Kim Ji Woon: Lee Byung Hun VS Choi Min Sik
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I SAW THE DEVIL
악마를 보았다
"Akmareul boattda" In the wake of his successful Western The Good, The Bad, The Weird, Kim Jee-woon was originally planning to shoot a US remake of the 1970s era French thriller Max and the Junkmen. However when progress on that project began to slow, he turned to a smaller project that he had been developing in parallel. I Saw the Devil is a violent thriller about a psychopath who kills for pleasure, starring Choi Min-sik of Oldboy fame. However when he kills the fiancee of a top secret agent, the bereaved agent (played by Lee Byung-hun) turns into a monster himself in order to extract revenge. Reportedly so grisly that many top distributors wouldn't touch it, the film will likely reach theaters in late summer or early fall.
Synopsis: Jang Gyeong-cheol is a dangerous psychopath who kills for pleasure. He has committed infernal serial murders in diabolic ways that one cannot even imagine and his victims range from young women to even children. The police have chased him for a long time, but were unable to catch him. One day the daughter of a retired police chief becomes his prey and is found dead in a horrific state. Her fiance Kim Soo-hyeon, a top secret agent, decides to track down the murderer himself. He promises himself that he will do everything in his power to take bloody vengeance against the killer, even if it means that he must become a monster himself.
by Tom Giammarco and Darcy Paquet / koreanfilm.org / chosun.com
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CLASH OF FIRE-LIKE MADNESS AND ICE-LIKE LUNACY
By HAN Sunhee (August 10, 2010)
According to director KIM Jee-woon, I Saw the Devil is “a film that talks of a clash between fire-like madness and ice-like lunacy.” Directing a total of five feature films starting from The Quiet Family to The Good, The Bad, The Weird, KIM had each time challenged himself to a different genre. Now for his sixth film, he has chosen a cold-blooded thriller. The screenplay written by PARK Hun-jeong, who also wrote The Unjust and directed The Showdown, was first suggested to KIM Jee-woon through actor CHOI Min-sik (Old Boy). The rumor had spread fast it will be the most horrible and cruel story in Korean film history as far as ‘violence’ goes. As it was announced that the leading role will be played by CHOI Min-sik and LEE Byung-hun, the film instantly drew much attention from in and out of the country.
‘Fire-like madness’ from the film is the serial killer Gyeongcheol played by CHOI Min-sik, while ‘ice-like lunacy’ is Su-hyeon, National Intelligence Service agent played by LEE Byung-hun. Gyeong-cheol brutally assaults Su-hyeon’s fiancé and dismembers her body. From rage and despair of failing to protect his own lover, Su-hyeon decides to get back at Gyeongcheol. Roving around Seoul and Gyeonggi-do in search of his enemy, Su-heyon feels he will not be satisfied with simply taking Gyeong-cheol’s life. He wishes to return the fear and pain his fiancé had to go through in the cruelest and most persistent way. On their first encounter, Su-hyeon warns Gyeong-cheol, “Remember, it will only get worse.” Gyeongcheol replies, “That’s interesting. Bring it on.”
While KIM Jee-woon’s previous films had focused more on the genre-specific styles rather than the characters, I Saw the Devil is expected to be a movie with outstanding powers of the actors that form an extreme contrast. CHOI Min-sik who announced his name to the world with Old Boy, had not appeared in any large scale mainstream commercial films for the last 5 years since he performed in Sympathy for Lady Vengeance. Having worked with CHOI 12 years ago in The Quiet Family, KIM Jee-woon praises CHOI as “the best actor to act a character like fire.” In the new movie, CHOI Min-sik is prepared to become a devil wearing a human mask. Known as ‘KIM Jee-woon’s persona’ for his performance in A Bittersweet Life and The Good, The Bad, The Weird, LEE Byung-hun acts an emotional and delicate man who’s grieving his dead lover but who’s at the same time a cold-hearted person putting down his anger and rage to fight against the evil.
There are many films of violence and revenge, but I Saw the Devil differentiates itself from other common stories of paybacks. In this film, revenge does not mean the victim moving towards the simple goal of finishing the perpetrator’s life. In order to return the pain he had received, Su-hyeon controls his emotions and repeats clasping and letting go of the opponent. Instead of avoiding Su-hyeon’s attacks, Gyeongcheol enjoys the situation and faces him squarely, and in that sense I Saw the Devil keeps up the tension through steady confrontation. The director describes the film religious as the evil is punished, and a story of suffering as it shows the pain of a man.
With its provocative and cruel expressions, perhaps I Saw the Devil will add its title to the ‘Korean Extreme’ list by overseas audiences. However ethical questions may be asked on whether such extreme punishment shown in the movie is in fact correct. To them CHOI Min-sik answers. “What is violence to humans? How is it expressed cinematically? Such points will entertain our audiences.”
