a clear films and formats divisional structure. The Macdonald deal is the first creative partnership to be announced by the newly formed Workerbee Group,...
- 2/8/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Korea’s Barunson E&a, the production company behind Oscar-winning drama Parasite, is launching international sales on Kim Jee-woon’s Cobweb, starring Song Kang-Ho, at the upcoming European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin.
The star-studded black comedy drama is the fifth on-screen collaboration between Song and director Kim, whose credits include gritty noir A Bittersweet Life (2005), revenge thriller I Saw The Devil (2010), ‘Kimchi’ western The Good, The Bad, The Weird (2008), period spy action The Age Of Shadows (2016), and recent AppleTV+ series Dr. Brain (2021).
Set in the 1970s, an era in which censors dictated the shape of a film’s plot, Cobweb stars Song as an obsessive director on a mission to reshoot the end of his latest film, Cobweb, in two days to create a masterpiece. His attempts are constantly thwarted by the censors and his confused and uncooperative cast and crew.
In addition to Song, the star-studded ensemble cast includes Im Soo-jung,...
The star-studded black comedy drama is the fifth on-screen collaboration between Song and director Kim, whose credits include gritty noir A Bittersweet Life (2005), revenge thriller I Saw The Devil (2010), ‘Kimchi’ western The Good, The Bad, The Weird (2008), period spy action The Age Of Shadows (2016), and recent AppleTV+ series Dr. Brain (2021).
Set in the 1970s, an era in which censors dictated the shape of a film’s plot, Cobweb stars Song as an obsessive director on a mission to reshoot the end of his latest film, Cobweb, in two days to create a masterpiece. His attempts are constantly thwarted by the censors and his confused and uncooperative cast and crew.
In addition to Song, the star-studded ensemble cast includes Im Soo-jung,...
- 2/6/2023
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Seoul- and Los Angeles-based Bound Entertainment (Apple’s Dr Brain) is teaming with author Ann Liang to develop her genre-bending YA debut novel, If You Could See the Sun as a series.
The novel, which Inkyard Press publishes today, follows Alice Sun, who has always felt invisible at her elite Beijing international boarding school, where she’s the only scholarship student among China’s most rich and influential teens. But then she starts uncontrollably turning invisible — like, really invisible. When her parents drop the news that they can no longer afford her tuition, even with the scholarship, Alice hatches a plan to monetize her strange new power: She’ll discover the scandalous secrets her classmates want to know, for a price. But as the tasks escalate from petty scandals to actual crimes, Alice must decide if it’s worth losing her conscience — or even her life.
Liang will serve...
The novel, which Inkyard Press publishes today, follows Alice Sun, who has always felt invisible at her elite Beijing international boarding school, where she’s the only scholarship student among China’s most rich and influential teens. But then she starts uncontrollably turning invisible — like, really invisible. When her parents drop the news that they can no longer afford her tuition, even with the scholarship, Alice hatches a plan to monetize her strange new power: She’ll discover the scandalous secrets her classmates want to know, for a price. But as the tasks escalate from petty scandals to actual crimes, Alice must decide if it’s worth losing her conscience — or even her life.
Liang will serve...
- 10/11/2022
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has announced its nominees for the 2022 International Emmy Awards, which will be presented Nov. 21 in New York City.
In the drama series competition, there are nominations for Netflix and Gaumont Television’s French mystery thriller Lupin and the American-Mexican crime series Narcos: Mexico, as they contend against nominees Reyka, a crime drama from M-Net and Fremantle, and World Productions’ Vigil series from the U.K.
And the comedy category will see Netflix and Eleven Film’s Sex Education out of the U.K., and HBO Latin America’s Bunker from Mexico contend against UK-based Big Deal Films’ Dreaming Whilst Black and the Canal+ original On The Verge series.
In the performance categories, the best actor nominations go to Sverrir Gudnason for A Royal Secret, Scoot McNairy for Narcos: Mexico, Irving Welsh’s Crime‘s Dougray Scott...
The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has announced its nominees for the 2022 International Emmy Awards, which will be presented Nov. 21 in New York City.
