[HanCinema's News] Director Kim-Jho Gwang-soo Talks About "Made in Rooftop"
By William Schwartz | Published on
Following an eight year break from directing, Kim Jho- Gwang-soo is back. "Made in Rooftop" is the first feature length film from the prolific producer since "Two Weddings and a Funeral" from 2013. He has otherwise been quite busy, producing the "Detective K" series of films. His marriage to another man was also documented in "My Fair Wedding" back in 2015, although gay marriage is not legal in South Korea and their contract was not legally binding.
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In a recent interview Kim-Jho Gwang-soo expressed nervousness about being so long out of practice. Kim-Jho Gwang-soo claimed to have spent quite some time trying to make "Made in Rooftop" but being unable to come up with a suitable cast or investors. Kim-Jho Hwang-soo wished he could make queer films more often. "Made in Rooftop" is itself a product of the nineties, with Kim-Jho Gwang-soo recreating the same environment where he came of age.
Kim-Jho Gwang-soo was particularly concerned with his depiction of younger queer life. He wanted to provide a comparison point to young gay people in the present day, noting that the past wasn't so different, what with gay people trying to find themselves. Kim-Jho Gwang-soo also noted how originally he wanted more of a romantic comedy concept, but eventually had to take reality into account in spite of the generally cheerful tone of young love.
Kim-Jho Gwang-soo made note of how while gay people felt discrimination in the past as they do in the present day, it's not as if they just spent all their time crying and depressed. Kim-Jho Gwang-soo emphasized that movies are inherently unrealistic, and from this context, a gay romantic fantasy is perfectly reasonable. He cited the BTS Music Video of Come Back Home as his motivation to cast lead actor Lee Hong-nae, with his appearance in the video showcasing lovely cuteness even in agitation.
The casting of Jung Hwi was explained as a consequence of his musical theater experience, with Kim-Jho Gwang-soo being a fan of such work. Kim-Jho Gwang-soo acknowledged that despite the film itself being queer, his actors were largely straight, and that they needed much preparation. But his goal, which he felt was met, was to have performances that did not overemphasize the queer aspects of the story. "Made in Rooftop" was released in South Korean theaters on June 23rd.
Written by William Schwartz
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"Made in Rooftop" is directed by Kim-Jho Gwang-soo, and features Lee Hong-nae, Jung Hwi, Kwak Min-gyu, Kang Jung-woo, Yeum Moon-keung, Lee Jung-eun. Release date in Korea: 2021/06/23.
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Staff writer. Has been writing articles for HanCinema since 2012, having lived in South Korea from 2011 to 2021. He is currently located in the Southern Illinois. William Schwartz can be contacted via william@hancinema.net, and is open to requests for content in future articles.