Dinosaurs Korean Style In "Speckles The Tarbosaurus 2"

Here is a great looking family film from South Korea that is very much in the style of the "Land Before Time" movie series.

Synopsis:

After the great disaster of the Cretaceous Period 80 million years ago, a Tarbosaurus named Speckles lost all of his family but his youngest son. Unlike his father, Mak-ne is scared and timid and is always being picked on by other dinosaurs. One day, Mak-ne is abducted by 3 Deinonychuses and Speckles embarks on an adventure to start looking for him. On his way, he meets Songgot who is looking for his daughter and a friendly herbivor named Sai. Together, they continue their journey until Speckles finds clues about the whereabouts of his son Mak-ne. However, a mutant dinosaur appears in front of them. Will Speckles be able to save his son?

Trailer:



Photos:

Rats! A Giant Rat Ravages Ancient Korea In "Monstrum"

The relentless "monster bot" Avery Guerra was kind enough to point me in the direction of a new giant monster film that is about to make it's debut in South Korea. Here's the synopsis from IMDB:

Yoon Gyeom is a loyal subject of King Jung Jong of Joseon. He struggles to fight against a monster that threatens King Jung Jong's life and a group of people trying to depose King Jung Jong.

Not much there but Avery expanded on it a bit revealing that the monster in the film is a giant mutant rat. It looks like ancient Korea had the same rodent problem as present day New York city!

Here's your trailer:



And here are some images:

Related:

Missoula instrumentalist pens score for Korean monster film

Korean 3D Monster Epic SECTOR 7 Comes Ashore In The US

Magnet To Release South Korean Monster Flick CHAW In The US As CHAWZ

Missoula instrumentalist pens score for Korean monster film

From Missoulian

Perhaps Yongary, a Korean knockoff of Godzilla, is like a grizzly bear – a misunderstood predator roused by the humans.

That's the frame of mind Travis Yost, a longtime Missoula musician, had to assume while writing an original score for "Yongary: Monster from the Deep," a 1967 B-movie about "a prehistoric gasoline-eating reptile that soon goes on a rampage through Seoul," according to the plot summary.

He had to create suspense for certain scenes while trying hard to ignore the fact that on screen, what's clearly a man in a rubber monster costume is battered with real fireworks.

It was "the worst job as a stuntman in the 1960s," he said.

Next Thursday, Yost will perform the score along with the movie at the Roxy Theater, armed with a guitar, keyboards, a drum machine and pedal board.

He'll play it all live, with some sequencing but no sampling. It has elements of rock and bubbly electronic, some atonal parts and some lighthearted moments.

"There's going to be a little tiptoeing into the clever," he said.

It is, after all, a man in rubber suit.

Roxy executive director Mike Steinberg gave Yost a list of suggestions for movies he could score, including some old Mexican wrestling films and sci-fi flicks.

The late 1960s look of "Yongary" immediately appealed to Yost, a fan of classic Connery-era Bond.

It has green-screened scenes of characters in automobiles, speeding along past repeated background loops. (Didn't they already pass that gas station?). It has lo-fi action sequences, such as helicopters on a string.

It has bizarre sequence in which an astronaut is summoned for a space mission. In classic B-movie style, he agrees regardless of the fact that he's on his honeymoon.

READ MORE

Korean 3D Monster Epic SECTOR 7 Comes Ashore In The US

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Sector 7 Press Kit / Sector 7 Blog / Gorezone / Avery Guerra

Way back in 2009 I wrote a small article about another ambitious monster movie coming out of Korea called "Sector 7". The film which stars the very fetching Ha Ji-Won, was directed by Yoon Je-Gyun and is very heavily inspired by such classic monster movies as "The Thing", "Alien" and "It: The Terror From Beyond Space" kinda disappeared off the radar until it showed up for a special screening in LA earlier this month. The film has gained a lot of positive reviews from that screening and now the LA based branch of the Korean distributor CJ E&M Pictures is set to unleash the film across America in limited release.

Here is the info on the film from CJ E&M's press material:

The Eclipse is an offshore drilling rig stationed at Sector 7, where the crew spend their days searching for oil, but something else awaits that is deadlier than they can imagine. A desperate struggle against the unknown enemy in Sector 7 begins…the open sea offers no place to hide.