In the drama series competition, there are nominations for Netflix and Gaumont Television’s French mystery thriller Lupin and the American-Mexican crime series Narcos: Mexico, as they contend against nominees Reyka, a crime drama from M-Net and Fremantle, and World Productions’ Vigil series from the U.K.
And the comedy category will see Netflix and Eleven Film’s Sex Education out of the U.K., and HBO Latin America’s Bunker from Mexico contend against UK-based Big Deal Films’ Dreaming Whilst Black and the Canal+ original On The Verge series.
In the performance categories, the best actor nominations go to Sverrir Gudnason for A Royal Secret, Scoot McNairy for Narcos: Mexico, Irving Welsh’s Crime‘s Dougray Scott...
- 9/29/2022
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Narcos: Mexico has picked up two nominations at the International Emmy Awards 2022 and will battle with Lupin, Vigil and South Africa’s Reyka for the coveted Drama Series prize.
The Netflix spin-off smash hit also picked up a nod for Scoot McNairy in the Best Performance By an Actor category, a hot contest that will see him go up against Crime’s Dougray Scott, Swedish drama A Royal Secret’s Sverrir Gudnason and Korea’s Dr Brain’s Lee Sun-Kyun. Scroll down for the full list below.
Other high-profile nominees include the third season of another Netflix hit, Sex Education, which is up for Best Comedy Series alongside Canal+’s On The Verge, HBO Latin America’s Bunker and BBC comedy Dreaming Whilst Black, capping off a fine week for the latter following a series order and A24 picking up U.S. rights.
There was a nod to Jack Thorne...
The Netflix spin-off smash hit also picked up a nod for Scoot McNairy in the Best Performance By an Actor category, a hot contest that will see him go up against Crime’s Dougray Scott, Swedish drama A Royal Secret’s Sverrir Gudnason and Korea’s Dr Brain’s Lee Sun-Kyun. Scroll down for the full list below.
Other high-profile nominees include the third season of another Netflix hit, Sex Education, which is up for Best Comedy Series alongside Canal+’s On The Verge, HBO Latin America’s Bunker and BBC comedy Dreaming Whilst Black, capping off a fine week for the latter following a series order and A24 picking up U.S. rights.
There was a nod to Jack Thorne...
- 9/29/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
“Sex Education,” Jodie Comer limiter series “Help” and “Lupin” are among the shows nominated for an International Emmy Award.
23 countries are represented across 15 categories and 60 nominees. The International Emmys will take place on Nov. 21 in New York.
“When you look at the geographic spread, diversity and quality of our Nominees, it becomes obvious that great television knows no borders and is emerging around the world,” said International Academy president and CEO Bruce Paisner. “We look forward to recognizing these outstanding programs and performances on our global stage with the International Emmy.”
Check out the full list of nominations below:
Arts Programming
“Bios: Calamaro”
Buena Vista Original Productions (Disney) / Nat Geo
Argentina
“Charlie Chaplin, Le Génie De La Liberté” [“Charlie Chaplin, The Genius Of Liberty”]
France Télévisions / Kuiv Productions
France
“Freddie Mercury: The Final Act”
Rogan Productions
United Kingdom
“Wonderful World: A New York Jazz Story”
Nhk
Japan
Best Performance by an Actor
Sverrir Gudnason in “En...
23 countries are represented across 15 categories and 60 nominees. The International Emmys will take place on Nov. 21 in New York.
“When you look at the geographic spread, diversity and quality of our Nominees, it becomes obvious that great television knows no borders and is emerging around the world,” said International Academy president and CEO Bruce Paisner. “We look forward to recognizing these outstanding programs and performances on our global stage with the International Emmy.”
Check out the full list of nominations below:
Arts Programming
“Bios: Calamaro”
Buena Vista Original Productions (Disney) / Nat Geo
Argentina
“Charlie Chaplin, Le Génie De La Liberté” [“Charlie Chaplin, The Genius Of Liberty”]
France Télévisions / Kuiv Productions
France
“Freddie Mercury: The Final Act”
Rogan Productions
United Kingdom
“Wonderful World: A New York Jazz Story”
Nhk
Japan
Best Performance by an Actor
Sverrir Gudnason in “En...
- 9/29/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: The prevalence of Korean projects heading to the U.S. continues.
