[Seulssine] Yoon Je-kyun's Determination to Transfer the Musical 'Hero'

[Lee Isul's Wise Cine Review]
Movie 'Hero' Review
Steadfast Casting Jeong Seonghwa
Clever Use of Original Work's Strengths

Musical 'Hero' still. Photo by CJ ENM

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] 'Who is the sinner, who is the hero.'

A heartfelt song and a poignant cry move the audience to tears. Yoon Je-kyun, the 'double ten-million director,' who made the bold decision to bring the musical Hero to the screen, has upheld his pride. It is a difficult path. Since it is a musical film and the original work has been performed for 14 years since its premiere in 2009, there were concerns that "even if done well, it might just break even." The director steadfastly and gracefully dismissed such worries. Hero is a film that respects originality while showcasing the director’s unique strengths.

Independence activist and leader of the Korean Empire’s militia, Ahn Jung-geun (Jung Sung-hwa), sits on a white snowy field. Together with his comrades, he seals their determination for national independence through the Danjidong Alliance, cutting off their fourth fingers. They pledge in blood that if they fail to assassinate Ito Hirobumi within three years, they will commit suicide.

Years later, Ahn Jung-geun travels to Vladivostok to keep his promise. Alongside comrades Woo Deok-soon (Jo Jae-yoon), sharpshooter Jo Do-seon (Bae Jung-nam), the youngest independence fighter Yoo Dong-ha (Lee Hyun-woo), and Ma Jin-joo (Park Jin-joo), he prepares for the mission.

Seol-hee (Kim Go-eun) conceals her identity and disguises herself as a Japanese person to approach Ito Hirobumi. Risking her life to gather intelligence, she learns the secret that Ito will soon visit Harbin for talks with Russia and discreetly informs the independence fighters.

On October 26, 1909, Ahn Jung-geun fires the trigger at Ito Hirobumi, who arrives at Harbin Station, shouting "Korea Ura" (Long live the Republic of Korea). Arrested on the spot, he is charged with murder rather than as a prisoner of war and stands trial in a Japanese court.

Hero is a film by Jung Sung-hwa, for Jung Sung-hwa, and about Jung Sung-hwa. Yoon Je-kyun’s exceptional insight shines once again. The director’s persistence paid off. Having performed in the musical Hero for a long time, Jung Sung-hwa gives the impression of being the actor who understands the numbers and the narrative of Ahn Jung-geun better than anyone else. The key lies in how emotions are expressed through details and songs during the filming process. Had another actor started from scratch, a completely different Ahn Jung-geun would have emerged. Jung Sung-hwa’s efforts to understand the differences between stage and medium, from vocalization to emotional development, stand out brilliantly.

Musical 'Hero' still. Photo by CJ ENM

The appearance of the 'youngest line' Park Jin-joo and Lee Hyun-woo injects vitality into what could otherwise be a heavy drama. The attempt to fill the film with diverse faces is also remarkable. As in the original, 'mandu' (dumplings) appear. The scene reborn by utilizing the film’s strengths, such as depicting the steam rising from freshly steamed dumplings, is impressive. The main contributor is Park Jin-joo, who recently showcased her singing ability on the variety show Hangout with Yoo. She performs the cheerful numbers with humor and wit.

In particular, the musical numbers are cleverly utilized. Numbers long loved in the original, such as 'Who is the Sinner,' 'Jangbuga,' and 'I Remember You,' are rearranged and completed. The grandeur is preserved, and the audience is made to laugh and cry in similar yet different ways. Insisting on live recording on set was a 'masterstroke.' Synchronizing lip movements and accompaniment enhanced the film’s completeness. The long-take filming and editing, which directs the transitions like the curtains of a performance, are also impressive.

Musical 'Hero' still. Photo by CJ ENM

It is not easy to fully develop all characters within 120 minutes. However, a good film does not necessarily require every character’s story to be fully explained. What matters is how much effort was made to balance them. Hero shows efforts to remove unnecessary parts and balance the narrative and musical numbers.

There were concerns it might fall into patriotism, but it is watchable as is. The resonance of the independence fighters’ struggle and the sacrifice of Ahn Jung-geun’s mother, Jo Maria (Na Moon-hee), for the greater cause deeply touches the heart. The moment Na Moon-hee appears, an immense pathos is felt. Even if somewhat rough or the lyrics are hard to hear, sincerity always moves the audience.

Director Yoon Je-kyun has succeeded in bringing the IP (intellectual property) of a creative musical to Chungmuro (Korean film industry). He has pioneered another path. If it also succeeds at the box office, the attempt of Hero will shine even more. We want to applaud this brave attempt. The world’s four major musicals, Les Mis?rables, were made into successful Hollywood films. Will Director Yoon follow that path? It is excellent enough to be compared to the Korean version of Les Mis?rables. Running time: 120 minutes. Rated 12 and above. Opens December 21.