Credits:
cinematoday
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Official Website
isawthedevil.co.kr * naver
cafe *
cine21.com *
asianmediawiki
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MAIN MOVIE TRAILER
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TEASER released May 24, 2010
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[Movieworld] KJW-LBH-CMS 'I Saw The Devil' filming BTS
STREAMING // download original
link
Poster Photoshoot
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STREAMING // Filming BTS
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STREAMING
Friends at 'I Saw the Devil' Filming Set
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STREAMING // Download original flv
clip
View BTS & LBH-CMS interview at
Youtube //
nate.com
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Thanks to the initial highlight by
melusine at EverythingLBH
Lee Byung-Heon, Choi Min-Shik for Kim Ji-Woon's Next?
by X, November 23, 2009 2:01 AM
The last time we talked about Kim Ji-Woon's upcoming projects, it was regarding his first venture into Hollywood, a remake of Claude Sautet's 70s caper Max et Les Ferrailleurs. Hoping to cast Clive Owen and possibly Sienna Miller in the leading roles, Kim wanted his Max and the Junkmen to start shooting in January, as winter was the perfect atmosphere for his noir ambiance. Seems like the film has hit a snag - we still don't have much in the way of the details, but it might just be casting issues delaying the first shoot past that all important Q1 2010 deadline, pushing things to late next year - so Kim is now focusing on his next project at home, which is tentatively entitled 아열대의 밤 (lit. Subtropical Night).
The film continues the recent noir thriller trend, with a man chasing the serial killer-cum-psychopath who killed his fiancee, and plenty of brutal action ensuing afterwards. Choi Min-Shik was cast in the psychopath role, one of the most inspired choices of recent memory - and a return to major projects for Choi, who's had a pretty rough three-four years, and recently returned to Chungmuro with Jeon Soo-Il's low budget indie 히말라야, 바람이 머무는 곳 (Himalaya, Where the Wind Dwells). Also, Lee Byung-Heon has received an offer to play the "chaser" avenging his fiancee's death. His management confirmed the offer, but also said that because of Lee's Hollywood commitments (G.I. Joe 2), Kim would have to adapt his schedule in accordance. So, again, no ink spilled yet, but if these three get together, this baby could turn as hot as its working title suggests. More on this in the coming months.
Credits:
media.daum.net,
sports.khan.co.kr, copied from
twitchfilm.net
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Cast & Character
Thanks to the fan highlight at GBW cafe.daum
6090
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Lee Byung Hun - Soo Hyun (NIS Agent)
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Choi Min Sik - Kyung Chul (Psychopath)
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Oh San Ha - Joo Yun (Soo Hyun's fiancee)
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Jeon Kuk Hwan - Det. Jang (Joo Yun's father)
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Director
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Kim Ji Woon
The Quiet Family, The Foul King, A Tale of Two Sisters,
A Bittersweet Life, The Good The Bad The Weird
Choi Min Sik
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Lee Byung Hun
2010.04.30: Choi Min Sik vs Lee Byung Hun, a horrifying confrontation
news.nate.com
2010.05.07: An Interview With Kim Ji-woon, director of The Good, the Bad, the Weird
iamkoream.com
2010.05.13: Finecut sells I Saw The Devil to France's ARP
screendaily
2010.05.14: Korean thriller "I Saw the Devil" pre-sold to France's ARP
10Asia
2010.05.14: ARP sees Kim's 'Devil' at Cannes, French company picks up thriller from top Korean director
THR
2010.05.19: Malick, Coppola could lead strong crop at Venice 2010
screendaily
2010.05.25: Choi Min-Sik. Lee Byung-Hun. Kim Ji-Woon. I SAW THE DEVIL Teaser Arrives
twitchfilm
2010.05.31: Optimum picks up 'Devil' for UK Kim Jee-woon thriller also picked up for France, Turkey
THR
2010.06.01: Korean film "I Saw The Devil" pre-sold to four countries
10Asia
2010.06.06: KJW-CMS-LBH The Power of Three Men, Too Strong!