Jee-Woon Kim, one of South Korea’s most lauded directors, has teamed with Star Trek: Discovery writers Bo Yeon Kim and Erika Lippoldt to develop a new series about a Korean family immigrating to the U.S.
The trio are developing the untitled project with eOne, the studio behind series such as Showtime’s Yellowjackets and ABC’s The Rookie franchise.
Jee-Woon Kim will direct the project. He is behind Korean films such as I Saw The Devil, A Bittersweet Life, The Good, The Bad & The Weird, and A Tale of Two Sisters. He also directed and exec produced Apple series Dr. Brain, which was the streamer’s first Korean original. He will also exec produce this series.
Bo Yeon Kim and Lippoldt will write the pilot and serve as showrunners for the series. The writing partners served...
Jee-Woon Kim, one of South Korea’s most lauded directors, has teamed with Star Trek: Discovery writers Bo Yeon Kim and Erika Lippoldt to develop a new series about a Korean family immigrating to the U.S.
The trio are developing the untitled project with eOne, the studio behind series such as Showtime’s Yellowjackets and ABC’s The Rookie franchise.
Jee-Woon Kim will direct the project. He is behind Korean films such as I Saw The Devil, A Bittersweet Life, The Good, The Bad & The Weird, and A Tale of Two Sisters. He also directed and exec produced Apple series Dr. Brain, which was the streamer’s first Korean original. He will also exec produce this series.
Bo Yeon Kim and Lippoldt will write the pilot and serve as showrunners for the series. The writing partners served...
- 9/16/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: North America is getting its latest free streaming service later this month. Mometu, which is marketing itself as a “hand curated” on-demand live streaming platform, will launch on August 19 and has secured free streaming rights to South Korean feature The Policeman’s Lineage.
The service will launch with a slate of legacy films and TV series as Dragnet, Bonanza, Batman, Jackie Chan-starrer The 36 Crazy Fists, Apache Ross, documentary Blues on Beale, Sandra Bullock’s Hangmen, Herman Yau action-thriller Shock Wave 2, Nollywood director Okey Ifeanyi’s Long Walk to Truth and The Gods, which Mykel Shannon Jenkins (Paper Tigers) directed, starred in and wrote.
In September, it will add the exclusive AVoD premiere of Kyu-maan Lee’s crime thriller feature The Policeman’s Lineage, starring Woo-sik Choi (Parasite), Jin-woong Cho (The Handmaiden), Myeong-hoon Park (Parasite) and Hee-soon Park (Apple TV+’s Dr. Brain). The film centers on Choi Min-Jae (Choi...
The service will launch with a slate of legacy films and TV series as Dragnet, Bonanza, Batman, Jackie Chan-starrer The 36 Crazy Fists, Apache Ross, documentary Blues on Beale, Sandra Bullock’s Hangmen, Herman Yau action-thriller Shock Wave 2, Nollywood director Okey Ifeanyi’s Long Walk to Truth and The Gods, which Mykel Shannon Jenkins (Paper Tigers) directed, starred in and wrote.
In September, it will add the exclusive AVoD premiere of Kyu-maan Lee’s crime thriller feature The Policeman’s Lineage, starring Woo-sik Choi (Parasite), Jin-woong Cho (The Handmaiden), Myeong-hoon Park (Parasite) and Hee-soon Park (Apple TV+’s Dr. Brain). The film centers on Choi Min-Jae (Choi...
- 8/3/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
The Policeman’s Lineage, feat. Parasite star Choi Woo-sik, now available on Cable and Digital Rental
Parasite’s Choi Woo-sik stars in director Kyu-mann Lee’s riveting crime drama The Policeman’s Lineage, premiering on Cable and Digital Rental/Purchase this June.
Synopsis: Parasite’s Woo-sik Choi stars as Choi Min-Jae, a rookie police officer and man ofprinciple, who is asked to join Park Gang-Yoon, the chief of a special investigations team with an unrivaled arrest record. The young rookie soon discovers the superior record includes corrupt methods. Together, these two very different policemen are plunged into a massive case that threatens to tear the force apart.
