Movies that stole the box office more than 10 years ago are tugging on the nostalgia of Korean moviegoers by reopening at local theaters. Despite its long hiatus, they are showing strong ticket power.

Even if you haven’t seen Shunji Iwai’s movie “Love Letter,” you may still recognize the famous line “Oggenkideska,” meaning “How are you?” The movie reopened on Feb. 14 to celebrate Valentine’s Day following the “first love” fever sparked by the Korean movie “Architecture 101.” 

Despite its small-scale opening in only 53 theaters, it attracted more than 35,000 viewers, ranking 10th place at the box office.

Another reopened movie “Leon” by Ruc Besson first premiered in 1994. It is also faring successfully in the box office at seventh place as of April 17, selling more than 20,000 tickets. The tragic bond between a professional killer and a 12-year-old girl had generated new trends including fashion items such as Leon’s round-eye glasses and Matilda’s decadent-looking choker. The song “The Shape of My Heart” by Sting from the movie’s soundtrack was also well received.

Old and new fans are flocking to the theaters to watch the remastered version of “Leon,” including 23 extra minutes that had been cut out of its first run.

Following the success of “Love Letter” and “Leon,” more popular movies of the past are coming back. Another Iwai romance film “April Story” will be re-released on April 25. And “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” will be reopening after 15 years in May, followed by the re-release of Disney and Pixar’s animation “Finding Nemo” in 3-D in June.

Jin Eun-soo, Intern reporter
(janna924@heraldcorp.com)