 |
| ▲ South Korean film director Hur Jin-ho speaks during a media conference for film "A Normal Family," held in Seoul on Sept. 4, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, Sept. 4 (Yonhap) -- Film director Hur Jin-ho -- renowned for directing films that balance artistic merit and popular appeal, such as Christmas in August (1998), One Fine Spring Day (2001), and The Last Princess (2016) -- is making his return to theaters with his latest work, "A Normal Family."
Set to be released next month, A Normal Family is Hur's first new film in five years, following "Forbidden Dream (2019)." During a production press conference held on the 4th at a cinema in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Hur shared that the film naturally incorporates critical issues faced by society today. "The film addresses topics such as education, wealth disparity, and the responsibilities of the upper class," he said.
A Normal Family depicts the unraveling of two couples, who, despite their strong beliefs, begin to crumble after watching a CCTV recording of their children's involvement in a crime. The film stars veteran actors Seol Kyung-gu, Jang Dong-gun, and Kim Hee-ae, as well as Soo-hyun, who has primarily worked in Hollywood.
The movie is based on Dutch author Herman Koch’s best-selling novel The Dinner, which tells the story of a middle-class family that collapses after an accidental incident. Hur remarked, "This is the fourth time the novel has been adapted into a film, which shows how much directors are drawn to its story. It also reflects my own curiosity about Korean society and people."
Regarding his approach to directing, Hur said he focused on ensuring that the actors could convey the tension and natural progression of their characters' changing beliefs. "There wasn't a moment on set when I didn't feel the tension from the ensemble of these four actors," he added.
 |
| ▲ This poster of Korean film "A Normal Family," directed by Hur Jin-ho and starring veteran actors Sul Kyung-gu, Jang Dong-gun, and Kim Hee-ae, is provided by distributor Hive Media Corp on Aug. 21, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Seol Kyung-gu, who plays the role of Jae-wan, a cold and materialistic lawyer, recalled the intensity of filming a dinner scene with the ensemble cast. "It was a scene where you had to be fully immersed; otherwise, you'd lose the flow," he said.
For Jang Dong-gun, A Normal Family marks his return to the big screen after six years, following "Rampant (2018)." He plays Jae-wan's younger brother, Jae-kyu, a pediatrician who strictly adheres to principles. Jang described the film as one that blends dilemmas, shifting choices, human nature, and duality, leaving viewers to reflect on their own identity by the film’s end.
Kim Hee-ae, who portrays Jae-kyu’s wife, Yeon-kyung, a capable working mom, described her character as someone relatable to all hardworking Korean mothers, calling her both "quirky" and "endearing."
Soo-hyun, known for her roles in Hollywood films like "Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)," "Equals (2015)," and "The Dark Tower (2017)," makes her debut in Korean cinema with A Normal Family. She plays Jae-wan's wife, Ji-soo, and expressed her excitement about working with Hur Jin-ho, stating, "Being in one of his films was on my bucket list. He's truly a dream director."
A Normal Family has been recognized for its artistic merit, having been invited to 19 film festivals, including the 48th Toronto International Film Festival, the largest in North America. It has also been selected for the 29th Busan International Film Festival, which opens on October 2.
The film is produced by Hive Media Corp, the production company behind last year’s hit "12.12: The Day" and this summer's sleeper hit "Handsome Guys."
(C) Yonhap News Agency. All Rights Reserved
