Since 2006 Bong Joon Ho’s THE HOST has been the box-office king of South Korean films. Even though it was knocked off the top spot of highest grossing film at the South Korean box office by AVATAR (2009). However a new king has arisen with THE THIEVES, directed by Choi Dong Hoo which has taken 93.6 billion won (around $84 million) and has had 13 million admissions. In a country of 48 million people, that’s not too shabby. The film looks set to continue its success as it has a Korean/Chinese cast and is yet to open in 8 other Asian markets. It’s also receiving a US release on 12th October.
THE THIEVES sees a gang of thieves panning a heist to steal a precious necklace. It sure seems to owe a lot to the OCEAN’S 11 films of Steven Soderbergh but what large ensemble heist film doesn’t I can’t wait to see it, not just because I’m a fan of South Korean cinema, but because Korean directors have a good track record of taking tired Western genres and adding something new and unique.
THE THIEVES is released in the US 12th October 2012. It stars Kim Yun Seok, Kim Hye Su, Lee Jung Jae, Gianna Jun, and Simon Yam.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
