Disney+ Ambition... Spotlight on Philippine Casino Legend
"For the role of Cha Mu-sik, only Choi Min-sik in South Korea"
'Casino' is Disney+'s ambitious project aiming for a comeback. An event was held at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore ahead of its release on the 21st. On the 30th of last month (local time), over 500 media representatives from Asian countries were invited to the 'Disney Content Showcase Asia-Pacific (APAC) 2022.' 'Casino' was introduced last, raising the atmosphere to a high point.
The drama highlights the life story of Cha Mu-sik, who became a casino legend in the Philippines without money or cards. It depicts his final life-risking bet at the edge of a cliff after being caught up in a murder case. Directed by Kang Yoon-sung, known for 'The Outlaws,' it stars Choi Min-sik, Son Seok-gu, Lee Dong-hwi, and Heo Sung-tae. It will be released in two seasons, the first and second.
This is director Kang's first time making a drama. At a press conference on the 1st, he said, "I was afraid of the longer format compared to movies, but as I wrote the script, the story naturally became longer," adding, "I paid a lot of attention to placing elements at the end of each episode that make viewers curious about the next part." Regarding working on OTT, he stated, "There are not many restrictions on the level of expression, so I have wanted to take on this challenge for a long time."
'Casino' contains quite a few scenes depicting violence and murder, comparable to 'The Outlaws.' It is not a simple action piece. It broadens its thematic scope by conveying Cha Mu-sik's unfortunate upbringing and the atmosphere of the 1970s and 80s. Director Kang said, "I met someone who runs a casino in the Philippines and started researching after hearing related stories," adding, "I created the main storyline based on real events and added fiction to enhance dramatic interest."
The driving force behind effective delivery is Choi Min-sik's seasoned acting. He expresses a wide range of emotions, shifting between extremes. With more refined expressions than before, he anchors the drama's core. Director Kang stated, "I believe Choi Min-sik is the only actor in Korea who can play Cha Mu-sik."
Lee Dong-hwi said, "It was an honor to work with a senior I have admired as a role model since my school days," adding, "I kept marveling at the gaze captured on the monitor." Heo Sung-tae recalled, "I respected and admired him so much that I imitated the acting from 'Oldboy' at my first actor audition. When he called me 'Sung-tae' on set, I felt a thrill."
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