5 Korean films compete for the entry for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2013.
On August 27th, Korean Film Council confirmed that there were 5 submissions to the 85th Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film in 2013: ‘The Taste of Money’, ‘Pieta’, ‘Nameless Gangster’, ‘In Another Country’, and ‘Masquerade’.
Applicable film is for which have been screened or will be screening from October 1st, 2011 to September 30th, 2012. Also it should satisfy the required conditions such as pay screening at least 3 times per day for 7 days in a row.
As it is considered to represent Korean film, the entry competition catches the attention of film industry.
First of all, ‘The Taste of Money’, directed by Sang-soo Im, gets the spotlight at various international film festivals. It was invited to the 65th Cannes Film Festival on May and the 14th Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival which will be held in September 27th.
‘In Another Country’ directed by Sang-soo Hong was also invited to the 65th Cannes Film Festival. Hong has reputation in Europe since it’s the 8th invitation from Cannes Film Festival. It is also stressed that a world-famous French actress Isabelle Huppert acted in the film.
‘Pieta’ directed by Ki-duk Kim was invited to the 69th Venice Film Festival would open on August 29th. Kim is also internationally well known. Moreover, his films have been awarded in world-best film festivals: Cannes, Berlin, and Venice Film Festival. However, he had feud with Academy Awards.
Ki-duk Kim’s film, ‘Spring, Summer,Fall, Winter and Spring’ won the entry for Academy Awards in 2003. However, ‘3-Iron’ lost the entry to ‘TaeGukGi: Brotherhood of War’ in 2004, which caused dispute. He submitted ‘3-Iron’ again in 2005, but ‘Welcome To Dongmakgol’ was nominated instead.
For that reason, it is primary interest if his film will be nominated this year.
‘Nameless Gangster’ by Jong-bin Yun was released on February, 2012. It recorded the most box-office hit with 4.69 million in the first half year. It got good reviews of the lookback on previous generation who struggled with crime in ’90s harsh period.
‘Masquerade’ by Chang-min Choo will be released on September. Set in the 17th century, the Joseon Dynasty period, Gwanghaegun governed as the 15th king. It is about the lowest class man who looks exactly same as the king pretends to be the king, and becomes aware of the era. Besides, the main actor Byung-hun Lee is very well known in America.
Korean Film Council will organize committee and select one film in early September based on completeness, distribution capability to America, recognition for the director and the film. Each distinctive characteristic will be expected to cause tough evaluation.
Korean films have constantly been participated in Academy Awards, however, far from the prize, they have never been nominated. The biggest obstacle is lack of awareness to Academy Awards members. This is why the distribution capability is one of the important factors.
The 85th Academy Awards ceremony will be held on February 24th, 2013. Now it remains to be seen if Korean film can make it into final this year.
