Upcoming Films 'Cobweb,' 'Road to Boston,' and 'Dr. Cheon and Lost Talisman' Compete for Attention Ahead of Chuseok Holiday

Courtesy of Barunson E&A

As the autumn breeze sweeps in, Korea's film enthusiasts are gearing up for a cinematic treat with the impending release of three domestic films, aimed at captivating audiences ahead of Chuseok, the country's significant autumn thanksgiving holiday. This cinematic showcase carries extra significance as Chuseok, spanning from September 28 to October 1 this year, represents a cherished extended weekend for locals, paralleling the prominence of the Lunar New Year holiday in January or February.

The box office landscape is set for an intriguing showdown as "Cobweb," "Road to Boston," and "Dr. Cheon and Lost Talisman" emerge as formidable contenders, each armed with substantial budgets and the need for substantial ticket sales to break even.

The fervor surrounding "Cobweb," under the direction of acclaimed filmmaker Kim Jee-woon, has been palpable in the lead-up to its September release. Garnering attention even before hitting theaters, the film received a resounding 12-minute standing ovation when screened in the Out of Competition section at the 76th Cannes Film Festival. The movie, starring Song Kang-ho, Im Soo-jung, and Jeon Yeo-been, delves into the life of a 1970s filmmaker engrossed in the creation of a masterpiece. Against a backdrop of cultural censorship, he grapples with notoriously difficult actors, weaving a tale of creative struggle against the odds. 

▲ Courtesy of Lotte Entertainment
"Road to Boston," featuring Ha Jung-woo and Im Si-wan, narrates the inspiring journey of Korean marathon runners who participated in the 1947 Boston Marathon shortly after Korea's liberation from Japan in 1945. Anchored in the true story of Suh Yun-bok, who achieved victory with a world record time, the film is a testament to perseverance and triumph. Directed by Kang Je-gyu, known for cinematic gems like "Swiri" (1999) and "TaeGukGi: Brotherhood of War" (2004), the film's release was initially slated for 2020 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Adding to the anticipation, "Dr. Cheon and Lost Talisman," starring actor Gang Dong-won, is poised to grace local theaters in September. The mystery thriller thrusts viewers into a world of intrigue as a fraudulent exorcist unexpectedly confronts a genuine case of demonic possession. Teaming up with his assistant, they embark on a journey across the country to perform phony exorcisms, only to become entangled in a complex situation involving a girl possessed by malevolent forces. The movie promises a thrilling mix of suspense and challenge as they strive to save her.

Korea's cinematic realm has shown promising signs of recovery, with box office figures in the first half of 2023 reaching around 70 percent of pre-pandemic levels, as reported by the Korean Film Council. During this period, the total box-office revenue amounted to 606.7 billion won ($474.5 million), equivalent to 72.5 percent of the same timeframe in 2019. While ticket sales experienced a 5.9 percent dip compared to the first half of 2022, admissions surged by 29.9 percent, culminating in a total of 58.39 million viewers experiencing the magic of the silver screen.

Sayart.net 

Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com