[HanCinema's News] Two Korean Films Appear in Competition at Cannes
By William Schwartz | Published on
On April 14th the Cannes Film Festival announced that two South Korean films would be appearing in competition at the festival's 75th iteration this year. These movies will be "Decision to Leave" from director Park Chan-wook and "Broker" from director Hirokazu Koreeda. This is the first time two South Korean films have appeared in competition at Cannes simultaneously since "Okja" and "The Day After" held that distinction in 2017.
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Despite having a Japanese director, "Broker" is thoroughly a South Korean produced project. The baby box themed film features Song Kang-ho, Gang Dong-won, Bae Doona, and Lee Ji-eun among its stars. The mountain mystery film "Broker" is the first from legendary director Park Chan-wook since "The Handmaiden" in 2016, which also appeared in competition at Cannes. The Cannes appearance has improved the prospects of both films for a serious international release.
Out of competition, "Hunt" will also screen at Cannes. "Hunt" is directed by Lee Jung-jae, who is also the leading actor in the spy action flick. The Cannes Film Festival will take place from May 17th to May 28th this year. "Decision to Leave" and "Broker" also currently have tentative releases in South Korean theaters for June this year- a release window poised to take advantage of a positive response from Cannes, much as "Parasite" did in 2019, should either film receive one.
Written by William Schwartz
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"Decision to Leave" is directed by Park Chan-wook, and features Tang Wei, Park Hae-il, Lee Jung-hyun, Go Kyung-pyo, Park Yong-woo, Jung Yi-seo. Release date in Korea: 2022/06.
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"Broker" is directed by Hirokazu Koreeda, and features Song Kang-ho, Gang Dong-won, Bae Doona, Lee Ji-eun, Lee Joo-young, Bek Hyunjin. Release date in Korea: 2022/06.
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"Hunt" is directed by Lee Jung-jae, and features Lee Jung-jae, Jung Woo-sung, Jeon Hye-jin-II, Heo Sung-tae, Go Youn-jung, Kim Jong-soo. Release date in Korea: 2022/Summer.
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William Schwartz
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.