Netflix Korean Actioner ‘Uprising’ Sets Controversial Precedent as Busan Film Festival Opener: ‘We Still Support Independent Cinema’

As a long-time cinephile who has witnessed the evolution of the film industry firsthand, I find the selection of ‘Uprising’ as the opening gala for the Busan International Film Festival an intriguing and bold move. The festival’s history of championing independent films is well-documented, yet this year, they have chosen to venture into uncharted waters – or should I say, streaming platforms – with a film produced by Netflix.

As a film enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that at the Busan International Film Festival, the opening gala slot has been bestowed upon the historical action-thriller “Uprising.” This epic production boasts an impressive Korean cast, and what makes it unique is that it isn’t from a conventional Korean studio. Instead, it’s brought to us by Netflix, the global streaming giant that has shaken up and enriched the South Korean content landscape.

Critics have expressed concerns about the decision to release a film directly online without a theatrical premiere first. However, festival organizers argue that this practice isn’t new for them, as they’ve been showcasing television series for some time and even host an awards ceremony open to films, TV shows, and content created specifically for online platforms.

During a press conference on Wednesday for the unveiling of the festival’s main title, programmer Park Dosin expressed his thoughts in terms of innovation and discovery. “Firstly, I found the movie engaging and was able to overlook its format while viewing it. Secondly, independent films have traditionally been our picks for the opening night. However, perhaps it is time for a shift. To experiment with a more commercially appealing film. We felt it would be worth testing this approach,” Park explained.

Director Kim Sang-man remained optimistic, “We’re aware of the challenges our industry is currently facing,” he said. “However, it’s important to remember that this is a usual phase for any industry. It doesn’t mean the film industry will cease to exist.

Despite the ongoing struggles with the Korean box office and the frequent criticism towards the disruption caused by local and foreign streaming platforms within South Korea, choosing this film remains a contentious decision.

The movie’s rich visual style draws heavily from the skills and background of Korea’s prominent film industry. Park Chan-wook, who directed “Oldboy” and “Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance,” served as both co-writer and producer for this film titled “Uprising.” Furthermore, it features Gang Dong-won, a well-known actor from movies like “Peninsula,” “Broker,” and “Kundo: Age of the Rampant,” playing a defiant slave. Additionally, Park Jeong-min, recognized for his roles in “Hellbound” and “Decision to Leave,” is also a leading character in this production.

At the Busan press event, Park unfortunately couldn’t make an appearance, yet his influence was substantial behind the scenes and during filmmaking. As Kim explained, although Park seldom visited the set, his screenplay’s intricate details and overall structure significantly impacted the production. Moreover, Park’s dialogue writing brought a deep sense of emotion and authenticity to our performances.

As a passionate cinephile, I couldn’t help but notice how the discussion at the press event kept circling back to the roots of our film. In response to being asked about this topic for the umpteenth time, Park reassured us, “It is crucial to clarify that Busan’s unwavering support for independent cinema remains intact.

Kim posed an interesting thought: “This subject is often debated, but what if we challenge the debate itself? Could it be that the screen’s size isn’t the primary factor determining whether a work is considered a film or not?

2024-10-02 11:20

Netflix Korean Actioner ‘Uprising’ Sets Controversial Precedent as Busan Film Festival Opener: ‘We Still Support Independent Cinema’

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