23.3.09

Korean Directors Possible Candidates at Cannes (Korea Times)

"Thirst", de Park Chan-wook

By Hwang Sung-hee

Korea Times


There may be a possibility for two big name Korean film directors to compete in the Cannes International Film Festival, to be held in May 13 to 24. Park Chan-wook's newest release ``Thirst'' and Bong Jun-ho's new thriller ``Mother'' are the potential candidates, AFP reported Saturday.

Park Chan-wook, who won the top award at 2004 Cannes Film Festival for his internationally-acclaimed film ``Old Boy,'' will return to the movie scene with a vampire thriller, ``Thirst,'' after a three-year hiatus. It tells the story of a respectful priest (Song Kang-ho) who becomes a vampire after receiving a blood transfusion from an unknown source. The vampire-turned-priest then falls in love with his friend's wife (Kim Ok-bin) and the two lovers plot a murder. The movie is slated for release on April 30.

Bong's thriller ``Mother'' stars veteran actress Kim Hye-ja as its main character, differing from most thrillers which usually boasts a lineup of younger male actors. Kim plays the role of a distressed mother who fights against the world in her struggle to prove the innocence of her son (Won Bin) from a false charge of homicide. Slated for release in May, Bong hopes to explore the unconditional love that all mothers have for their children. The director received the award for Best Director at 2007 Oporto International Film Festival and at the 2007 (Korean) Grand Bell Awards for his monster film ``The Host.''

As for the potential winner of the Golden Palm, or the Palme d'Or, AFP listed world-renowned directors such as Jane Campion, Quentin Tarantino, Johnnie To Kei-Fung, Pedro Almodovar and Ken Loach.

The General Delegate of Cannes International Film Festival Thierry Fremaux told AFP that Cannes is always open to ``discovering new talented directors.'' The final list of successful candidates will be announced April 23.

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