Something awaits 8,000 feet under the sea off the southern tip of Jeju Island.

The Eclipse is the offshore drilling rig stationed at Sector 7, a mining area in the vast open sea located off the southern tip of Jeju Island. The oil drilling excavations end in failure and headquarters gives the order to withdraw.

Captain Jeong-man is sent to oversee the crew’s withdrawal from the Eclipse. However, Hae-jun, the equipment manager (played by Ha Ji-won), is adamantly opposed to the headquarters’ order, as she is certain that oil will be discovered in Sector 7. Motivated by Hae-jun’s conviction of finding oil, the Captain suggests conducting one last drilling exercise.

While Hae-jun and the crew are fully engaged in their final attempt, they lose communication with headquarters, and the crew is overwhelmed by the disconcerting feeling that something is out there. As bodies begin disappearing one by one, the few surviving need to think fast and fight for their lives in a non-stop battle against the mutant monster from the sea. Survival looks unlikely, but Hae-jun and the crew are determined to take any chance to get out of Sector 7 alive.

Sector 7 is a classic monster movie that will keep you entertained to the very end

A special preview screening of Sector 7 in Los Angeles brought in a full house of viewers, anxious to see what happens to the crew on board the Eclipse. With a ton of action sequences and a monster that can withstand almost any assault, the audience was on the edge of their seats throughout the entire film. It’s “Jaws meets The Host” said one, as the indomitable creature of the deep comes to terrorize the family-like crew stationed on Sector 7.

Having a similar premise to Bong Joon-ho’s , this film takes the monster movie a step forward with its realistic 3-D effects and campy monster feel, which proved to be pure entertainment for all. For those who enjoy sci-fi and monster flicks, it is a “definite must-see” said fans of the genre.

With a, “Really cool monster, some comedic moments, great action and special effects,” it’s a Korean film that strays from the norm and will keep you interested in finding out what is in store for the ill-fated crew on board.

Korea’s first 3-D action blockbuster created with original technology

After Bong Joon-ho’s monster in The Host appeared out of the Han River to terrorize the people of Seoul and a huge tsunami struck Haeundae Beach in Busan in Yoon Je-kyun’s Haeudae , Korean audiences were hit with a new generation of computer graphic films.

Sector 7makes the next technological leap with 3-D production and advanced CG technology, all of which was handled by Korea’s own MOPAC Studio, collaborating once again with producer Yoon Je-kyun’s crew—the same crew that successfully handled the effects work on .

MOPAC Studio was onboard throughout Sector 7's entire production process—from pre-visualization, to the interior and exterior modeling of the rig, and to the design of the monster. All effects work was managed and created by MOPAC Studios.

3-D production was planned from the beginning. Sector 7 contains a high ratio of green screen filming, but was not completely composited in the case of the monster. A high proportion of the entire screen had to be embodied in CG. The method of using both actual 3-D shooting and 2-D conversion to maximize cost optimization was taken, as was the case with James Cameron’s Avatar. The skilled handcraft work and raised level of detail on the finished product allayed any concerns about 2-D conversion.

Audiences experience a highly finished level of 3-D effects that are thrilling yet naturally entwined with the story.

Unrivalled female warrior Ha Ji-won is Korea’s Angelina Jolie

Ha Ji-won has always been a fighter and a strong spirited woman in most of her films. Performing various roles like a boxer throwing hard punches for the championship belt, a detective of the Joseon period elegantly brandishing a sword, a geisha dangling men’s hearts on a string, and a stunt woman who leaves the scent of lavender in her wake. In every role, she has left a lasting impression with her irreplaceable presence and obvious athletic skills.

One might even say that Sector 7 was possible only because of the existence of a star like Ha Ji-won. Even though Korea has no shortage of talented actresses, not too many are able to believably go head to head against a monster on an oil drilling rig in the middle of the ocean. Her strong willed desires to find oil on the Sector 7 is also carried through as she does everything in her power to survive against the overpowering mutated sea creature.

But even with her adept physical skills and experience, Ha Ji-won had to train long and hard to prepare for the demands of Sector 7 , a movie filled with grueling action. Her regimen included 8 hours of swimming and weight training each day, so she could be ready for the wire action fight sequences against a CG animated monster. In addition to the physical training, she obtained scuba and motorcycle certifications in order to understand the job and mindset of a deep-sea equipment manager.