esportsi.com
2010.06.08: Finecut presells I Saw the Devil to three more territories
KOFIC
2010.06.21: 'I Saw the Devil' Character Posters Revealed
news.nate.com
2010.06.23: LBH-CMS 'I Saw the Devil' No.1 Most Anticipated 2010 Acting Showdown
news.nate.com
2010.06.23: Lee Byunghun to appear on ABC "Good Morning America"
10Asia
2010.06.23: Most anticipated return of famous Director
TimelessLBH
2010.06.07: Choi Min-sik public character of the killer
news.nate.com
2010.07.07: Korean box office sets all-time high during first half of 2010
10Asia
2010.07.07: I Saw The Devil
koreanvibe
2010.07.08: 'I Saw the Devil' a cold madness character
news.nate.com
2010.07.09: I Saw the Devil Poster Photoshoot & Interview
news.nate.com
2010.07.15: Choi Min-sik, "I am the devil in human skin"
news.nate.com
2010.07.21: Lee Byung-hun pic "I Saw The Devil" to open August 11
10Asia
2010.07.23: Choi Min Sik and Lee Byung Hun, battle of insanity
news.nate.com
2010.07.23: I Saw the Devil release on August 11
KOFIC
2010.07.24: Kim Ji-Woon's upcoming film
genrecinemaeastasia.com
2010.07.26: I Saw the Tale of Bittersweet Life Devil
movie-cafe.com
2010.07.28: Korean pics "Housemaid," "Devil" invited to Toronto film fest
10Asia // September 9-19, 2010
tiff.net
2010.07.29: "Maid" and "Saw The Devil" Invited To The Toronto International Film Festival
KBS Global
2010.07.30: Choi Min Sik debuting as Poducer of 'I Saw the Devil'
news.nate.com
2010.08.02: I Saw the Devil and The Housemaid invited to Toronto
KOFIC
2010.08.02: Choi Min-sik 5 years comeback, insane 36 hours of the ultimate experience
news.nate.com
2010.08.02: Local film industry looks to violent films for rebound koreaherald.com
2010.08.02: Kim Ji Woon, Jang Jin, Ryu Seung-wan..return of anticipated Directors
news.nate.com
2010.08.04: Korea gives 'Devil' restricted rating
THR
2010.08.05: Board delays film screening for violence koreaherald
2010.08.06: Dir. Kim Ji Woon, Endless Expression from Lee Byung Hun
news.nate.com
2010.08.06: I Saw the Devil release delayed
KOFIC
2010.08.06: 'I Saw the Devil' iPhone Application
news.nate.com
2010.08.06: I Saw the Devil release delayed
KOFIC
2010.08.09: 'Devil's extraordinary action directed by instinct,' Kim Ji Woon
news.nate.com
2010.08.08: Kim Ji Woon's I Saw the Devil Banned from Public Theaters in Korea
twitchfilm
2010.08.08: Korean Box Office August 6-8
Seen in Jeonju
2010.08.09: No gray zone for Korean films koreaherald
2010.08.10: The Devil You Know
Mark Russell
2010.08.11: Kim Ji Woon's I Saw the Devil Cleared for Release in Korea
twitchfilm
2010.08.12: (Movie Review) 'I Saw the Devil,' a brutal, stylish thriller
yonhapnews
2010.08.12: Lee Byunghun may shoot "G.I. Joe" sequel early next year
10Asia
2010.08.12: Testosterone-fueled films dominate
koreatimes
2010.08.12: Is relentless violence onscreen justified?
koreatimes
2010.08.13: Director Kim Ji Woon: 'It Is Like Eating Sushi with Less Wasabi'
KBS Global
2010.08.12: What did it cost for Kim Ji Woon's I Saw the Devil to gain release?
twitchfilm
2010.08.12: 7 cuts made, not 7 minutes cut from "I Saw the Devil"
cineanon.com
2010.08.12: Fan Review
asianmediawiki
2010.08.14: English review for "I Saw The Devil"
kaist455.com
2010.08.15: Weekend Box Office: August 13-15
10Asia
2010.08.15: "The Man From Nowhere" tops local box office once again
10Asia
2010.08.16: Review - The Devil from Nowhere
Mark Russell
2010.08.16: Choi Min Sik - The most difficult movie I've acted
news.nate.com
2010.08.17: The Cruel Society of the Movies? KJW Interview
Streaming
2010.08.17: Dongwan’s reviewlog: I Saw The Devil
absolutshinhwa.com
2010.08.18: Kia Mohave for 'I Saw the Devil'
news.nate.com
2010.08.19: TIFF Praise, "A Distinct Noir"
news.nate.com
2010.08.19: Lee Byung-hun says "'Devil' makes you think of what you get out of revenge"
10Asia
2010.08.20: [MOVIE REVIEW] A shocking look at the corrosive power of evil
joongangdaily.com
2010.08.20: Controversial 'I Saw the Devil' eyeing one million mark
news.nate.com
2010.08.21: Lee Byung-hun vs Choi Min-sik, who is really the devil? (Cine Review)
news.nate.com
2010.08.22: Local film industry cites need for Hollywood money
koreaherald.com
2010.08.23: Weekend Box Office: August 20-22
10Asia
2010.08.23: "The Man From Nowhere" hangs onto No. 1 spot
10Asia
2010.08.20: Cazals' 'Chicogrande' to open San Sebastian Fest
THR.com
2010.08.23: Korean Films Invited To International Film Festivals
KBS Global
2010.08.20: Lee ByungHun & Im SooJung grace the cover of fashion magazine
soompi.com l
korea.com
2010.08.10: CLASH OF FIRE-LIKE MADNESS AND ICE-LIKE LUNACY
cinematoday
2010.08.20: 'Chicogrande' to open San Sebastian, Kim's 'Devil' joins fest's competish section
variety.com
2010.08.24: "I Saw the Devil" invited to compete at San Sebastian film fest
10Asia
Park In Hwan as Eun Ki Hwan (Chae Ryung's father) 
Moon Chae Won as Eun Chae Ryung 
Lee Hee Jin as Eun Ae Ryung 
Kang Won as Eun Ho Ryung 
Kim Hye Ok as Heo Sook Hee 
Yoo Seung Mok as Heo Man Soo 
Choi Jin Hyuk as Choi Hyuk Gi 
Lee Dong Hae as Choi Wook Gi 
Kang Sung as Jung Jin Goo 
Jun Tae Soo as Park Jong Suk 
Kang Min Hyuk as Hwang Yeon Doo 
Song Yi Woo as Jo Ah Ra 
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