Cast: Woo-sik Choi (Parasite), Cho Jin-woong (The Handmaiden), Park Myeong-hoon (Parasite), and Hee-soon Park (Apple TV+’s Dr. Brain)
Credit: The Policeman’s Lineage is directed by Kyu-mann Lee (Wide Awake), produced by Han-seung Lee (The Tower), and executive produced by Hyun-joo Jung. The production team includes production designer Chae Kyoung-sun (Squid Game), editor Nam Na-young (Squid Game) costume designer...
Synopsis: Parasite’s Woo-sik Choi stars as Choi Min-Jae, a rookie police officer and man ofprinciple, who is asked to join Park Gang-Yoon, the chief of a special investigations team with an unrivaled arrest record. The young rookie soon discovers the superior record includes corrupt methods. Together, these two very different policemen are plunged into a massive case that threatens to tear the force apart.
Cast: Woo-sik Choi (Parasite), Cho Jin-woong (The Handmaiden), Park Myeong-hoon (Parasite), and Hee-soon Park (Apple TV+’s Dr. Brain)
Credit: The Policeman’s Lineage is directed by Kyu-mann Lee (Wide Awake), produced by Han-seung Lee (The Tower), and executive produced by Hyun-joo Jung. The production team includes production designer Chae Kyoung-sun (Squid Game), editor Nam Na-young (Squid Game) costume designer...
- 5/28/2022
- by Grace Han
- AsianMoviePulse
The year 2021 was the year of Squid Game.
If one piece of content caught the zeitgeist on the world stage over the last 12 months it was Netflix’s Korean-language Battle Royale-style capitalism satire.
According to the streamer, the show smashed previous records to become Netflix’s most-watched title of all time, racking up a mighty 1.65 billion viewing hours in 28 days following its premiere in September.
Even if you’re not convinced by the metrics Netflix uses to reach some of its numbers, the show’s permeation of popular culture was tangible. Halloween was the perfect example of the phenomenon, with seemingly every group photo on social media prominently featuring a pink jumpsuit-sporting cosplayer. The costumes were so popular that some schools in New York banned them over fears they could glorify violence.
The show didn’t come from nowhere. Korean content has been breaking out in a...
If one piece of content caught the zeitgeist on the world stage over the last 12 months it was Netflix’s Korean-language Battle Royale-style capitalism satire.
According to the streamer, the show smashed previous records to become Netflix’s most-watched title of all time, racking up a mighty 1.65 billion viewing hours in 28 days following its premiere in September.
Even if you’re not convinced by the metrics Netflix uses to reach some of its numbers, the show’s permeation of popular culture was tangible. Halloween was the perfect example of the phenomenon, with seemingly every group photo on social media prominently featuring a pink jumpsuit-sporting cosplayer. The costumes were so popular that some schools in New York banned them over fears they could glorify violence.
The show didn’t come from nowhere. Korean content has been breaking out in a...
- 1/7/2022
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
(Welcome to Pop Culture Imports, a column that compiles the best foreign movies and TV streaming right now.)
We're nearing the end of 2021 (!) and it's time to play catch-up on all the movies and shows you missed in the final months as we head towards another new year. And yes, that means catch-up on the international titles, which, thanks to the wealth of choices on streaming platforms now, is easier than ever. 2021 has been an incredible breakthrough year for international shows and movies, and somehow, this column has felt like it's only scratched the surface. Yes, we've...
The post Pop Culture Imports: The Hand of God, Dr. Brain & More Foreign Movies and TV Streaming Now appeared first on /Film.
We're nearing the end of 2021 (!) and it's time to play catch-up on all the movies and shows you missed in the final months as we head towards another new year. And yes, that means catch-up on the international titles, which, thanks to the wealth of choices on streaming platforms now, is easier than ever. 2021 has been an incredible breakthrough year for international shows and movies, and somehow, this column has felt like it's only scratched the surface. Yes, we've...
The post Pop Culture Imports: The Hand of God, Dr. Brain & More Foreign Movies and TV Streaming Now appeared first on /Film.
- 12/22/2021
- by Hoai-Tran Bui
- Slash Film
Apple TV Plus has ordered its first Russian-language original series, “Container,” Variety can exclusively reveal.
