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Korean Film 'Il Mare' Remade by Hollywood

The 2000 film "Il Mare", a time-transcending fantasy love stories the first Korean movie remade by Hollywood.
Audiences in the country have flocked to see the remake, "The Lake House".
Son Heekyung has more.

Exchanging letters with a female voice actress living in the future.
Two years ahead to be exact.
This less-than-traditional scenario is something that can be only seen in movies.
Any idea which film it's from Now, domestic moviegoers can see the Hollywood remake.
Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves.
These two big name actors star in "The Lake House" in their first reunion since the 1994 action film "Speed".
So why is "The Lake House" attracting high audience expectations in Korea.

SON HEEKYUNG, REPORTER: "This is the first time a domestic film has been remade by Hollywood. Many Korean moviegoers will keenly watch how the Hollywood remake, which is over 20 times more expensive, compares with the Korean original".

With a budget of 40 million U.S. dollars, the film ranked fourth at the American box office in its opening weekend.
Critics say the key to the film is the time-transcending love story.

MOVIE CRITIC: "Asians might be familiar with the subject of occupying two times and places.
But for Americans, it's not a subject they come across easily.
That's what appealed to them, not to mention the director's beautiful imagery".

Many filmgoers have flocked to see "The Lake House", just because it's Hollywood's first remake of a Korean film.

FILMGOER: "It feels good to know that Korean films are gaining international recognition.
I wish all the best for the country's movie industry in the future".

"Il Mare" director Lee Hyun-seung says the original plot has been slightly adjusted in the remake to suit American audiences.

DIRECTOR: "The female character in the remake plays a doctor while in the original, she's a voice actress. The remake is set around Valentine's Day, while the original is around Christmas. The house in the remake is on a lake, while in the original it's by the beach".

Mr. Lee says he hopes "The Lake House" is a stepping stone that allows more Korean films to be remade by Hollywood.

Son Heekyung, Arirang News.

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