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“A Normal Family” begins with the death of a family, but not the one you might expect. Before his film turns its attention to the family alluded to by its title, director Hur Jin-ho revs out the gate with a case of road rage that ends in murder. Or maybe not, if the lawyer defending the driver in question has his way.

A man is dead and his eight-year-old daughter is critically injured in the hospital, but self-interested criminal lawyer Jae-wan (“Kill Boksoon‘s” Sol Kyung-gu) is more concerned with saving the wealthy executive’s son who’s responsible for the killing. Meanwhile, the attorney’s younger brother, doctor Jae-gyu (“Arthdal Chronicles'” Jang Dong-gun), is working tirelessly to save the victim’s daughter at a nearby hospital.

The pair couldn’t be more different at first, a contrast that becomes sharper during meals they share with their wives and each...

Stories about moral conundrums and the slippery side of justice and integrity are universally attractive and tent to travel well from one side to the other of the world. It's what happened to Herman Koch's novel “The Dinner”, an international bestseller translated in many languages and adapted into four films, Dutch, Italian, American and finally a Korean version directed by Hur Jin-ho with a different title, “A Normal Family”.

A Normal Family is screening at Udine Far East Film Festival

The film's tone of voice is immediately established when we witness a horrific road rage between two cars, ending in one of the drivers being killed and his 6-yer-old daughter left critically injured. The culprit, a rich and arrogant kid with a powerful father, will likely get away with it, as his case is given to the capable hands of rampant and expensive attorney Jae-wan (Suo Kyung-gu). Coincidentally, the...

The 17th Asian Film Awards announces the winner of this year's Excellence in Asian Cinema Award which aims to highlight distinguished talents and affirm their achievements and contributions to the Asian film industry and culture. This year, they have two winners from different regions who have achieved remarkable success in their acting careers. They consistently push the boundaries of their performances, showcasing their unique talents and making significant contributions to their respective fields. One of the two awardees this year is Korean actress Lee Young-ae (이영애), the screen icon widely known as the “Oxygen Lady” with an illustrious career spanning over three decades. Lee Young-ae expressed deep honour upon receiving the Excellence in Asian Cinema Award: “I am pleasantly surprised to receive this distinguished award. It is beyond words for me to express my gratitude. But I am certainly delighted to come to Hong Kong and take part in this...

Songbird’S Sorrow

Atlas Distribution Company, a U.S. indie distributor, has set Vietnamese-American co-production film “A Fragile Flower” on course for a theatrical release in the U.S. Produced by the duo Mai Thu Huyen and Jacqueline Thu Thao, the romantic musical drama, with a screenplay by Vietnamese singing sensation Nhat Ha, is set debut from Mar. 29.

“A Fragile Flower” tells the tale of resilience and hope through the eyes of a blossoming Vietnamese songstress blessed with both a mesmerizing voice and a gentle soul. Much of the cast are professional singers including Trizzie Phuong Trinh, Nhat Ha, Anh Dung, Khanh Hoang, Lam Tuyet Trang, Ho Xuan Dao, Jacky Tai, Jinstar Nguyen Duy, Maya, Quoc Cuong and Mai Thu Huyen.

Production was by Tincom Media with Rakesh Tammabattula, the film’s executive producer.

Leeding Lady

Prominent Korean actor Lee Young-ae is to be presented with the Excellence in Asian...

Korean actress Lee Young-ae, known for her roles in Park Chan-wook’s Joint Security Area and Lady Vengeance, will be presented with the Excellence in Asian Cinema Award at this year’s Asian Film Awards (March 10) in Hong Kong.

With a career spanning three decades, Lee’s credits also include 2003 drama series Jewel In The Palace, which was broadcast in over 90 countries and introduced Korean history to a global audience.

One of two recipients of the Excellence in Asian Cinema Award, Lee is confirmed to attend the ceremony at Hong Kong’s Xiqu Centre in person. “I’m delighted to come to Hong Kong and take part in this prestigious event for the Asian film industry,” said Lee. “I look forward to more collaborations and engagements with Asian filmmakers across the region to raise international awareness of Korean cinema and culture.”

Park Kwang Su, chairperson of Busan film festival which...

Venue: Louis Koo Cinema, Hong Kong Arts Centre

Date: 2023.10.27 – 2023.11.12

Price: Standard Hkd 85. Concession Hkd 68.

Tickets and ticket package are now available on Popticket.hk.

When we see how a people love, marry and have a family, we get an impression of their national character, etiquette, lifestyle and culture. Korea has made a great variety of romance films that have moved the hearts of audiences around the world. We live our romances under spell – they bloom, out of control, into different shapes, colours and smells. Some are beautiful, ugly, or both. But no matter, romantic love is one of the most intense and flavourful human experiences. As part of an annual cultural event in autumn, Festive Korea, Hong Kong Arts Centre and Korean Cultural Center in Hong Kong co-present The Look of Love: Korean Romance Film Showcase to let you experience the diversity of love with eight films and chat with filmmakers.

Korean production and sales group Show East said Thursday that Universal Japan has acquired Hur Jin-ho's new project, April Snow, leading the company to aim for the first simultaneous pan-Asian release of a Korean film. "Regardless of the huge public popularity that Korean films are receiving in all parts of Asia, there haven't been many theatrically successful movies (partly) ... because of DVD piracy and illegal downloads through the Internet," the company said. "Therefore, a simultaneous Asian release of 'April Snow' is a meaningful step and it is the first time that all our Asian (distribution) partners have united to make this happen." As well as Japan territories will include, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia, while deals are "very close" with distributors in Thailand, Philippine, Indonesia, and China. Production on April Snow, a romance, started earlier this month. Hur's previous films include Christmas In August and One Fine Spring Day.