The series, which comes via a co-production deal with subscription-based streaming service Start, is a thriller starring “The Bourne Supremacy’s” Oksana Akinshina alongside Russian screen stars Filipp Yankovskiy (“The Three Musketeers”), Marusya Fomina (“Gold Diggers”) and Artem Bystrov (“Earthquake”).
Described as “bold” and “unflinching,” the series sees Akinshina play Sasha, a surrogate mother hiding a dangerous secret who reluctantly finds herself ensconced in the luxurious home of the rich family whose baby she is gestating. As Sasha navigates the privilege and politics of the super-rich, both her secrets and theirs threaten to collide.
The series was directed by Maksim Sveshnikov (“257 Reasons to Live”) from a screenplay written by Alexey Lyapichev (“257 Reasons to Live”). It is produced by Eduard Iloyan, Vitaly Shlyappo, Alexey Trotsyuk, Denis Zhalinsky and Mikhail Tkachenko.
“Container” premiered in Russia and Cis...
The series, which comes via a co-production deal with subscription-based streaming service Start, is a thriller starring “The Bourne Supremacy’s” Oksana Akinshina alongside Russian screen stars Filipp Yankovskiy (“The Three Musketeers”), Marusya Fomina (“Gold Diggers”) and Artem Bystrov (“Earthquake”).
Described as “bold” and “unflinching,” the series sees Akinshina play Sasha, a surrogate mother hiding a dangerous secret who reluctantly finds herself ensconced in the luxurious home of the rich family whose baby she is gestating. As Sasha navigates the privilege and politics of the super-rich, both her secrets and theirs threaten to collide.
The series was directed by Maksim Sveshnikov (“257 Reasons to Live”) from a screenplay written by Alexey Lyapichev (“257 Reasons to Live”). It is produced by Eduard Iloyan, Vitaly Shlyappo, Alexey Trotsyuk, Denis Zhalinsky and Mikhail Tkachenko.
“Container” premiered in Russia and Cis...
- 12/13/2021
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
One of South Korea’s biggest stars, Song Kang-ho worked with Hong Sang-soo, Park Chan-wook, Lee Chang-dong, Kim Jee-woon, and Bong Joon-ho before he catapulted into even greater fame with the lattermost director’s Best Picture winner Parasite. Now, for a new feature, he’ll be reuniting with the aforementioned Kim Jee-woon.
Variety reports that the project is titled Cobweb, described by the director as an “experimental” work that will be shot entirely on sound stages and features a film-within-a-film narrative. Written by Shin Yeon-shick, who was originally set to direct, the film will reportedly feature black-and-white and color photography in the same frames, but no plot details are known at this stage.
Song and Kim previously collaborated on The Quiet Family, The Foul King, The Good, The Bad, The Weird, and The Age of Shadows. Their fifth collaboration, Cobweb, will mark the first film made by Song and Kim’s production company Anthology Studios.
Variety reports that the project is titled Cobweb, described by the director as an “experimental” work that will be shot entirely on sound stages and features a film-within-a-film narrative. Written by Shin Yeon-shick, who was originally set to direct, the film will reportedly feature black-and-white and color photography in the same frames, but no plot details are known at this stage.
Song and Kim previously collaborated on The Quiet Family, The Foul King, The Good, The Bad, The Weird, and The Age of Shadows. Their fifth collaboration, Cobweb, will mark the first film made by Song and Kim’s production company Anthology Studios.
- 12/8/2021
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
“Parasite” star Song Kang-ho will reteam for the fifth time with leading Korean director Kim Jee-woon on their upcoming feature film “Cobweb.”
Kim describes the project as “experimental” and said that it will be shot entirely on sound stages in support of a film-within-a-film narrative.
The film will be the first project to emerge from Anthology Studios, a production house co-founded earlier this year by Kim, Song and Jay Choi, an executive who was previously local production head for Warner Bros Korea. The company had barely been launched before it was acquired for KRW20 billion (approximately $18 million) by Jtbc Studios, a subsidiary of Korean pay-tv network Jtbc.
Anthology aims to produce films and work with talented rookie directors who Kim will mentor. The trio were all previously involved with stylish caper comedy “The Good, The Bad, The Weird,” which debuted in Cannes in 2008, and “The Age of Shadows,” which debuted...
