"Harbin," the Film About Ahn Jung-geun, Released in Japan... Japanese Director Says "Japanese People Must Watch"

Japanese Director: "We Must Not Repeat History"
Hyun Bin: "Depicts a Historical Event Between Korea and Japan"

Movie Harbin Japanese Poster. CJ ENM

The film "Harbin," which depicts the events leading up to Ahn Jung-geun aiming his gun at Ito Hirobumi, has also been released in Japan.

Harbin was released in Japan on July 4, beginning its run with local audiences. In Tokyo alone, it was screened at more than 10 theaters, including those in Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Shinagawa.

The official Japanese website for the film describes "Harbin" as follows: "In 1909, for the sake of their homeland's independence, Ahn Jung-geun and his comrades pursue Ito Hirobumi to Harbin, China," and introduces it as "an extreme suspense entertainment that depicts the hidden side of a historical event on a grand scale."

Hyun Bin, who plays Ahn Jung-geun, attended a preview event in Tokyo on June 27 to mark the film's release. According to the Tokyo Shimbun, Hyun Bin stated, "The film portrays a historical event between Korea and Japan," and added, "I am curious to hear your impressions," sharing his thoughts on the release.

Lily Franky, the Japanese actor who plays Ito Hirobumi, commented, "I believe that having the film screened in both countries is a symbol of peace."

Directed by Woo Minho, who also directed "Inside Men" and "The Man Standing Next," "Harbin" was released in Korea in December last year and recorded an audience of 4.91 million.

Tatsuya Mori, director of "The Fukudamura Incident," a film about the indiscriminate massacre that occurred immediately after the Great Kanto Earthquake, wrote in the Japanese edition of Newsweek, "The reason we learn history is to avoid repeating the same mistakes," and stated, "Japanese people should watch this film." However, he added, "I am dissatisfied with how overly serious the film is."