Japanese Animation "The First Slam Dunk" and "Suzume" Reopen, Taiwanese Romance "Someday or One Day" Set for January 25

Courtesy of CGV

Popular foreign films with substantial fan bases are making a return to South Korean theaters, offering enthusiasts a second chance to experience these cinematic successes. 

▲ “Someday or One Day”, Courtesy of CGV"The First Slam Dunk," a Japanese animation based on the beloved basketball comic book series "Slam Dunk," began its second round of screenings on January 4, celebrating the first anniversary of its theatrical release. The film achieved remarkable success, selling over 4.7 million tickets within two months of its debut in January last year. Special screenings now feature a message from director Takehiko Inoue.

Another Japanese animation, "Suzume" directed by Makoto Shinkai, reopened in local theaters on January 10. Having sold almost 6 million tickets last year, it stands as the most successful Japanese film in Korean history. The film follows a high school girl and a mysterious young man working together to prevent disasters across Japan. Director Shinkai visited Korea last month for special interactions with local moviegoers, and the reopened version includes newly added scenes.

Ranked as this year's ninth and tenth most successful films at the box office by the Korean Film Council, "The First Slam Dunk" and "Suzume" continue to draw audiences.

Taiwanese romance film "Someday or One Day" is also set to reopen on January 25. Based on a 2019 TV series adaptation, the film tells the story of a woman grieving her boyfriend's death in a plane accident. She receives a mysterious tape that allows her to travel back in time, hoping to change his destiny.

Industry insiders anticipate that the reopening of these bestselling films will contribute to steady attendance, emphasizing the enduring appeal of well-crafted storytelling that transcends time frames. The decision by multiplex cinema chains to reopen these films is seen as an effort to attract more audiences to theaters.

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Kelly.K, pittou8181@gmail.com