Korean Cinema Series for May: The Chaser

Published on 2011/05/25 | Source

Korean film enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the next film in the embassy's free Korean Cinema Series will be "The Chaser", screening on Friday May 27 at the Korean Cultural Center (RSVP required; see below).

"The Chaser", a 2008 box office hit in South Korea, is gritty a police action thriller about a run-down former detective named Joongho, played by Kim Yun-seok, who now runs a small prostitution ring. Recently, his girls have started to go missing. When Joongho sends Mijin, played by Seo Yeonghee, to a job only to find that the caller's phone number is the one that led to the other disappearances, Joongho goes to rescue her and seek his revenge-but it's too late. Realizing the danger, Joongho desperately tries to find her and is led on a day and night chase to confront a deranged, elusive killer played by Ha Jung-woo.

"The Chaser" is loosely based on a real series of murders that shocked Korean society in 2004. In 2008, Warner Brothers purchased remake rights for the movie and plans are underway for a remake and U.S. release.

Despite it's gruesome subject matter, "The Chaser" was highly acclaimed upon its release and received numerous awards, including: Best Film, Best Actress for Seo Yeoong-hee, and the Asian Award at the Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival; Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Production, Best Cinematography, and the Popularity Award for Kim Yun-seok at the 2008 Daejong Film Awards; Best Actor for Kim Yun-seok at the 2008 Blue Dragon Film Awards; Best Action Asia Film at the Deauville Asian Film Festival; and Best Editor for Kim Sun-min at the 2009 Asian Film Awards.

Date: Friday, May 27
Time: 6:30 pm (doors open at 6:00 pm for a light reception)
Location: 2370 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington DC 20008
RSVP: REQUIRED
Please click here to RSVP online.

NOTE: Seating is limited, and is made available first-come-first-served. Viewer discretion is strongly advised for violent scenes and adult language and situations.

To join the Korean Cultural Center mailing list and receive announcements of upcoming events, either sleect this option when you RSVP or click here to sign up online.