Master director Park Chan-wook embarks on an ambitious journey towards ten million viewers with his new film 'Nothing Can Be Done.'
On the morning of the 19th, at the production report conference for his new film 'Nothing Can Be Done' held at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall in Yongsan, Seoul, Director Park stated, "My box office goal is always ten million," drawing attention.
'Nothing Can Be Done' tells the story of 'Mansu' (Lee Byung-hun), an office worker who feels satisfied with life to the point of thinking "I've achieved everything," but suddenly gets fired. To protect his wife and two children, and to keep the house he worked hard to acquire, he prepares for his own war towards re-employment in this bittersweet mystery drama.
Director Park explained his choice of 'theatrical release over OTT' by saying, "It's because I'm conservative. Since I was young, when I wanted to become a film director and make movies, the standard was always the cinema, so that is the default."
He continued, "Even when filming a movie, especially in post-production, I believe that small sounds, like the sound of a bird crying at night that one might pass by without noticing, and even the small parts visible in the corners of the screen, need to be carefully polished. They can only be fully appreciated in a big screen, with good speakers, in a dark and closed environment," adding, "So for me, the theater is a priority. If I had to create a long story otherwise, I would naturally choose a series."
Regarding Park Hee-soon's earlier comment, "I thought the director was giving up on Cannes this time to aim for ten million," he coolly replied, "I've always aimed for ten million, so there's nothing particularly different this time." This brought laughter.
Director Park expressed his excitement, saying, "It's been almost 20 years since I read the original novel and thought about adapting it into a film. I haven't been solely focused on this one work, but I've been constantly working hard, and finally, the day has come. I want to show it to you all as soon as possible."
After receiving three unofficial awards, including the Young Lion Award, for his last work in the revenge trilogy, 'Lady Vengeance' (2005), he has been invited to the Venice competition section for the first time in 20 years. This is the first time in 13 years that a Korean film has been invited.
Director Park noted, "It's true that it's been 20 years since 'Lady Vengeance' went to the competition section, but I went with Lee Byung-hun for 'Three Monsters' and also as a jury member. So it doesn't feel that long," but he added, "However, it's meaningful that a Korean film is going to Venice after a long time," expressing pride.
Additionally, he said, "It's especially an honor to be invited as the opening film for the 30th Busan International Film Festival," and smiled, "It's precious because it's a history that goes along with the revival of Korean cinema."
The film is an official selection for the competition section of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival and has also been chosen as the opening film for this year's Busan International Film Festival. Furthermore, it has been officially invited to the 50th Toronto International Film Festival and the 63rd New York Film Festival, continuing to attract global attention.
Starring Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min, Yeom Hye-ran, and Cha Seung-won, the film is set to be released in September.