Taking on dangerous and physical action scenes without the use of a stunt double, Ha Ji-won’s performance in Sector 7 has established the actress as Korea’s peerless action heroine and brings a thrilling experience to audiences. With Ha Ji-Won at the center,Sector 7 provides a fresh and compelling new take on the sci-fi/action hero.

Top notch cast in Sector 7: Ahn Sung-ki, Oh Ji-ho, Park Chul-min, Song Sae-byuk, Cha Ye-ryeon are aboard the Eclipse

In addition to Ha Ji-won, the charismatic female warrior, actors that represent the best of the Korean film industry are also aboard the Eclipse.

Ahn Sung-ki, often referred to as the pillar of the Korean film industry, took on the role of the veteran captain Jeong-man who is most knowledgeable of the Sector 7 oil rig and its history. His character is just as brave and determined as Hae-jun, as he too stands firm behind the oil excavation efforts. Ahn Sung-ki shows as much strength and effort as his younger co-stars, fighting against the monster in a number of physical action sequences.

Oh Ji-ho, who radiates heartthrob charm, has the role of oil analyst Kim Dong-su, which showcases the actor’s prime conditioning as well as a great sense of humor.

There are is also a great supporting cast: Lee Han-wee as Mun-hyeok, the medic; equipment manager Sang-gu is played by Park Chul-min; welder Jong-yun is played by Song Sae-byuk; and finally, the coy ecologist Hyeon-jeong is played by Cha Ae-ryun. Many of the actors were unfamiliar with acting in front of a green screen and against imaginary characters, however, absolute trust in director Kim Ji-hoon and the production staff made each performance possible.

A forgotten exploration site becomes the scene of life-or-death battles

Sector 7 is an actual exploratory area located on the continental shelf between Jeju Island and Japan’s Kyushu Islands. Oil production on Sector 7 seemed like a realistic goal in the past, as it was believed to hold massive oil and natural gas reserves that would dwarf those in Saudi Arabia. This inspired dreams of Korea becoming an oil-producing nation. Being an extremely promising site, Sector 7 was also a hot potato in Korean/Japanese diplomatic relations in the 1970’s. Now, the existence of Sector 7 is as faint as a fantasy, and is reborn in this film as a battlefield of desperation—the ideal setting for this movie.

Sector 7’s status as an actual location adds a dose of reality to the storyline. But, the isolated and mysterious location also provides the perfect setting for the imagination of a monstrous creature lurking in the long forgotten oil rig.

With no place to hide, the crew members fight in a desperate attempt to survive with heart-stopping action sequences and monster gore, resulting in pure theatrical fun.

100% Korean made Sea Monster – The intricate process behind the creature

MOPAC Studios created a monster that has never been imaginable to any audience. Their main concept behind the creature was to eliminate any pre-visualized movie monsters and create a completely unique living organism. Inspiration for the creature came from seafood. From a sea squirt to different varieties of fish, the creators of the monster went through numerous iterations by combining many sea like characteristics. The creature was also given a full life cycle, starting from a simple tadpole that has transparent and luminous flesh, but tough enough to ward off any bullet.

There are a total of 12 developmental stages, which allow viewers to follow the complete metamorphosis of the monster. Starting out as a slimy sea creature, the monster grows to massive proportions and becomes frighteningly resilient as the film progresses.

US Release Dates:

9/16/11
AMC Cherry Hill 24 (Philadelphia)
AMC Hoffman 22 (DC)
AMC Rio 18 (DC)
AMC Grapevine Mills (Dallas)
AMC Empire (New York)
AMC Ridgefield Park (New Jersey)
AMC Colonial 18 (Atlanta)
AMC Niles 12 (Chicago)

10/14/11 Consolidated Ward (Hawaii)

Sector 7 Trailer:



Sector 7 Photos:

Magnet To Release South Korean Monster Flick CHAW In The US As CHAWZ

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Undead Backbrain / Collider.com / Avery Guerra

Over the past half decade film makers in South Korea have really fallen in love with good old fashioned monster movies and despite what you might think, they have produced some of the genres better films over that time span.

