The Korean film “Cobweb,” which was invited to the 76th Cannes International Film Festival, is set for release in Philippine cinemas on Oct. 4.
The black comedy movie, set in the 1970s, stars Song Kang-ho, Im Soo-jung, Oh Jung-se, Jeon Yeo-been, and Krystal Jung and is directed by Kim Jee-woon.
In the movie, which has been pre-sold in 187 countries, Song Kang-ho (“Parasite”) plays the role of director Kim Yeol who is obsessed about changing the ending of his film titled “Cobweb.”
Scenes from "Cobweb" (Photos from TBA Studios)
The director and cast of "Cobweb" during the global press conference (Photos from TBA Studios))
Song Kang-ho (Photo from TBA Studios)
Im Soo-jung (Photo from TBA Studios)
Oh Jung-se (Photo from TBA Studios)
Jeon Yeo-been (Photo from TBA Studios)
Krystal Jung (Photo from TBA Studios)
Director Kim Jee-woon (Photo from TBA Studios)
During a global press conference, the director and the stars talked about the film and their roles.
In making “Cobweb,” Kim Jee-woon said, “And so I wanted this to be a film that allows you to really rekindle the love that you have for cinema.”
“Think about it once again, reassure yourself. And I think I wanted it to be sort of an encouragement to not just me, but to everyone who's involved in cinema all over the world to really rekindle that romance as well as encourage yourself to move even further,” he added.
He added, “And so this, I would say, is a very delightful tale with a touch of black comedy that tells the story of this one man who breaks through that turmoil and conflict at a very destitute state.”
About his role as a film director in the movie, Song Kang-ho, known for the film “Parasite,” said, ”I think that it's not important to really focus on the profession of film director itself, but rather I think more emphasis on the profession of film director itself, but rather I think more emphasis should be put on and I myself also put more thoughts into how to carry out that energy of wanting to, but rather, I think more emphasis should be put on, and I myself also put more thoughts into really how to carry out that energy.”
Actress Im Soo-jung is known for the 2003 horror movie “A Tale of Two Sisters.” In “Cobweb,” she plays the role of veteran actress Lee Min-mi.
When she read the script, she decided that she had to play the role.
“In the script, the character was written as a veteran actress of the 70s and to me because it was my first time portraying an actor within a film it was also a new challenge,” she said.
As reference, she said, “And because the director specifically wanted for us to portray the unique tone of the actors back in the 70s in K [Korean] cinema, I referred to a lot of old and classic Korean films of the time.”
Actor Oh Jung-se starred in the dramas “When the Camellia Blooms,” “Hot Stove League” and “It's Okay to Not Be Okay.”
In choosing the role of Kang Ho-se, a popular actor who is the male lead in “Cobweb,” he said, “I tend to choose the more difficult route and I think that with every project I like to do something new, make a new attempt.”
Since “Cobweb” is a film within a film, he said, “Everyone was so immersed into the lines and the characters that sometimes some members of the crew would get confused and think that the scene was over so they would just move the lighting or move the camera equipment.”
Actress Jeon Yeo-been plays the role of Shin Mi-do, who is in charge of finance for the movie “Cobweb.”
To prepare for her role, she said, “Recently I saw more and more female directors or female sets, I actually recently felt that I saw more and more female directors or female creators behind the camera.”
“And every time I would meet them, I felt a sense of more female directors or female creators behind the camera. And every time I would meet them, I felt a sense of unity. And I would also feel a sense of deep respect and admiration for everybody who went before me and paved the way for all of us,” she said.
She added, “And so while I won't be able to portray that as is or exactly as it is, I, at least, wanted to make sure that I portrayed the attitude and the passion that they carried in my portrayal of the character Mi-do.”
Actress Krystal Jung said, “I think our cast was tight knit and we definitely felt like a perfect family.”
“It was just truly an honor for me to get to work with my senior colleagues who I respect and yeah, the fact that I just the fact that I got on set with them was just amazing experience for me and we had an amazing time.”
Comparing being an actress and a singer, Krystal Jung said, “But I used to answer that acting is more of a challenge for me, but now I pondered on it, I think, I can't choose one because you know, as a singer, I was in the girl band and I yeah, it's usually a three minute live performance and you know, I didn't allow myself to make mistakes.”
“And whenever I did make mistakes, I felt like I kind of let my teammates down. You know that kind of felt bad. That was kind of hard for me,” she said.
She added, “And as an actor, I could go all night long with talking about challenges. No, I can't choose one.”
“Cobweb” is produced by Anthology Studios and globally distributed by Barunson E&A, the same studio that produced “Parasite.”
In addition, “Cobweb” is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by TBA Studios, the same company that brought award-winning films such as “Everything Everywhere All At Once” and the box-office romantic drama “Past Lives” to the Philippines.
“Cobweb” is set for release in the Philippines on Oct. 4.