1999 spy thriller that sparked Korean cinema's blockbuster era returns to theaters March 19
"Shiri," the 1999 spy thriller that marked a watershed in Korean cinema, is set to return to theaters on March 19 in a 4K remastered version, distributor CJ ENM announced Thursday.
Directed by Kang Je-kyu, "Shiri" follows South Korean intelligence agents Yu Jung-won (Han Suk-kyu) and Lee Jang-gil (Song Kang-ho) as they track North Korean operatives led by commander Park Mu-young (Choi Min-sik). The film broke new ground as Korea's first Hollywood-style blockbuster, featuring large-scale action sequences in urban settings including Seoul's Jamsil Stadium.
The production holds a place in Korean film history in its blend of Hollywood's cinematic techniques with distinctly Korean themes. Unlike earlier domestic productions that typically relied on loosely connected episodic structures, "Shiri" employed a tight causal plot, rapid montage sequences and continuity editing techniques previously uncommon in Korean cinema.
"Shiri" shattered box office records upon release, drawing over 6.2 million viewers nationwide. It outperformed James Cameron's "Titanic" in Seoul, pulling in 2.43 million viewers compared to "Titanic's" 1.97 million. The film had a modest budget of less than $3 million including marketing, but raked in $26.5 million domestically, with Japanese distribution bringing in an additional $17.6 million.
The film's commercial success kicked off an investment boom in the Korean film industry insiders termed the "Shiri syndrome." This influx of capital paved the way for subsequent Korean blockbusters such as "JSA" (2000), "Silmido" (2003) and "Taegukgi" (2004).
"Shiri" garnered multiple accolades at the 35th Baeksang Arts Awards, including best film and best director. The production also served as a career springboard for numerous actors who became mainstays of Korean cinema: Song Kang-ho later gained international acclaim in Bong Joon-ho's Oscar-winning "Parasite," while Choi Min-sik went on to star in Park Chan-wook's "Oldboy," which secured the Grand Prix at Cannes.
moonkihoon@heraldcorp.com
