Preview press event for Bimong (Sad Dream)

12 September 23, 2008September 23, 2008

by javabeans

“I read the script, and liked it so much it was shocking.” So said 29-year-old Lee Na-young, starring in director Kim Ki-duk‘s latest film, Bimong (Sad Dream).

The film held its press preview event on September 23 at Seoul’s Yongsan CGV theater, and Lee explained her interest in the script: “More than feeling an affinity for the story, which isn’t really plausible in the real world, I was drawn to the situation these characters were placed in.”

From the start, news of the project drew interest with the casting of the male lead, Japanese actor Odagiri Joe, for whom Lee had these words of praise: “I’ve seen Odagiri in his other works, and liked him. Despite him being a non-Korean, I didn’t feel any sort of block working with him.”

In the film, Lee Na-young’s “Ran” sleepwalks into the dreams of Odagiri’s “Jin,” who cannot forget an old lover, and a dreamlike love unfolds. Apparently Lee and Odagiri communicated in English while working together, but Odagiri took every chance to learn and speak Korean with those around him. His character, however, speaks Japanese (with subtitles), while Lee’s character speaks Korean.

Kim Ki-duk explained that he’d been a bit doubtful whether this would work, but his actors had no problem with it, and he figured it was better for his actors to speak their native languages rather than making awkward attempts to act in foreign languages.

The film had had some early buzz when, in May, it had been sold for distribution at the Cannes Film Market (which took place during the Cannes International Film Festival). It is currently being screened as a part of various film festivals, such as the Czech Karlovy Vary International Film Festival and Spain’s San Sebastian Film Festival. It releases in Korea on October 9.

Director Kim Ki-duk (in cap) with Bimong cast Lee Na-young (wearing a Yeti), Kim Tae-hyun (khaki jacket), and Park Ji-ah:

Via Segye.com

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1 belleza

September 23, 2008 at 1:54 PM

"His character, however, speaks Japanese (with subtitles), while Lee’s character speaks Korean."

So . . . when they have a conversation, she's talking to him in Korean and he's replying to her in Japanese?!? Are ghosts usually bilingual?

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2 invisibelle

September 23, 2008 at 2:13 PM

I'd watch this. I love her facial expressions.

I just realized I've never seen her with her hair up before. She reminds me of Audrey Hepburn like that.

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3 Jessica

September 23, 2008 at 3:49 PM

@ belleza

I've always thought that ghosts knew telepathy? kekeke :)

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> His character, however, speaks Japanese (with subtitles),
> while Lee’s character speaks Korean.”

This isn't that bizarre if you watch the Chinese dramas that have Korean actors in them. Actually this even happens when you mix Hong Kong actors with the Mainland or Taiwanese actors.

That's why I think Chae Rim's Princess Sheng Ping must have been hilarious to film.

Because you have Chae Rim speaking Korean. Nick speaking Canto. And then a whole bunch of side characters speaking Mandarin! I wonder how confusing it was :)

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4 belleza

September 23, 2008 at 4:10 PM

"I’ve always thought that ghosts knew telepathy? kekeke "

That's a great insight. Whenever I'm on the 405, people know exactly what I think of them without me saying anything. Telepathy works. ;)

"Because you have Chae Rim speaking Korean. Nick speaking Canto. And then a whole bunch of side characters speaking Mandarin! I wonder how confusing it was"

True, but then they remember to dub over everybody. Well except for the domestic release of 2046. Having a lover's fight in Cantonese and Mandarin just isn't fair. In Cantonese, there's 200 different ways to compare a man to a neutered dog. In Mandarin, you'd have to describe how the dog was neutered before you can tell him off!

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5 belleza

September 23, 2008 at 5:02 PM

Oh my Goth I just read that Lee Na Young has been dating Bae Yong Joon for a year!!! Philosopher King and the Queen of Quirk? Omomomo . . .

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6 ar_arguably romantic

September 23, 2008 at 5:24 PM

hahahahhaa loved belleza's comments. I love how colorful the Cantonese language can be. having him speak japanese is better than having him try to speak korean and sound awkward and unable to express the tones and accents you make when you're upset, happy, etc. and the movie sounds awesome!

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7 gallivanter

September 23, 2008 at 7:28 PM

The more I learn about this film, the more certain I will like it. I hope it comes to the US at some point (to you know, see a Korean film legally, for once!).

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8 eb

September 23, 2008 at 7:58 PM

there is something otherworldly about jo odagiri and lee na young that makes this collaboration so awesome.
kim ki duk's films always have this nightmarish surrealism to them that the scenario doesn't seem like a stretch and he just may have found the two perfect actors to channel his vision. i'm definitely looking forward to this!

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9 Felicity

September 24, 2008 at 12:37 AM

"Having a lover’s fight in Cantonese and Mandarin just isn’t fair. In Cantonese, there’s 200 different ways to compare a man to a neutered dog."

That's why I loovvveee my HK movies. Ain't nothing hotter than seeing Anthony Wong cussing out Lau Ching Wan in colorful cantonese. Nei Ham Kar Chan! Pok Kai! Hou yeahh!! :)

" I just read that Lee Na Young has been dating Bae Yong Joon for a year!!! Philosopher King and the Queen of Quirk? Omomomo . . ."

Yikes! Cinca??? They're a weird couple...but it does make sense that BYJ would go for a classy lady like LNY. Still, I'd always secretly hope that she'd hook up with Jang Dong Gun. ;)

"there is something otherworldly about jo odagiri and lee na young that makes this collaboration so awesome."

Otherworldly is right. If there's one word I'd use to describe Lee Na Young - besides quirky - it'd be ethereal. Her pairing up with Joe Odagiri is just perfect!

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10 heejung

September 24, 2008 at 5:43 AM

"...Lee Na-young (wearing a Yeti)..." LOL.

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11 ginnie

September 24, 2008 at 7:04 AM

Having a lover’s fight in Cantonese and Mandarin just isn’t fair. In Cantonese, there’s 200 different ways to compare a man to a neutered dog. In Mandarin, you’d have to describe how the dog was neutered before you can tell him off!

@ Belleza

Heee!!! That is so true.

Mandarin is a softer language in general anyways. Just speaking Cantonese alone is like having a fight sometimes. With six intonations to every word..it is difficult not to be colorful in how you want to say things...either nicely or not..ha!

p.s. The Bae-Lee rumors have been going on for a long time...I remember seeing a MV of both of them during their younger days. =) They were cute together.