K-Content News
From 'Space Sweepers' to 'Minari': K-Films Analyzed On Reel Talk
- February 10, 2021
From 'Space Sweepers' to 'Minari':
K-Films Analyzed On Reel Talk
Updated: 2021-02-09 13:50:26 KST
After a Covid year with no new major blockbusters, Jo Sung-hee's "Space Sweepers" arrives as a breath of fresh air.
It may not be a perfect movie nor some like our very own film critic here argue a particularly innovative one, for that matter, but the sci-fi adventure - touted as the first Korean space blockbuster - is certainly fun, with colorful performances and impressive computer-generated imagery.
AND, there is "Minari." And, don't we have a WHOLE lot to talk about "Minari" and everything in between those two.
On News In-depth tonight, we're joined live in the studio by our favorite film critic, Pierce Conran.
Great to see you again, Pierce.
Let's begin with "Space Sweepers." Despite all, it ranked first among Netflix films this past Sunday just one day after its worldwide release.
Now, this film was originally set to hit theaters last summer, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it's instead been released on Netflix.
How do you think things played out for the film itself?
Would it have garnered the same amount to support in theaters or have things turned out for the better with its Netflix release?
What does it mean that this is the first South Korea big-budget space adventure film? How is it different that it's "big-budget," and how does it go up against space adventure films of other countries?
Making releases on Netflix rather than prioritizing theater release dates do you think this will be the next trend for films in general? In South Korea?
Now, moving on to "Minari." This film directed by Lee Isaac Chung is probably one of the most talked about films as of late.
It's been nominated for best foreign language film for this year's Golden Globe Awards and the Broadcast Film Critics Association nominated it for ten categories including best picture, director, actor, supporting actress and screenplay.
Now, renowned director David Fincher's film "Mank" won 12 nominations.
What is it about this film about a Korean immigrant family in search of the American dream in the 1980s that's getting so much attention in the film world?
Now, the Korean-American family drama scored nominations in the Best Motion Picture in the Foreign Language category. When it landed in the Foreign Language Globes race back in December thus being knocked out of the top categories, it had a great many supporters including Daniel Dae Kim taking to social media, some outraged, pointing out that while much of the film is in Korean, the story itself is very American. What was this controversy about?
Meanwhile, the annual Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association gave their best supporting actress accolade to Youn Yuh-jung for her role as an eccentric grandmother in the film. This is the 73-year old actress' 21st title and she is considered a leading contender for the Oscars' best actress category, which would make her the first South Korean actor to make that achievement. The film picked up three nominations for the 27th Screen Actors Guild Awards, including a historic nomination for actress Youn Yuh-Jung. Youn is the first Korean actor to be nominated for a SAG award. How does this contribute towards continued recognition of Korean cinema around the world, and for the actress Youn Yuh-jung herself?
Shifting our focus back home, as of February 1st, the government relaxed social distancing measures at concert halls and theaters allowing visitors to sit together with their accompanying friend or family member, with two empty seats on each side. That is under the current level 2.5 distancing regulation. What has the movie theater scene been like as of late?
With the four-day Lunar New Year holidays coming up, what films are in theaters for us to enjoy?
Pierce Conran, our favorite film critic here on News In-depth, many thanks as always for your insights. We appreciate it.
It may not be a perfect movie nor some like our very own film critic here argue a particularly innovative one, for that matter, but the sci-fi adventure - touted as the first Korean space blockbuster - is certainly fun, with colorful performances and impressive computer-generated imagery.
AND, there is "Minari." And, don't we have a WHOLE lot to talk about "Minari" and everything in between those two.
On News In-depth tonight, we're joined live in the studio by our favorite film critic, Pierce Conran.
Great to see you again, Pierce.
Let's begin with "Space Sweepers." Despite all, it ranked first among Netflix films this past Sunday just one day after its worldwide release.
Now, this film was originally set to hit theaters last summer, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it's instead been released on Netflix.
How do you think things played out for the film itself?
Would it have garnered the same amount to support in theaters or have things turned out for the better with its Netflix release?
What does it mean that this is the first South Korea big-budget space adventure film? How is it different that it's "big-budget," and how does it go up against space adventure films of other countries?
Making releases on Netflix rather than prioritizing theater release dates do you think this will be the next trend for films in general? In South Korea?
Now, moving on to "Minari." This film directed by Lee Isaac Chung is probably one of the most talked about films as of late.
It's been nominated for best foreign language film for this year's Golden Globe Awards and the Broadcast Film Critics Association nominated it for ten categories including best picture, director, actor, supporting actress and screenplay.
Now, renowned director David Fincher's film "Mank" won 12 nominations.
What is it about this film about a Korean immigrant family in search of the American dream in the 1980s that's getting so much attention in the film world?
Now, the Korean-American family drama scored nominations in the Best Motion Picture in the Foreign Language category. When it landed in the Foreign Language Globes race back in December thus being knocked out of the top categories, it had a great many supporters including Daniel Dae Kim taking to social media, some outraged, pointing out that while much of the film is in Korean, the story itself is very American. What was this controversy about?
Meanwhile, the annual Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association gave their best supporting actress accolade to Youn Yuh-jung for her role as an eccentric grandmother in the film. This is the 73-year old actress' 21st title and she is considered a leading contender for the Oscars' best actress category, which would make her the first South Korean actor to make that achievement. The film picked up three nominations for the 27th Screen Actors Guild Awards, including a historic nomination for actress Youn Yuh-Jung. Youn is the first Korean actor to be nominated for a SAG award. How does this contribute towards continued recognition of Korean cinema around the world, and for the actress Youn Yuh-jung herself?
Shifting our focus back home, as of February 1st, the government relaxed social distancing measures at concert halls and theaters allowing visitors to sit together with their accompanying friend or family member, with two empty seats on each side. That is under the current level 2.5 distancing regulation. What has the movie theater scene been like as of late?
With the four-day Lunar New Year holidays coming up, what films are in theaters for us to enjoy?
Pierce Conran, our favorite film critic here on News In-depth, many thanks as always for your insights. We appreciate it.
Reporter : jenmoon@arirang.co.kr