Kim describes the project as “experimental” and said that it will be shot entirely on sound stages in support of a film-within-a-film narrative.
The film will be the first project to emerge from Anthology Studios, a production house co-founded earlier this year by Kim, Song and Jay Choi, an executive who was previously local production head for Warner Bros Korea. The company had barely been launched before it was acquired for KRW20 billion (approximately $18 million) by Jtbc Studios, a subsidiary of Korean pay-tv network Jtbc.
Anthology aims to produce films and work with talented rookie directors who Kim will mentor. The trio were all previously involved with stylish caper comedy “The Good, The Bad, The Weird,” which debuted in Cannes in 2008, and “The Age of Shadows,” which debuted...
- 12/8/2021
- by Rebecca Souw
- Variety Film + TV
This weekly feature is in addition to TVLine’s daily What to Watch listings and monthly guide to What’s on Streaming.
With nearly 500 scripted shows now airing across broadcast, cable and streaming, it’s easy to forget that a favorite comedy is returning, or that the new “prestige drama” you anticipated is about to debut. So consider this our reminder to set your DVR, order a Season Pass, pop a fresh Memorex into the Vcr… however it is you roll.
More from TVLineWorld Beyond Series Finale Recap: Who Lived, Who Died and Which Long-Lost Walking Dead Character Showed Up?...
With nearly 500 scripted shows now airing across broadcast, cable and streaming, it’s easy to forget that a favorite comedy is returning, or that the new “prestige drama” you anticipated is about to debut. So consider this our reminder to set your DVR, order a Season Pass, pop a fresh Memorex into the Vcr… however it is you roll.
More from TVLineWorld Beyond Series Finale Recap: Who Lived, Who Died and Which Long-Lost Walking Dead Character Showed Up?...
- 12/4/2021
- by Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
Exclusive: Kellie Madison (Never Back Down: Revolt) has signed on to direct a supernatural action thriller, centered on a geothermic explosion inside the ruins of Pompeii, for Pressman Film.
The script for the as-yet untitled feature will be penned by Kalen Egan and Travis Sentell (Electric Dreams). Edward R. Pressman and Kelly McKee of Pressman Film are on board to produce along with veteran Korean producer Lewis Taewan Kim. Korean VFX company Westworld will co-produce, with Jihyun Kim (Train to Busan) leading creature design and concept artwork.
“I’ve been a fan of Pressman Film since the original Bad Lieutenant. I’m so excited to be collaborating with them to create something really special and unique,” said Madison. “The type of hybrid production team we are putting together has never been done before.
The script for the as-yet untitled feature will be penned by Kalen Egan and Travis Sentell (Electric Dreams). Edward R. Pressman and Kelly McKee of Pressman Film are on board to produce along with veteran Korean producer Lewis Taewan Kim. Korean VFX company Westworld will co-produce, with Jihyun Kim (Train to Busan) leading creature design and concept artwork.
“I’ve been a fan of Pressman Film since the original Bad Lieutenant. I’m so excited to be collaborating with them to create something really special and unique,” said Madison. “The type of hybrid production team we are putting together has never been done before.
- 11/23/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Hellbound has an interesting story history, as the world of the supernatural horror series appeared in two previous incarnations prior to its birth as a six-part Netflix series: an animated short film released in two parts and a Naver webtoon. The former does not follow the same story as the Netflix series, but the webtoon does, with some frames from the online comic recreated almost exactly as is in the drama. It’s cool to see creator Yeon Sang-ho revisit this story-world at different points in his career. Let’s talk about the inspiration for and earlier incarnations of Hellbound…
Where to Watch the Hellbound Animated Short Film
Sang-ho first visited the world of Hellbound in his early-naughts animated short film 지옥: 두개의 삶, or The Hell (Two Kinds of Life). (Part I was made in 2003 and Part II was made in 2006.) The 11-minute rotoscope short follows two different people who are visited by angels,...
Where to Watch the Hellbound Animated Short Film
Sang-ho first visited the world of Hellbound in his early-naughts animated short film 지옥: 두개의 삶, or The Hell (Two Kinds of Life). (Part I was made in 2003 and Part II was made in 2006.) The 11-minute rotoscope short follows two different people who are visited by angels,...
