Real (2017 film)

Real
Theatrical poster
Directed by	Lee Sa-rang
Screenplay by	Lee Jung-sub
Starring	Kim Soo-hyun Sung Dong-il Lee Sung-min Choi Jin-ri Jo Woo-jin
Music by	Lee Jae-jin SOSEOL (Kwon Sun-gyu)
Cinematography	Kim Jung-won
Production company	Alibaba Pictures[1]
Distributed by	CJ E&M
Release date	June 28, 2017 (South Korea) August 4, 2017 (Taiwan)
Running time	137 minutes
Country	South Korea
Language	Korean
Box office	US$3 million[2]

Real (Hangul: 리얼; RR: Rieol) is a South Korean action thriller noir film directed by Lee Sa-rang, starring Kim Soo-hyun, Sung Dong-il, Lee Sung-min, Choi Jin-ri and Jo Woo-jin. The film was released on June 28, 2017 in South Korea.^{[3][4][5][6][7]}

Synopsis

In the underworld of a dark fictional city, Jang Tae-yeong (Kim Soo-hyun) is a successful problem solver as well as owner of a large casino. Disturbed by an entirely different personality lies within himself, Jang decided to seek the help of Dr. Choi Jin-ki. To help Jang be rid of the other personality, Dr Choi came up with an elaborate plan. Jang followed through the plan, however, it yielded unexpected consequences. The battle of the real and fake Jang Tae-Yeong then ensues...

Cast

Main

• Kim Soo-hyun as Jang Tae-yeong^[8]
• Sung Dong-il as Jo Won-geun
• Lee Sung-min as Dr. Choi Jin-ki^[9]
• Choi Jin-ri as Song Yoo-hwa
• Jo Woo-jin as Sa Do-jin

Supporting

Cameo appearances

• Suzy as Tattooist^[10][11]
• IU as Awards ceremony guide^[12]
• Kim Da-som as Rehabilitation therapist
• Ahn So-hee as Chinatown sewing room worker
• Park Seo-joon as Dressed-up bodyguard
• Son Hyun-joo as Patient with disability
• Kyungri as Waitress
• Minha as Siesta serving fairy

Production

• On October 12, 2015, Alibaba Pictures signed an agreement at the 20th Busan International Film Festival to fund the film.^[13] Paradise Group also co-invested with additional US$7 million. It also filmed in the corporation's resort, Paradise City.^[14][15]
• Actress Han Ji-eun was cast after going through auditions which involved of 4,200 other talents.^[16]
• Filming began on January 3, 2016 and finished on June 30, 2016 in Paradise City, Yeongjongdo, Incheon.^[17][18]
• Director Lee Jung-sub dropped out of the film and was replaced by Lee Sa-rang, first-time filmmaker, owner of the production company of Real.^[19]

Reception

Real received mostly negative reviews during its initial release.^[20] MaxMovie's review stated that despite Kim Soo-hyun giving justice to his dual roles, the film's plot is non-existent, the editing and special effects are amateurish, in addition to its action scenes being boring.^[21] However, this was in many ways due to people not feeling comfortable stepping out of their comfort zone into what has been labelled by one author as "new action-noir". Moviegoers were expecting a fight between two men for control of a casino (seems simple enough) but instead got a non-linear story dealing with a mysterious psychiatrist, split personalities, a masked man trying to impersonate and take over, and the aforementioned casino battle. Large spaces, bold colours, and, at times, a commercial or music video feel combine to give an alien experience. ^[22]

Admittedly, much of the criticism is justified. Many scenes are somewhat sexist, portraying women as merely eye candies. Some criticized it for looking like a succession of television commercials with cheap nude scenes. ^[23] Yet, despite the tide of complaints against the storyline, the confusion dealt to most viewers, and the subsequent reluctance of moviegoers to embrace the movie, there has been one consistent point -- the on point acting of all cast members. Kim's acting prowess, star power, and ability to spark discussion has been fully realized by Real. A lot of research and preparation went into the characters he portrays. The effort was deserving of a second viewing to fully understand the various intricacies of the plotline. ^[24] Support from veteran actors Lee Sung Min (Broken), Sung Dong-il (Miss Granny), Lee Kyoung-young (Inside Men) and relative newcomer Sulli are all well worth a mention.

One critic felt the story was confusing named the film "one of the most distastrous films ever made". ^[25] While another proclaims Real to be a "future camp cult classic" that "is the 'real' deal". ^[22] The experimental adventure that is Real is in Kim Soo Hyun's words, not an endearing film that is easy for moviegoers to falling love with. ^[26] Yet, in the end, love it or hate it, there is no denying that Real is "one of the most singular Korean films to emerge in years". ^[22]

References

External links

• Real on IMDb
• Real on Naver
• Real on Daum