“Thirst” Goes to Cannes

Director Park Chan-wook’s new film, “Thirst,” has been invited to compete in the 62nd Cannes International Film Festival. Korea’s premier director is no stranger to this prestigious film festival, for he has won the Grand Prix of the Jury in 2004 and high praise from the President of the Jury, director Quentin Tarantino, for “Old Boy.”

Park’s latest film, “Thirst,” starring esteemed Song Kang-ho and Kim Ok-bin, is expected to stir up quite a controversy in the Catholic nation, for it depicts a deadly affair between a priest-turned-vampire (played by Song) and his friend’s wife (played by Kim). Although the subject matter of vampire is familiar to the western audience, filmgoers and critics may not react favorably to the fact that a priest is the anti-hero in this film.

“Thirst” is scheduled to open nationwide in Korea on April 30th. It’s one of the most anticipated films in 2009, as demonstrated by the sell-out of advance tickets in just 10 minutes.

source: KBS World

Tags: Kim Ok bin/Song Kang ho/Park Chan wook/korean movie

Secret Sunshine [ Korean Movie 2007 ]

Genre : Drama, Romance
Starring : Joen Do Yeon, Song Kang Ho
Release date : May 24, 2007
Runtime :142 min.
Directed by : Lee Chang dong
International Film Festivals: 2007 Cannes International Film Festival , Competition
Awards: Joen Do Yeon won Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival.

Synopsis:

After losing her husband, a woman relocates to a small-town called Miryang for a new start. When tragedy strikes, one local man stands by her through all of her struggles and tries to offer her hope.

Gallery:

Tags: Secret Sunshine/korean movie/Joen Do Yeon/Song Kang Ho/korean film

Actress Kim Ok-bin Speaks Out About Starring in 'Thirst'

Kim Ok-bin, who stars in the season's most anticipated film "Thirst," has spoken about working alongside Song Kang-ho. "Acting with Song, I really felt that he is a true, genuine actor. He was near perfect in every scene, and I learned so much from him," she said.

Asked about her thoughts about the bed scenes at the time of casting, Kim said, "I didn't want to think too much about the nudity issue. When I learned about the role, I thought it was something that all actresses want to do at some point in their career."

Director Park Chan-wook had high praise for his star. "She showed so many different sides of the character, and is such a versatile actress. She will become a big star in Korean film industry."

"Thirst" is a melodrama about the illicit love affair between a priest who becomes a vampire after getting a blood transfusion from an unknown person and the wife of his friend. It will be released in Korea on Apr. 30.

Credit: englishnews@chosun.com
Source: Chosun

Tags: Kim Ok bin/korean actress/Park Chan wook/korean movie