- 11/19/2021
- by Kayti Burt
- Den of Geek
Exclusive: Seoul- and Los Angeles-based Bound Entertainment (AppleTV+’s Dr. Brain), is teaming with YA author Marie Lu to develop a series adaptation of her dystopian fantasy novel, Legend.
The best-seller is the first of a trilogy and was originally published in 2011, going on to sell over 3M copies worldwide. It’s set in a futuristic world where what was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Eighteen-year-old Day lives on the streets as the country’s most wanted criminal, while eighteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed by the Republic’s highest military circles. The two teenagers cross paths when Day becomes the suspect in a high-profile murder case.
Lu will be developing the series and writing the pilot in collaboration with Lindsay Sturman who will also serve as executive producer. Bound Entertainment...
The best-seller is the first of a trilogy and was originally published in 2011, going on to sell over 3M copies worldwide. It’s set in a futuristic world where what was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Eighteen-year-old Day lives on the streets as the country’s most wanted criminal, while eighteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed by the Republic’s highest military circles. The two teenagers cross paths when Day becomes the suspect in a high-profile murder case.
Lu will be developing the series and writing the pilot in collaboration with Lindsay Sturman who will also serve as executive producer. Bound Entertainment...
- 11/18/2021
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
This Hellbound review is based on the first three episodes of the Netflix series. It contains minor spoilers.
We’re all going to die, but most of us don’t know when, how, or what will happen to us (if anything) after the inevitable event. This is a reality we all live with, and that much of modern life under capitalism actively encourages us to ignore. Hellbound, Netflix‘s six-part supernatural horror from Train to Busan director Yeon Sang-ho, asks: what happens when we are forced to face that reality, not only on a personal level but a societal one. It’s a particularly poignant premise in a world that has seen more than five million deaths from Covid in under two years, but it’s an inherently timeless one too, previously explored with similar intensity in standout series The Leftovers. Hellbound, which drops on Friday, does a superb job of exploring the difficult,...
We’re all going to die, but most of us don’t know when, how, or what will happen to us (if anything) after the inevitable event. This is a reality we all live with, and that much of modern life under capitalism actively encourages us to ignore. Hellbound, Netflix‘s six-part supernatural horror from Train to Busan director Yeon Sang-ho, asks: what happens when we are forced to face that reality, not only on a personal level but a societal one. It’s a particularly poignant premise in a world that has seen more than five million deaths from Covid in under two years, but it’s an inherently timeless one too, previously explored with similar intensity in standout series The Leftovers. Hellbound, which drops on Friday, does a superb job of exploring the difficult,...
- 11/17/2021
- by Kayti Burt
- Den of Geek
"I think the director's thoughts, feelings, colors, and smells exist in every scene." There's a new "Director's Vision" featurette out for their sci-fi thriller series Dr. Brain, which is already playing now on Apple TV+. It spends time with acclaimed Korean filmmaker Kim Jee-woon discussing working on this. Dr. Brain is an emotional journey following a brain scientist who's obsessive about figuring out new technologies to access the consciousness and memories of the brain. His life goes sideways when his family falls victim to a mysterious accident, and he uses his skills to access memories from his wife's brain to piece together the mystery of what actually happened to his family and why. The series stars Lee Sun-kyun, Lee You-young, Park Hee-soon, Seo Ji-hye, & Lee Jae-won. I'm already a big fan of ...
- 11/12/2021
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
When it comes to modern television platforms, AppleTV+ seems determined to prove that less is more. In a medium long-dominated by episodic bloat, Apple’s has demonstrated a sustained preference for shorter seasons, even with its most popular comedies. And if you’re a fan of Korean cinema, it is this same approach that makes Apple TV+ such a fitting home for “Dr. Brain,” an economical new six-episode series from Korean filmmaker Kim Jee-woon.
Continue reading ‘Dr. Brain’ Review: Kim Jee-Woon’s Mind Is A Terrible Thing To Waste at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Dr. Brain’ Review: Kim Jee-Woon’s Mind Is A Terrible Thing To Waste at The Playlist.
