Will ‘Rebound’ and ‘Dream’ be hits?

While the Japanese animation film 'The First Slam Dunk' (directed by Takehiko Inoue) is a craze, Korean films 'Rebound' (directed by Jang Hang-jun) and 'Dream' (directed by Lee Byung-hun) are targeting the screen with basketball and soccer as their themes.

First comes the ‘rebound’. 'Rebound' depicts the miraculous story of the eight days in which the new coach and six players of the weakest basketball team that no one paid attention to ran tirelessly during the 2012 National High School Basketball Tournament. Actor Ahn Jae-hong plays coach Yang Hyeon, and basketball team members Ki-beom (Lee Shin-young), Gyu-hyuk (Jeong Jin-woon), Soon-gyu (Kim Taek), Kang-ho (Jung Geon-ju), Jae-yoon (Kim Min), and Jin-wook (Ahn Ji-ho) play the roles of Busan Jungang High School basketball team members. did.

This movie is based on the true story of Jungang High School in Busan. It was actually filmed in the gymnasium of Jungang High School. Each basketball team member was cast in consideration of their body size, and even small props were carefully researched.

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.”

'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 growing interest in whether the touching true story created by 'Rebound' can transcend borders and move the hearts of prospective audiences around the world.

Following basketball's 'Rebound', the soccer-themed movie 'Dream' is also preparing to meet audiences. This film, which is attracting even greater expectations with Park Seo-joon and IU as the leads, is expected to retain director Lee Byung-hun's unique sensibility and wit.

'Dream' is a film about Hong Dae (Park Seo-joon), a former soccer player with no sense, and So-min (Lee Ji-eun), a passionless PD, who challenge an impossible dream with a ragtag group of homeless national team players. This film is expected to focus on depicting the growth process of a homeless football team.

In particular, Park Seo-joon worked hard to bring out the theme of soccer, which plays a large part in the movie. He not only underwent professional training to play the role of a professional soccer player, but also made special efforts to increase his synchronization with the character by increasing his muscle mass and changing his body shape. In addition, IU and Park Seo-joon's tikataka, which digests director Lee Byung-hun's sharp lines, is expected to add enjoyment to the movie.

Regarding working with Park Seo-joon, IU said, "I felt great concentration as they continued filming without any disturbance while maintaining tension from beginning to end, and I was impressed by the way they flexibly and quickly accepted any direction from the director." Director Lee Byung-hun also raised expectations by saying, "I felt like the movie was completed as soon as actor Park Seo-joon was cast. While working with him, I felt that he was a very sensible and good actor."

'Rebound' and 'Dream' are attracting the attention of audiences as they are expected to bring healthy laughter and emotion to audiences by creating a sports trend in theaters with spring fast approaching.

'Rebound' was confirmed to be released on April 5th, and 'Dream' was confirmed to be released on April 26th.

Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr