Kang Dong-won courted for remake of Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade
by girlfriday
Yay, more potential projects in the pipeline for Kang Dong-won (Secret Reunion, Jeon Woochi), who’s making up for lost time with movies, movies, and more movies. Director Kim Ji-woon (I Saw the Devil, The Good, The Bad, The Weird) is working on a live-action remake of the Japanese animated film Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade, and Kang Dong-won is being courted to headline.
The two worked together on the short film Hide and Seek which is still in post-production, so re-teaming for a feature film seems like the logical next step. The film will be a remake of the 1999 Hiroyuki Okiura animated feature, which was the third film adaptation of Mamoru Oshii’s Kerberos saga manga.
Although the title Jin-Roh means “man-wolf,” it’s a dark apocalyptic post-war alternate history, not anything to do with werewolves. The story takes place in the 1960s, in an alternate universe where Germany wins WWII and occupies Japan. The lead character is a cop, a member of a heavily armed special forces unit called Kerberos (as in Cerberus, the mythological three-headed watchdog of hell). It’s a brigade that suppresses riots, and the story begins with a suicide bombing at an anti-government rally. It’s a dark political drama that’s explored through a counterintelligence war, set in the extremest of circumstances.
Count me in. I can’t wait to see how they’ll adapt the setting for the live-action film. If Kang Dong-won signs on, Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade will start shooting soon after he finishes filming his Joseon-era bandit movie Band of Thieves with Ha Jung-woo, which is in production now.
Via Sports Hankook
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Tags: Kang Dong-won, remakes
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1 Ivoire
May 23, 2013 at 9:08 AM
Thanks!
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Ivoire
May 23, 2013 at 9:25 AM
The plot sounds interesting... I would be interested (and curious) about how the transition is made from an anime format to a live-action film.
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Jo
May 24, 2013 at 3:49 PM
yea..like, will the setting be in Japan (probably not?)
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Orion
May 25, 2013 at 1:43 AM
Since the movie does not go deep into the politics or even setting, I think it's very easy to "Koreanize" the whole thing. They will probably go with the same idea, only in the sense that the occupation of Korea by the Japanese never ended with WWII, since the Nazis won.
As for the live-action transition, it's very interesting, but 'Jin Roh' is a very realistic work, despite the alternate reality element, so I don't imagine it's in any way hard to do. It's interesting though. Another country, another medium, another decade.
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2 kyleD
May 23, 2013 at 9:17 AM
ive already heard of that project a while ago, and its definitely *the* thing i am really excited about. also it only partly counts as remake, because the japanese version was originally written as a "live action" film before they went ahead and animated it, so its kind of a back-to-roots thing.
this is really a chance to pull of some very unique style and directing, i hope kim ji woon takes it.
kang dong won seems like a decent casting choice, i have no idea who else i would cast in it since im more interested in how the script and technical side is handled.
btw, the title is because the story is based on/a reference to red riding hood.
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3 snow_white
May 23, 2013 at 9:24 AM
Looks interesting..
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4 true2u
May 23, 2013 at 9:27 AM
I wish Kang Dong-won can come back to the small screen.
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5 alisa
May 23, 2013 at 10:06 AM
OMG i i wonder who will play Kei, the Red Riding Hood!
It has to be young actress in her teens or early 20s!
I`m thinking Park Shin Hye or Park Eun Bin!
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nani
May 23, 2013 at 10:25 AM
There is a female lead in this movie?
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kyleD
May 23, 2013 at 10:54 AM
yes, and its a rather complex sort of relationship.
the film is not mainly an action thriller kind of thing but more psychological and character oriented.
generally, i would recommend watching the animated version, its usually counted among the best japanese animation films, but i also realize it might not really be for everyone. the style is very realistic and dark, its unlike alot of other animes and doesnt realy have anything to compare it to.
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alua
May 23, 2013 at 3:52 PM
I'm going to have to watch the animation now!
I had heard of it before, because they screened it somewhere in the UK last year... I think at Scotland Loves Anime.
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alisa
May 23, 2013 at 1:57 PM
Yes , you can see it in a poster , she is all over it !lol
It is very complex character! She has complicated back story, and she has to be innocent and mature at the same time ,dark and light! I would say she is harder to play than male lead!
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Orion
May 23, 2013 at 11:38 AM
Park Shin Hye is nowhere good enough an actress to be in such an important work. She's ok for the things she does, but we have to think about the level here.
It has to be someone who looks very young too, from what I read. I would like a more proper actress, not based on popularity. I have not seen the movie, but I am talking along the lines of Shim Eun Kyung.
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alisa
May 23, 2013 at 2:03 PM
She would look waaaaaay to young next to Kang Dong Won!
It needs to be young actress , but the one who won`t make Dongwon look like pedophile!
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Orion
May 23, 2013 at 6:23 PM
I did not know they have a romantic relationship. Having now watched the movie, I have to agree an older actress looking younger might be a better idea.
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Gala
May 23, 2013 at 2:30 PM
I agree. Park Shin Hye can act. She can get to me during emotional scenes, but I still see Park Shin Hye. Meaning, her name doesn't disappear in my mind when she acts. She doesn't exactly mould into a character. (sorry, I can't seem to explain myself today). Basically, she's no chameleon for me. Good, but not good enough.
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hmm
May 24, 2013 at 2:20 PM
just because she chose such roles recently doesn't mean she isn't capable. People should watch her old works before judging her
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alua
May 23, 2013 at 3:50 PM
I didn't want to be the one to say it...but totally agree with you.
I want a film actress 100% capable of taking on this role and well-matched with Kang Dong-won (if he signs up for the project, fingers crossed) – a complete unknown if need be.
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Babygaga
May 23, 2013 at 4:15 PM
Well then I'd go with Song Hye Kyo. I think they will make a good chemistry. And even though SHK is her 30's she still look young. Her beauty is still innocent and a good actress.
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Babygaga
May 23, 2013 at 4:16 PM
***In her 30's****
alua
May 23, 2013 at 4:22 PM
They've acted together before, in Camellia (Love for Sale segment). Haven't seen it though.
Orion
May 23, 2013 at 6:28 PM
She looks her age and frankly, she has not personally impressed me much acting-wise. This has to be a person that emotes really well. If they go with the style of the animation, they need a lot of subtlety in performances. Song is not expressive and good enough to pull such a thing off, I'm afraid. That's aside the age issue. As lovely as she looks, she does not look early 20s.
Mia
May 23, 2013 at 4:35 PM
Unfortunately, I agree.
I'd love to be pleasantly surprised and find out that she has hidden, dark depths of acting talent to plumb. However, she seems most comfortable working within the confines of rom-coms and "human" comedies/dramas that require you to basically play winning, sympathetic heroines and be able to hit a few emotional notes but mostly keep it innocent, light, and surface-level.
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hmm
May 24, 2013 at 2:21 PM
lol like I said just because she does what she is comfortable with doesn't mean she isn't capable
Please watch her older works before judging her
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Mia
May 24, 2013 at 4:10 PM
...I have.
Meiyih
May 23, 2013 at 7:24 PM
Somehow Kim Go Eun keep comin to my mind ... she look really innocent & young in Eun-gyo and her acting had been applauded by so many awards so she shud b able to portray this perfectly
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delta
May 24, 2013 at 9:06 AM
Agree...PSH is nowhere good enough. Very overated. I'd like 2 see OYS. KDW is perfect though....loved him in "Duelist" and can't wait 4 Kundo: Age of the Rampant.
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hmm
May 24, 2013 at 2:22 PM
oh please lol
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Celia
May 24, 2013 at 5:47 PM
Well, to each his/her own. You may think PSH is very good but some others may not think so.
Jyyjc
May 25, 2013 at 10:05 PM
How about Park bo young? Or Park Ha sun?
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6 danna
May 23, 2013 at 10:29 AM
This sounds extremely interesting...I'm all for alternate reality stories!
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7 Cam
May 23, 2013 at 10:32 AM
Omo, omo, it's pretty interesting, hm! Aha...I think it would be great if Park Shin Hye OR Ha Ji Won would be an leading female in this movie. ;)
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Hazel
May 23, 2013 at 4:25 PM
Ooh, I wouldn't be opposed to a Ha Ji Won & Kang Dong-won reunion at all. Duelist, anyone?
I've yet to see the anime, though, so I have no idea if she's right for the role.
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kdwkyah
May 23, 2013 at 5:00 PM
YESHHHH DUELIST!
their chemistry was AMAZING!....THE FEELS!!!
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8 Orion
May 23, 2013 at 10:50 AM
I'm waiting for confirmation before I blog about this. I don't believe in jinxing, I just don't want to get excited if it's not confirmed. Or I could just write about it... I should...
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9 Noelle
May 23, 2013 at 11:01 AM
How have I not heard about this animation!? It sounds epic! I wonder how they'll do it? Thats gonna be a lot of disturbing shit thats for sure. It's so weird because last night Stephen Fry was talking about Nazi's (well a specific a-hole) on Ferguson's show. I got the conversation stuck in my head. Like most things Mr. Fry talks about, it tends to stick with you. Will be looking forward to this.
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10 pogo
May 23, 2013 at 11:29 AM
Fingers crossed for this, it sounds really interesting. I won't lie, Korean cinema has captured my fancy far more than Korean dramas these days (in fact, I began watching movies before dramas, so it's back to my k-entertainment roots really)
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11 POPSMISSION
May 23, 2013 at 4:06 PM
Oh my gosh Oh my gosh!!! I am soooooo excited right now!
This news just totally made my day! :)
I really hope he signs on to this, it sounds like such an intriguing premise.....and KANG DONG-WON.... I love him to such crazy obsessive levels! :)
I think I would watch him in most anything but a movie like this sounds awesome and I am dying to see him in another bad-arse action role!
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12 Mia
May 23, 2013 at 4:27 PM
"The story takes place in the 1960s, in an alternate universe where Germany wins WWII and occupies Japan."
Hmm. Can someone explain to me how this comes to be? ....Seeing as how Germany and Japan were WWII allies and all.
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alua
May 23, 2013 at 4:53 PM
Fiction?
i.e. poetic license to do however you wish, regardless of some historical facts...
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Mia
May 23, 2013 at 6:34 PM
I understand the concept. I thought it was interesting how the creator chose to situate Japan as the victims of Big Bad Germany considering they were allies; I'm just curious as to how the political dynamics play out in this fiction and whether it has revisionist/whitewashing ulterior motives concerning Japan's role in the war or is another type of commentary entirely. You can't really have an alternate-reality German occupation of Japan and not address those issues or confront their relationship during WWII head-on.
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Orion
May 23, 2013 at 7:32 PM
Yes, you can. Unfortunately, the movie is very "artsy". It's all mood and ambiance and dragging on through metaphors and shoving its big point in your face all the time.
Almost no characterization, no insight into the thoughts, feelings, values, reasons of the characters, absolutely no exploration of the reality they created, the politics of things, the reasons behind all groups, what they want, why etc.
It's as if the whole setting and the characters are merely set pieces in what ultimately feels like a "Humans kind of suck" statement made through a slow-paced pretty-looking MV, only without music playing all the time.
I hope the Korean version can feature actual character and story development that make sense and that one can sympathize with and understand.
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kyleD
May 23, 2013 at 8:09 PM
that pretty much sums up why i like it so much. i have a thing for films that are like looking at a painting, and not analytically working through their story and connecting all the dots.
the point of the alternate history part is more setting up a suitable environment for the story while avoiding a fantasy setup instead of political discussion.
i think kim ji woon is a good candidate to give it a balanced artsy aspect and still make it accessible, which the studio will also be pushing for since they are putting quite a lot of money in this.
Orion
May 23, 2013 at 8:20 PM
@kyleD
So I guess what you love is what I hate. :P I like my entertainment clear. I am perfectly capable of delving into a work, but there has to be something to delve in. Movies are not DIY. A maker should clearly convey their point, have a plot and character development. If he/she doesn't, it's a music video without music, not a story.
As you say, I am hoping we will get a more mainstream experience in the Korean version. We already have a more arthouse one, so it would be silly to just stay as shallow as that and not take advantage of the premise a bit better.
canxi
May 23, 2013 at 10:27 PM
@Orion
It is a movie you can delve in, though. Like plenty of animation from Japan, it's one where viewing may push for you to draw your own conclusions based on what is given about the story/characters. Even with all the metaphors, I'm sure what you may have gotten from the movie isn't the same as what someone else would get. It's "artsy" because it is just that. One of the many forms art comes in and art doesn't have to be crystal clear all the time.
I don't think you should merely brush it off as a an MV without music or shallow, just because you thought it wasn't clear enough for you. I understand it's your personal preference but that just seems like you're putting it down. And character development is nice but it's not always necessary--I don't really need a character to gradually change throughout the course of a film. I don't think it was necessary for Jin Roh.
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Orion
May 24, 2013 at 2:54 AM
I am putting it down based on my own taste, of course. I am not some movie God whose words somehow become the universal truth. Everyone's words are their own alone. ;) But does that mean I should stay away from any conversation if I don't have only "nice things" to say? Sorry, never done that and never will.
I don't doubt its contribution to cinema and animation and it has many good points too. The atmosphere, the way the shots are framed, its dream sequences, the art and design for the suits and clothes and more.
But to me, letting people make their own work in their heads is a cop out. It's inability and unwillingness to convey what you feel about your work to them.
But I am making a blog post about it currently, to explain that in detail. The reason I mention these issues is because the worry they might potentially carry over to the Korean movie. Surely I can express my worries about an upcoming movie with an actor I like and by a director I also like, can't I?
canxi
May 25, 2013 at 4:21 PM
Orion
I didn't say you can't express your worries and neither did I try to say that you aren't free to your words and opinions or say that you are a movie God. And never did I say that you should stay away because you weren't saying "nice things" so why are you acting as if I did?
I've no problem with anything you said except for the "MV" part which rubbed *me* the wrong way a bit. What I did was put up my own opposite opinion in response to yours including what I thought about that particular comment (notice I said "I don't think you should" and not "you can't"). Nothing but that. Everything else is your own assumption. I was engaging in conversation not argument.
canxi
May 25, 2013 at 5:37 PM
(had to do something but now I'm back)
Also, I don't view it as a cop out. I quite like it when director's want you to draw stuff up on your own. Not so much that there are more questions than story to go on, but I like being apart rather than just watching the story unfold. I don't view it as an inability to convey their feelings but a want to share it. It's nice.
But, did I really come off so argumentative or something? I'm trying to think of why it seems you took so much offense and brought up all these things I never said or thought. It's an open forum, I saw your comment and thought it interesting and commented, too. Sure, I disagreed but I was not trying to hurt you.
13 themugen123
May 23, 2013 at 6:06 PM
One of my favorite anime.
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14 Ennayra
May 23, 2013 at 6:48 PM
Completely unrelated to the film - in the first photo, Kang Dong-won's face has convinced me that T.O.P and Joo Won could play his little brothers in his next movie. Does anyone else see this?
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Fasr
May 24, 2013 at 9:47 AM
haha don't worry it seems like errrrrryone sees this. i've never read a kang dong won article here where joowon and TOP did not get brought up in the comments. someone will always mention them.
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Ennayra
May 24, 2013 at 1:39 PM
Haha. Okay, now I don't feel so bad!
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15 canxi
May 23, 2013 at 10:08 PM
I have Jin Roh on DVD here at home. A dark and mysterious movie. I've always watched it at night and fallen asleep before the ending! I should give it another try because I do like the parts I have seen. Just, when I'm fully awake next time.
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16 Anonymous
May 23, 2013 at 10:48 PM
HJW might be old in years but she can still look young and act young if the role calls for it.Just watch K2H and what is impressive is that she can act .Just looking into her eyes you can see the emotions.She's a chamelion.I also like SHK, she's beautiful but I don't find her acting impressive.All her expressions seems to be the same or I just find them lacking.
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alisa
May 24, 2013 at 8:13 AM
Ha Ji Won is amazing actress, but for this movie she is completely wrong choice! She looks mature, meaning she does not look like innocent young girl!
The girl in this movie has to have typical Korean innocent face- PSH/Yoona/Suzy type, but also to be able to pull the dark emotions!
Now when i think of it , Moon Geun Young would be perfect!
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Celia
May 24, 2013 at 6:25 PM
As much as I agree HJW has the acting chops, she is not fit for the role here. She will look too mature and standing next to KDW she looks like his noona (which she is). I've watched TK2H and it's not my fave performance of hers.
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17 hmm
May 24, 2013 at 2:24 PM
Since it's a reteam with director KJW from their mini-movie I actually hope that he would have reteam with Park Shin Hye too
I would like her to take some challenge
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18 delacruz.justin
May 25, 2013 at 2:14 AM
KDW is one of the topnotched actors..looking forward for his new piece, if he push through the same. I must say he doesn't afraid to try other genres as he has so much to show..
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19 me
May 25, 2013 at 7:35 AM
There are two female characters in JinRoh one is young and the other is older and the one who can be called the lead character so any actress can play that role. There is only one problem they have to look like sisters!! I don't like double roles so, I hope they don't go that way.
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