- 11/4/2021
- by Matthew Monagle
- The Playlist
There’s a certain kind of medical hubris that runs through some fictional doctors. Whether driven by desperation or an overabundance of confidence, there comes a time when an unproven technology or serum or technique needs to be proven. And wouldn’t you know it: The only one brave (or delusional) enough to test it out is the person who came up with it in the first place.
That rubicon gets crossed awfully early in “Dr. Brain,” the newest Apple TV+ drama premiering this week. Lee Sun-kyun stars as Dr. Sewon Koh, a neurologist who’s been throwing himself into his life’s work, particularly after the latest in an ever-growing line of family tragedies. His chief invention? A machine that can transfer memories and consciousness from a dead brain to a living one.
Before long, the death of a man he’s never met and the arrival of some...
That rubicon gets crossed awfully early in “Dr. Brain,” the newest Apple TV+ drama premiering this week. Lee Sun-kyun stars as Dr. Sewon Koh, a neurologist who’s been throwing himself into his life’s work, particularly after the latest in an ever-growing line of family tragedies. His chief invention? A machine that can transfer memories and consciousness from a dead brain to a living one.
Before long, the death of a man he’s never met and the arrival of some...
- 11/3/2021
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
At some point in the second episode of Dr. Brain, the main character syncs his brain with the brain of a dead cat. I could explain the process, purpose and context for this speculatively scientific endeavor, but suffice to say it’s every bit as silly as it sounds. That moment is easily my favorite part a drama that marks Apple TV+’s first Korean-language original.
Unfortunately, like everything else in Kim Jee-woon’s six-episode adaptation of the Korean web toon of the same name, the feline brain sync represents an amusingly loopy concept delivered with only lackluster returns. For a ...
Unfortunately, like everything else in Kim Jee-woon’s six-episode adaptation of the Korean web toon of the same name, the feline brain sync represents an amusingly loopy concept delivered with only lackluster returns. For a ...
- 11/3/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Kim Jee-woon. The name itself comes with a whole bag of expectations. Even if his last output “Illang: The Wolf Brigade” did not live up to them, fans have nonetheless been looking forward to how he moves on from that. Never one to shy away from experimenting in different genres, Kim has now taken up the challenge of trying a new format as he makes the leap to television with his first series “Dr. Brain” for Apple TV+.
Synopsis
When Lee Se-won was a child, his mother died in a hit and run accident. He decided afterwards to become a brain scientist. He is a genius and remembers everything he sees. 20 years after his mother’s death, Lee Se-won has become a famous Ph.D scientist in the brain science field. One day, a mysterious person contacts him and asks him to extract information from the brain of a man who committed suicide.
Synopsis
When Lee Se-won was a child, his mother died in a hit and run accident. He decided afterwards to become a brain scientist. He is a genius and remembers everything he sees. 20 years after his mother’s death, Lee Se-won has become a famous Ph.D scientist in the brain science field. One day, a mysterious person contacts him and asks him to extract information from the brain of a man who committed suicide.
- 11/3/2021
- by Rhythm Zaveri
- AsianMoviePulse
This weekly feature is in addition to TVLine’s daily What to Watch listings and monthly guide to What’s on Streaming.
With nearly 500 scripted shows now airing across broadcast, cable and streaming, it’s easy to forget that a favorite comedy is returning, or that the new “prestige drama” you anticipated is about to debut. So consider this our reminder to set your DVR, order a Season Pass, pop a fresh Memorex into the Vcr… however it is you roll.
More from TVLineTV Ratings: CBS Dramas, The Rookie Drop Against World Series/NFL ComboSEAL Team Recap: Final CBS Episode...
With nearly 500 scripted shows now airing across broadcast, cable and streaming, it’s easy to forget that a favorite comedy is returning, or that the new “prestige drama” you anticipated is about to debut. So consider this our reminder to set your DVR, order a Season Pass, pop a fresh Memorex into the Vcr… however it is you roll.
More from TVLineTV Ratings: CBS Dramas, The Rookie Drop Against World Series/NFL ComboSEAL Team Recap: Final CBS Episode...
- 10/30/2021
- by Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
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