Sayart.net - ′Concrete Utopia′: A Darkly Humorous Exploration of Human Connection Amidst Disaster

Courtesy of LOTTE ENTERTAINMENT

In the upcoming film "Concrete Utopia," Korean cinema ventures into uncharted territory, offering audiences more than just another disaster movie. Described as a "human black comedy," the film delves into the profound ways people connect and survive in the aftermath of a catastrophic event.

Directed by Um Tae-hwa, known for his work on "Vanishing Time: A Boy Who Returned" (2016) and as an assistant director on acclaimed Korean films such as "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance" (2005), "Concrete Utopia" revolves around a group of survivors who find solace at the Imperial Palace Apartment complex. This refuge remains untouched amidst a monstrous earthquake that nearly obliterates Seoul. The film features a star-studded cast, including Lee Byung-hun, Park Seo-joon, and Park Bo-young.

Um explained the concept behind "Concrete Utopia" during a press conference held at Lotte Cinema's Konkuk University branch in eastern Seoul. "We structured the story on the idea of what would happen if people faced an extreme situation in a familiar space," he shared. "Apartments are where most Koreans live their everyday lives. We have a love-hate relationship with apartments, and I thought it would be interesting to portray what people would do in such an event."

While disaster movies often center on the calamity itself, "Concrete Utopia" takes a different approach. Lee remarked during the press conference, "It's more of a black comedy than a disaster movie because it focuses on what happens to the people in the aftermath of a disaster." He portrays Yeong-tak, the de facto leader of the Imperial Palace Apartment residents, who fiercely guards their homes against outsiders in the wake of the earthquake.

Lee further emphasized the film's unique angle, stating, "My character undergoes the most significant change after the earthquake. He learns how people come together and disintegrate in the face of a crisis. People are all different, and the way they cooperate and clash with each other is different. This is demonstrated in 'Concrete Utopia,' which is yet another point that distinguishes it from other disaster movies."

Co-stars Park Seo-joon and Park Bo-young expressed their excitement about working with Lee. They acknowledged his legendary status in Korean cinema, with numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful films under his belt, including "Joint Security Area" (2000), "A Bittersweet Life" (2005), and "The Good, the Bad, the Weird" (2008). Park Seo-joon, who plays Min-seong in the film, a survivor determined to protect his family, revealed, "I am a big fan of Lee and have always wanted to work with him. I petitioned for myself to be cast in 'Concrete Utopia' after I heard that Lee would be starring in it."

Park Bo-young, on the other hand, shared her admiration for Lee's acting prowess, recounting an instance on set where she witnessed his remarkable transformation. "Once, we were all joking, and then we filmed a scene where Lee had to act out his character being very angry, and he just changed so drastically in an instant that I felt this is the mark of a true actor," she said.

Considering the film's large-scale backdrop, overwhelming scenes, and imposing sound design, Lee urged audiences to experience "Concrete Utopia" in theaters.

Sayart.net 

Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com