BIFF’s Netflix-produced opener ‘Uprising’ expands event’s reach to mainstream audiences

However, the festival’s interim director says it was a risk worth taking.

“While it was a bit of a risk to select an R-rated film, I thought it would still be a worthwhile adventure to take,” BIFF’s interim festival director Pak Do-sin said during a press conference for the opening film held at Shinsegae Department Store in Haeundae District on Wednesday. “We have consistently selected high-quality independent films as our opening films, and that criterion will not change. However, when considering public appeal, we are open to various platforms, whether they are from streaming platforms or not.”

“I really wanted to show this film to the audience,” Pak added. “I personally believe the film has a very high level of quality among other commercial films, which is why I chose it.”

Netflix’s historical film “Uprising” is set to be released on Netflix on Oct. 11 and had its first-ever screening and world premiere at the festival. The film revolves around two childhood friends — the son of a renowned Joseon warrior, and a servant — whose differing social standings lead them to become adversaries during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

Directed by Kim Sang-man and co-written by director Park Chan-wook, the historical piece features actors Gang Dong-won as Cheon-yeong, a servant with exceptional swordsmanship, and Park Jeong-min as Lee Jong-ryeo, a son from a prestigious military family during the Joseon Dynasty. Cha Seung-won will appear as King Seonjo (r. 1567-1608).

The decline of theaters has been a hot topic for a while, and a Netflix film opening the film festival has added fuel to the fire. However, the director expressed his belief in the enduring power of theater, considering the struggles as “a rite of passage that comes with changing times.”

“People often say that Korean cinema is struggling, but every era has faced its own challenges,” Kim said. “I firmly believe that cinema will continue to endure.”

The film also garnered major attention from the public, with director Park participating as a producer and writer rather than as the main director. Director Kim also admitted that he learned and received a lot of help from Park, referring to him as his “master.”

“Director Park offered a lot of valuable advice, starting from writing the script,” director Kim said, showing his respect for Park’s detailed directions.

The film follows different characters of varying status, ranging from a king and nobleman to a servant and butcher. This inspired the director to make the film. He also revealed that he never imagined himself working on a historical piece.

“I have always been interested in the perspectives of various statuses,” Kim said. “Even if we live in the same era, everyone has different feelings about that time. I felt that all those perspectives could be expressed through each character.”

The action-packed film showcases various styles of action, including scenes with swords, arrows and other weapons. The actors tried to portray their own action styles based on their characters’ backgrounds and status.

“Before separating from Cheon-yeong, Jong-ryeo used a similar style of swordsmanship,” Park said. “I wanted to portray a different feeling when my character confronts Cheon-yeong again, so I talked a lot with the director and the action team about this matter.”

The 29th BIFF will run until Oct. 11, with a total of 278 films screening, including the opening film.

BY KIM JI-YE [kim.jiye@joongang.co.kr]