One of these surprisingly good monster movies is Jeong-won Shin's giant boar on the loose film, entitled "Chaw", which has flown under the radar, mostly, here in the western world.

Now, thankfully, Magnet Releasing is set to bring the film to US shores under the odd title "Chawz". If you think that the film's new Americanized title sounds a little bit too much like "Jaws" you would be correct, for the folks over at Magnet are not trying to hide the fact they want people to make the mental connection.

Here is the press release:

The Wagner Cuban Company’s Magnet Releasing, genre arm of Magnolia Pictures, announced today that it has acquired North American rights to CHAWZ, a wild and funny Korean monster movie about a giant, vicious pig terrorizing an idyllic countryside. Directed by Jeong-won Shin, CHAWZ is an affectionate tribute to classing monster movies that boasts fantastically gory special effects of the porcine beast attacking innocent tourists looking to pick organic vegetables.

“If JAWS was looking to branch out to dry land, without a doubt he’d want to be CHAWZ,” said Magnet SVP Tom Quinn. “Another worthy addition to the Korean monster hall of fame and the Magnet Releasing library.”

Youngjoo Suh, CEO of Finecut comments, “I’m delighted to work again with Magnolia who did a brilliant job for the distribution of THE HOST. We very much look forward to our collaboration through CHAWZ.”

The North American deal was negotiated by Magnet’s Quinn and Peter Van Steemberg with Youngjoo Suh and Luna Kim from Finecut.

And here is another synopsis:

Shock and fear wash over the quiet, peaceful town of Sameri when ecologist (Soo Ryeon) discovers the body parts of a girl in the mountains. Officer Kim Kang Su (Uhm Tae Woong), newly transferred from Seoul, gets assigned to the case, but it soon transpires this is no ordinary homicide. Cheon Il Man (Jang Hang Seon), the victim’s grandfather, is convinced that the culprit is a giant man-eating boar, and more will be claimed if the beast isn’t taken down. Kim’s own mother has gone missing, and may have already fallen victim. All interested in capturing the boar for reasons of their own, Kim, Cheon, Soo Ryeon, opportunistic hunter Baek (Yoon Je Moon), and detective Shin (Park Hyuk Kwon) head into the dangerous wilds, but will they make it back out alive?

"Chaw" .... or "Chawz" as it were, made it's debut on this side of the Pacific this past June at the New York Asian Film Festival, where it drew very favorable reviews from the fans in attendance.

Here are some great stills from the film, that were collected by Avery Guerra:

See Also: The Ancient Dogoo Girl, Death Kappa And Chaw Invade New York / The First Look At The Giant Razorback From Jeong-won Shin's "Chaw" / It's Giant Korean Pigs Run Amok In Chaw

New Concept Art For Won Shin-yeon's ROBOT TAEKWAN V

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Twitch / Avery Guerra

If your a giant robot fan, like me, than this really outta get ya all geeked up.

As I have often said, movie productions in other parts of the world work on a different timetable than they do here in America. Sometimes it literally takes years to get from the planning stages to the finished product.

Such is the case with Won Shin-yeon's giant robot epic, "Robot Taekwon V", a film that we first started talking about here at Monster Island News way back in 2008.

Since that time we have seen all kinds of production photos, test animations and even TV commercials coming out of Korea, but no real footage or images that will make it into the film.

Which means there has been a lot of thought and planning being put into this one that so far hasn't translated into any actual filming.

Well, I wish that I could report that there is some actual filming being done on "Robot Taekwon V", but all I have for you today is more conceptual stuff. This time in the form of a set of new Taekwon V designs by digital artist Josh Nizzi who also designed many of the bots in "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen".

Like his work in "Transformers", Nizzi has taken the classic, and I should point out, more refined look of the original Taekwon V, and added a lot more bells and whistles. Basically turning the robot into another Transformer as opposed to making look like the Japanese robot, Mazinger Z, which it was originally modeled after.

Now, I don't know about you, but I like the classic look better, today everyone seems to be making these robots look too complicated. I'll take any of the old Japanese robots over these new designs any day.

Hopefully production on "Robot Taekwon V" should begin very shortly. Tentatively the film now has a release date scheduled for sometime in 2011.









See Also: New Images From Won Shin-yeon's 'Taekwon V' /Brand New Photos From Won Shin-yeon's Taekwon V / The Most Talked About Stories Of 2008 / Requested Video Post: Robot Taekwon V Causes Havoc At The Gas Station / Two Great New Video Clips Of Robot Taekwon V / Production Has Begun On The Live-Action Robot Taekwon V Movie

The Lovely Ha Ji-Won To Battle A Mutant Monster, And American Actors, In Yoon Je-Gyun's 'Sector 7'

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Twitch / Avery Guerra

Wasn't it just yesterday that I was talking about how Korean film makers were slowing taking over the monster movie business?

Wasn't that just yesterday?

Well, as if it should come as any surprise, today I have a brand new monster movie to talk about, and, surprise!.....it's being made in Korea.


Director Yoon Je-Gyun is gearing up to begin production on two big-budget fantasy films in the upcoming year. One is reportedly a "Jumanji" clone entitled "Temple Stay" and the other is mutant monster film, somewhat in line with "The Host", entitled "Sector 7".

For his monster film, Je-Gyun, has recruited one of Korea's up and coming actresses, Ha Ji-Won Photo Above), the winner of the Best Actress trophy at the Blue Dragon awards for her role in "Closer to Heaven."

Despite the lovely actresses credentials, and stunning looks, Ji-Won will be limited to just a supporting role, while Je-Gyun follows in the footsteps of "D-War" (Dragon Wars) director Hyung-rae Shim by casting American actors in his lead roles.

The director is also looking for American producers for his film as well, which, along with the casting plans, indicates that "Sector 7" will be not only marketed for Asian audiences, but for Americans as well.

Hopefully for Je-Gyun, he will have better success than Shim at attracting a western audience. That, of course, means that he will have to produce a better product than "D-War" was.

The premise for "Sector 7" centers around a group of workers on an oceanic oil drilling platform that have to fight for their lives against a monster that is borne from a mysterious virus.

Seems to me, that if a lovely like Ha Ji-Won found herself on an oil drilling platform out in the middle of the ocean, she would be running for her life from the horny crew members as well as the monster.

Just saying.

It looks like Korean monster movies are here to stay and look for more attempts by their film makers to try and invade Hollywood.

Here is another photo of the fetching Ji-Won, just in case you are stuck on an oil platform and may be in need of one.


See Also: The First Look At The Giant Razorback From Jeong-won Shin's "Chaw" / New Concept Art And Video Game News For 'The Host 2' / Move Over Power Rangers & Ultraman - Korea's 'SFX Fantasy Rayforce' Is Here! / The First CGI Effects Shot From The Host 2 / The Host 2 Finally Gets The Green Light And Information On Boku's Rule #1 / It's Giant Korean Pigs Run Amok In Chaw / Brand New Photos From Won Shin-yeon's Taekwon V

The First Look At The Giant Razorback From Jeong-won Shin's "Chaw"

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Undead Backbrain / Avery Guerra

It has become quite evident that film makers in South Korea have fallen in love with good old fashioned monster movies and at this present time, they are making some of the best ones. Better than the ones being made in Japan, and even better than some of the ones being made here in the good old USA.

I know that's saying a lot, but the Korean film industry has been doing a great job with monster films as of late.

One of these better than expected Korean films, is Jeong-won Shin's giant boar on the loose film, entitled "Chaw." Little has been released about the film here on this side of the Pacific, but it has done very well in the Asian market (the film was released in theaters on July 15th) and has now reached the import DVD retailers.

Our very own Avery Guerra was able to find several images from the film, even some of the coveted giant swine himself.

Now maybe you noticed this too, is it my imagination, or could you easily replace the Korean actors in these shots with good old American 'rednecks'?

Really, if these guys weren't obviously Asian, you would think that "Chaw" was shot in rural Mississippi or something.

Looks like the Koreans even do pig hunts better than us! Move over "Hogzilla"...hear comes "Chaw"!

Here the synopsis:

Shock and fear wash over the quiet, peaceful town of Sameri when ecologist (Soo Ryeon) discovers the body parts of a girl in the mountains. Officer Kim Kang Su (Uhm Tae Woong), newly transferred from Seoul, gets assigned to the case, but it soon transpires this is no ordinary homicide. Cheon Il Man (Jang Hang Seon), the victim’s grandfather, is convinced that the culprit is a giant man-eating boar, and more will be claimed if the beast isn’t taken down. Kim’s own mother has gone missing, and may have already fallen victim. All interested in capturing the boar for reasons of their own, Kim, Cheon, Soo Ryeon, opportunistic hunter Baek (Yoon Je Moon), and detective Shin (Park Hyuk Kwon) head into the dangerous wilds, but will they make it back out alive?

Check out your local (or Internet) Asian film retailer for "Chaw".

Here are the photos:

See Also: It's Giant Korean Pigs Run Amok In Chaw

New Concept Art And Video Game News For 'The Host 2'

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Twitch / Avery Guerra

News has been very slow in coming for the prequel to Bong Joon-Ho's acclaimed monster movie "The Host". The film, which is tentatively being called, "The Host 2", reportedly takes place about three years before events in the first film, and is set to feature several mutant monsters.

It was announced this past week that "The Host 2" is scheduled for a 2011 release, which means that things are certain to start rolling very quickly at Cheongeoram, and the Singapore based, Boku Films, which stepped in to bail out the production last July.

It was also announced that Queens Soft, the makers of current online SF FPS "Another Day" had reached a deal with the film makers to produce a video game based on the film for mobile devices, home systems and PC.

Reports indicate that this game will feature mutant humanoids graced with superhuman skills who do battle with the giant monsters from the film.

No word yet, on whether there will be mutant super-humans in "The Host 2" or not.

Apparently the same financial bakers for the film, namely Boku Films, have also invested in the game as well.

As of this date, "The Host 2" still is without a director, a cast and a final script (being penned by Korean comic book artist Kang Full), which makes the news of a 2011 release sound a bit premature. Reportedly news on these fronts will be released before the end of the year.

There are, however two new concept images from "The Host 2" (above and below) for us to enjoy!

See Also: The First CGI Effects Shot From The Host 2 / The Host 2 Finally Gets The Green Light And Information On Boku's Rule #1 / Yet Another Korean Monster Film Goes Into Production / Korean Monster Sequels Slated For 2009

Move Over Power Rangers & Ultraman - Korea's 'SFX Fantasy Rayforce' Is Here!

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Comicbookmovie.com

Over the past decade, the creators of Korean fantasy films and television have been doing their best to take on the Japanese entertainment industry head-to-head. Nothing has been sacred, the Koreans have even taken on the giant monster film genre, made famous by the Japanese with their Godzilla and Gamera film series, with the highly acclaimed, "The Host" and the heavy effects driven, "D-War" (Dragon Wars).

Now, T3 Entertainment, which has made quite a name for itself in the video game market is trying to reinvent the Asian super hero genre with, "Shigong Jhun-gi Rayforce" (Dimension Chronicle Rayforce or SFX Fantasy Rayforce), a series which looks like it's designed to give Japanese shows like, "Super Sentai" (Power Rangers to us westerners) and "Kamen Rider" a swift kick to the gonads.

The series looks like Japanese occult anime, superhero and giant robot series all thrown in a blender, which one would assume would be a recipe for destruction, but from what I can see here, it works, and works how.

Indeed "Shigong Jhun-gi Rayforce" has it all, the cute young girl with the gnarly powers, the costumed superheroes and a cool giant robot. Let's also not forget the over-the-top villains. All staples of Japanese fantasy entertainment, movies, anime and manga all included.

The Korean entertainment industry has never been 'shy' about 'borrowing' from Japanese pop-culture in the past. The nations most popular animated character, "Taekwon V", is an unapologetic clone of the Japanese giant robot, "Mazinger Z". In fact, I believe the only difference between the two robots, is their head designs.

Don't ask me to explain how Asian copyright law works, sometimes I think everything is up for grabs there. Well, unless it looks even remotely like Godzilla anyway.

Rip-off or not, "Shigong Jhun-gi Rayforce" looks pretty bad-ass! If the series is even half as good as the promo clip, T3 Entertainment may have a real hit on it's hands. The effects look like a real good blend of CGI and live-action. The characters look cool and ya just gotta dig their powers and fighting styles. The costumes aren't bad either. Let's just hope that they can develop some interesting bad guys and monsters for these guys, and gals, to fight.

