MOVIE
Will 'Rebound', released today, save the pride of Korean movies?
'Rebound' (Director Jang Hang-jun) will be shown on theater screens nationwide on the 5th, awaiting the audience's choice. This work, which attracted attention through the collaboration of director Jang Hang-jun and writers Kwon Seong-hee and Kim Eun-hee, depicts the miraculous story of the 8 days of the 2012 National High School Basketball Tournament, where the new coach and 6 players of the weakest basketball team that no one paid attention to ran without rest. The Busan Jungang High School basketball team's 'Rebound' created by the basketball coach (Ahn Jae-hong) and basketball team members Ki-beom (Lee Shin-young), Gyu-hyuk (Jeong Jin-woon), Soon-gyu (Kim Taek), Kang-ho (Jeong Geon-ju), Jaeyoon (Kim Min), and Jin-wook (Ahn Ji-ho). all.
This movie is based on the true story of Busan Jungang High School, and was actually filmed in the gymnasium of Jungang High School. We casted each basketball team member in consideration of their body size and paid attention to historical research to the point of fitting even small props. In particular, it is said that in order to recreate the appearance at the time, they tried to keep the feeling of that time, to the extent of removing the newly repaired door and replacing it with the old one.
Since 'Rebound' deals with basketball, expectations are high whether it will be able to take over the baton of 'Slam Dunk', which is currently causing a basketball craze, and become a box office hit. Regarding this, director Jang Hang-jun said, "We did not release it exactly at the right time, but originally decided to release it around this time. Regarding the timing of our release, it is a 'slam dunk' that is a great help for our movie. In fact, all of our friends here are 'slam dunks.' “I am of the generation that grew up watching it, and I really enjoyed it,” he said, adding, “I hope this will be an opportunity to continue the boom of ‘Slam Dunk’ with a true story and live-action movie.”
In addition, amid the long-standing stagnation in theaters and the fact that only foreign films are being chosen by audiences, the point to watch is whether 'Rebound' will be able to protect the pride of Korean movies by creating a new wind in theaters.
'Rebound' also raised expectations by being officially invited to the 25th Udine Far East Film Festival, an Italian film festival that will be held from April 21st to 29th. It has been officially invited as a candidate for the Audience Award, a competitive category, and is scheduled to meet European audiences at the World Festival Premiere. There is interest in whether the touching true story created by 'Rebound' can transcend borders and move the hearts of prospective audiences around the world.
Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr
