MOVIE
Kim Shin-rok Shares Behind-the-Scenes Stories of 'Uprising' at BIFF
On the 2nd, a press conference for the opening film of the 29th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), 'Uprising', was held at the Culture Hall of Shinsegae Department Store Centum City in U-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan. Director Kim Sang-man and actors Kang Dong-won, Park Jung-min, Cha Seung-won, Kim Shin-rok, Jin Sun-kyu, and Jung Sung-il attended.
'Uprising' is a Netflix film set in the chaotic era of the Japanese invasions of Korea. It tells the story of Jong-ryeo (played by Park Jung-min), the son of the highest-ranking military family in Joseon, and his servant Cheon-young (played by Kang Dong-won), who reunite as enemies after growing up together. Jong-ryeo becomes a close military officer to King Seonjo (played by Cha Seung-won), while Cheon-young becomes a righteous army soldier.
Kang Dong-won plays Cheon-young, a servant with exceptional swordsmanship. Park Jung-min portrays Jong-ryeo, who becomes King Seonjo's bodyguard after passing the military examination.
Cha Seung-won takes on the role of King Seonjo, who abandons his people and flees during the Japanese invasions. Kim Shin-rok appears as Beom-dong, a righteous army soldier. Jin Sun-kyu plays Kim Ja-ryeong, a noble-born righteous army leader who guides the people through the chaos. Jung Sung-il portrays Kenshin, the vanguard of the Japanese army.
Kim Shin-rok explained, "Beom-dong is a character who fights for his homeland and family, not for the state. I heard that the character was originally written as a male. It must have been difficult for women to join the righteous army at that time, but this person steps up to fight against the war that kills our homeland, neighbors, and family. I think he is a kind and brave person." She added, "This person does not fight for the system but might appear to be doing anti-system activities. He is trying to protect what he believes is precious through his life experiences."
In the film, Beom-dong uses a flail as a weapon. Kim Shin-rok said, "I practiced a lot of action scenes while attending action school. The flail was an agricultural tool used by the people at that time to thresh sesame and grains. I thought it would be interesting to see a warrior trying to fight with it." She continued, "We put a lot of effort into making the flail. We considered my body, the environment, and made several prototypes considering strength and elasticity."
Regarding the action scenes, Kim Shin-rok said, "I discussed with the martial arts director that Beom-dong's actions should not look learned but rather rough. Unlike those who learn through books, I wanted to show the wisdom gained through life. While acting, I thought about how to portray impulsive and intuitive reactions instead of idealistic reasoning or inference."
'Uprising' is a Netflix film and will be released on Netflix on the 11th.
Busan, Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr
