Sayart.net - Director Um Tae-hwa′s Epic Thriller ＂Concrete Utopia＂ Brings Realism and Spectacle to the Big Screen

Lotte Entertainment

In an eagerly anticipated cinematic event, director Um Tae-hwa is set to captivate audiences with his upcoming black comedy disaster thriller, "Concrete Utopia." The film, based on the gripping second part of the popular webtoon series "Pleasant Neighbor," delves into the harrowing experiences of apartment residents whose lives are upended by a devastating earthquake. With meticulous attention to detail and groundbreaking set designs, Um and his production team have meticulously crafted a realistic and immersive experience that promises to leave moviegoers on the edge of their seats.

To authentically portray the aftermath of a massive earthquake, the production team dedicated five months to construct a life-sized, three-story apartment building. This grand-scale set serves as the backdrop for the film, allowing viewers to witness the inhabitants of the Hwang Gung Apartments face unimaginable perils. Inside these meticulously designed apartment units, the interiors reflect the diverse characteristics and occupations of the central characters portrayed by Lee Byung-hun, Park Seo-joon, and Park Bo-young. Lee portrays Young-tak, the group's leader, while Park Seo-joon stars as Min-seong, Young-tak's steadfast supporter. Park Bo-young takes on the role of Min-seong's wife, adding depth to the complex dynamics within the ensemble.

The team behind "Concrete Utopia" spared no effort in employing sophisticated computer graphics to vividly illustrate the stark contrast between the vibrant Seoul before the catastrophic earthquake and its post-apocalyptic aftermath. Over a span of two years, the computer graphics team meticulously studied Seoul's geography, meticulously integrating their findings into the film's visual effects. The result is a seamless blend of real-life footage and stunning CGI that adds an extra layer of realism to the narrative.

Climax Studio, known for its involvement in hit Netflix originals like "Hellbound" and "D.P.," collaborated on the production of "Concrete Utopia." Their contribution further bolsters the film's credibility and high production value, elevating it to a global level.

Director Um emphasizes the importance of creating an immersive experience for viewers, allowing them to witness the full scope of the film's overwhelming visual effects and sound. During a recent press conference, he stated, "Realistic, detailed set design was pivotal for the film as it is not just about the aftermath of a disaster but shows different sides of human instincts when put in an extreme situation." His plea for audiences to experience "Concrete Utopia" in theaters reflects his desire to optimize the film's grandeur on the big screen.

"Concrete Utopia" is slated for a highly anticipated release on August 9, captivating local audiences with its gripping storyline and technical prowess. In a testament to its global appeal, the movie has already been presold in an impressive 152 countries, as revealed by distributor Lotte Entertainment.

Sayart.net 

Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com