A true story film that doesn't work... The trend of the screen is exhilarating, imaginative or
Movies based on true stories are struggling and failing at the box office. On the other hand, movies with exhilarating and refreshing virtual stories or movies with a lot of things to see that unfold the imagination with the highest level of graphics are being selected by the audience and leading the trend.

Among the films released in the first half of this year, 'Bargaining' (directed by Lim Soon-rye), 'Rebound' (directed by Jang Hang-jun), and 'Dream' (directed by Lee Byung-hun) can be cited as films based on true stories.

A true story film that doesn't work... The trend of the screen is exhilarating, imaginative or
'Negotiation' dealt with the Afghan abduction of the Bundang Saemmul Church missionary in July 2007. Many pointed out that 'Negotiation', which contains a true story that is still controversial and difficult for many to sympathize with, was not properly buttoned from the selection of the material. Because of this, 'Negotiation' failed to become a box office hit, recording 1.72 million viewers, which fell short of 50% of the break-even point, even with actors Hwang Jung-min and Hyun Bin.

The movie 'Rebound', which is based on the true story of Busan Jungang High School, is also disappointing. 'Rebound' only mobilized 690,000 viewers. It is also well below the 50% break-even point. In the case of 'Rebound', efforts were made to embody the actual match at the time through thorough historical research, but apart from this, it is evaluated that the predictable ending and simple directing of the game did not give sports catharsis.

'Dream' is a human comedy drama based on the true story of the 2010 Homeless World Cup. With 1.12 million spectators watching, it also recorded a record in half. It was highly anticipated because it was directed by Lee Byung-hun, who mobilized 16.26 million viewers with 'Extreme Job', but because it dealt with the socially underprivileged, the homeless, the director's unique taste was not fully expressed and it was bland and monotonous.

In a true story movie, in a situation where everyone knows the ending, 'the emotion of the true story' should be maximized, but the analysis of the people involved is that all three films above failed to reach this goal. An official hinted, "The advantage and disadvantage of a true story movie is that you know the ending. Wouldn't it be the perfection to give the audience a cinematic impression by directing the obvious ending in a non-obvious way?"

A true story film that doesn't work... The trend of the screen is exhilarating, imaginative or
On the other hand, the works that energized the theater district and were selected by the audience were the American blockbuster 'Avatar: Water Road' (director James Cameron, hereinafter referred to as 'Avatar 2'), Japanese animation 'The First Slam Dunk' (director Takehiko Inoue) and 'Suzume's Door Lock' (director Makoto Shinkai), the movie 'Fast and Furious: Ride or Die' (director Louis Leterrier, hereinafter referred to as 'Fast and Furious 10'), and 'Crime City 3' (director Lee Sang-yong).

'Avatar 2' (accumulated by 10.8 million viewers), the only film this year to reach 10 million, is said to have provided the ultimate visual experience through film by realizing the imaginative world of the Na'vi and the sea with amazing technology. Although it was regrettable that the storyline was shallow compared to the completeness of the visual graphics, 'Avatar 2' met the reason to visit the cinema during the corona era thanks to the advantage of having a great sense of visual satisfaction.

'The First Slam Dunk', which attracted 4.67 million viewers, and 'Suzume's Door Crackdown', which accumulated 5.5 million viewers, were unprecedented successes in Japanese animation, breaking all previous records. 'The First Slam Dunk' and 'Suzume's Door Lock' captivated Korean audiences with their detailed narratives and impressive storylines based on comic imagination.

'Fast and Furious 10' is also running happily, receiving the choice of 1.62 million viewers. It is a work that meets the needs of fans of the 'Fast and Furious' series and audiences who want to relieve stress through thrilling racing in hot weather. So many fans of the series waited, but this 'Fast and Furious 10' is receiving special praise for its action scale.

'Crime City 3' has a regrettable point of 'irregular release', but aside from that, it broke a new record by attracting more than 760,000 viewers on the first day of release, beating 'Myeongryang' (682,701 people), which was the number one Korean movie opening score. and got off to a good start. Expectations are high that 'Crime City 3', which has been selected as a work that will bring about Korean films that have suffered from stagnation, will be able to fulfill its role.

An official analyzed, "In a situation where the economic downturn is prolonged, audiences are choosing films that give thrills and thrills or that delight the eye with the best technological power than true story films that contain harsh realities." did.

Jiye Choi, staff reporter at TenAsia wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr