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| ▲ This profile photo, provided by production firm MerryChristmas on June 5, 2024, shows filmmaker Park Dong-hee who directed South Korean thriller film "Drive." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Seoul, June 5 (Yonhap) – Park Dong-hee's (38) thriller 'Drive,' set to premiere on the 12th, follows the story of a famous influencer, Yuna (played by Park Ju-hyun), who is kidnapped by an unknown assailant and locked in the trunk of a car. The kidnapper offers her a deal: raise 650 million won through a live broadcast within an hour, and she will be set free. Yuna, trapped in the trunk, begins a life-or-death live broadcast.
'Drive' unfolds its story at a brisk pace within its 90-minute runtime. Audiences are made to feel as if they are riding in a car that is speeding towards its destination without any detours.
"Since my days as a screenwriter, I've always aimed to make readers rush to the final scene without stopping. I aimed for this seamless flow from the scriptwriting stage and maintained it during the editing process as well," said Park in an interview at a café in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, on the 5th.
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| ▲ This still photo of South Korean thriller film "Drive," starring actress Park Ju-hyun, is provided by production firm MerryChristmas on June 3, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
'Drive' is Park's directorial debut, and he also wrote the script. Park, originally a screenwriter, previously worked on the crime action film 'Special Delivery' (2022).
The film features intense action scenes that could qualify it as an action movie. The kidnapper threatens Yuna by driving recklessly against traffic on a busy road. This is part of Park's direction to keep the audience engaged without a moment of boredom.
"I felt that since the story is driven by the claustrophobic and oppressive atmosphere of the trunk, it was necessary to introduce moments of open and powerful release at the right times. This helps to heighten the suspense and pressure of the trunk scenes that follow," explained Park.
'Drive' has received international acclaim, being invited to the competition section of the 41st Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival and selected as the closing film for the 22nd Dallas Asian Film Festival. In Brussels, it was described as "like a roller coaster ride." Park felt gratified by this feedback, as it matched his intention. "I aimed to give the audience a roller coaster experience, and we approached the filming, lighting, and music with that goal in mind," he said.
'Drive' also marks Park Ju-hyun's debut on the big screen. Known for her roles in dramas such as 'Extracurricular' (2020), 'Mouse' (2021), and 'Love All Play' (2022), this is her first appearance in a theatrical release. In 'Drive,' she showcases her ability to portray a character whose inner turmoil is reflected through subtle facial expressions amidst a tense narrative.
"After completing the script, I realized that the role of Yuna required the depth and skill of a seasoned actor in their 40s or 50s, but the character was set in her 20s. I was worried until I saw 'Extracurricular' and noticed Park Ju-hyun's vibrant energy. I believed she could handle the role," Park recounted.
Park classifies 'Drive' as a "panic room movie," similar to Ha Jung-woo's 'Tunnel' (2016), which depicts a protagonist trapped in a confined space. "I personally enjoy films that delve deeply into the character trapped in a confined space, exploring their inner psyche," he revealed.
Having studied architectural engineering in college, Park pursued his dream of becoming a director by making short films while working at a large corporation. He eventually quit his job to enter the film industry, transitioning from a screenwriter to achieving his dream with 'Drive.'
With his debut film's release just a week away, Park expressed his nervousness and excitement about how audiences would receive it. "I want to continue making new films that reflect the creator's unique personality," he stated.
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| ▲ This image, provided by production firm MerryChristmas on June 3, 2024, promoted South Korean thriller film "Drive," starring actress Park Ju-hyun. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
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