Unfortunately, we will probably never see this one released over here, unless it's in a 'Korean language only', or possibly with Chinese subtitles, DVD format for people who have migrated to the US from Korean, through Asian importers.

Still, may be worth the money though.

The First CGI Effects Shot From The Host 2

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Twitch / Avery Guerra

A little over a month ago I reported that the Singapore based, Boku Films, had bailed out the prequel to Bong Joon-Ho's acclaimed monster movie "The Host". Today I have the first effects shot from the film, which this time around is being done in Korea, as opposed to the prior film, whose effects were outsourced.

From everything I've heard about "The Host 2", it will be an entirely different breed of cat. Gone is director Bong Joon-Ho, who has moved on to his next film, "Le Transperceneige", and the cast from the original. In their place comes a horde of mutant monsters in a story written by Korean comic artist Kang Full.

Though the film looks cool, it is hard to imagine a story that takes place three years before "The Host", being able to 'jive' with the events from the original. If the excavation of the Cheonggye Stream unleashed a bunch of monsters on streets of Seoul, then why didn't anybody in the first film remember it?

And that folks, is why I really don't like prequels.

The effects shot does look really cool though!

See Also: The Host 2 Finally Gets The Green Light And Information On Boku's Rule #1 / Yet Another Korean Monster Film Goes Into Production / Korean Monster Sequels Slated For 2009

The Host 2 Finally Gets The Green Light And Information On Boku's Rule #1

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Undead Backbrain / Chungeorahm Films / Boku Films

The sequel (actually a prequel) to Bong Joon-Ho's acclaimed monster movie "The Host" has finally gotten the financial backing to begin production. The film, which was originally slated to be released this year, was bailed out by Singapore based, Boku Films, who recently produced the horror film "Rule #1" and the comedy "Men In White".

The film, which was originally announced back in 2007, has been in various stages of development ever since.

The script for "The Host 2" was written by Korean comic artist Kang Full and is set three years prior to the events of the original film. Details are scarce so far but word is this one revolves around the excavation of the Cheonggye Stream, an ancient waterway running through Seoul that was recently reclaimed and restored after years of being covered by a highway, and will feature multiple monsters.

In researching information for this article I came across the website for Boku Films, the financial backer for "The Host 2". Their most recent release was a horror/thriller called "Rule #1" and I thought that everyone would enjoy learning about this film.

I don't know if it is available here in The States, but it may be worth looking for?

Here is the official synopsis:

Every day, the Police Force receives 185 phone calls.

180 of them are about burglaries, murders, rapes and kidnappings.

The remaining 5 begin with: “There is something strange in my house, can you please send someone over to take a look?”

For rookie Sergeant Lee (Shawn Yu), being a cop means running down crooks and upholding the law. Injured in a shoot-out, he finds out to his horror that he is reassigned to the dubious-sounding Miscellaneous Affairs Department (MAD).

There, he is paired up with Inspector Wong (Ekin Cheng), a jaded and alcoholic veteran who explains that MAD’s role is to answer supernatural calls.

A swimming pool caretaker calls the Police about strange noises at his workplace. Lee and Wong are dispatched to the scene. Lee seems to be on the brink of uncovering something sinister when Wong traces the source of the ghastly noise–a clogged-up water pump.

Putting Lee down, Wong explains MAD’s rule number one–There are no ghosts.

For every seemingly-inexplicable phenomenon, there is a corresponding scientific and rational explanation.

When Lee and Wong arrive at a nursing home to investigate a bizarre TV that keeps turning itself on and off, the veteran cop immediately uncovers the culprit. A man in the opposite apartment is channel-surfing with a remote control that is of the same brand as the TV in the nursing home.

Unconvinced by Wong’s easy explanations, Lee investigates on his own and finds himself confronted by the impossible. At the swimming pool, he is haunted by the ghost of a young girl who had drowned there. At the nursing home, he encounters the spirit of an old woman who enjoyed watching TV before she passed away.

Confronted by Lee, Wong reveals the true mission of MAD. When members of the public call the Police about strange noises or ghostly shadows, MAD shows up and reassures the complainants with scientific and rational explanations. The truth must never be known or else society will descend into chaos.

A firm believer of truth and justice, Lee cannot reconcile himself to MAD’s shady practices. As he rebels against the system, the young cop realizes that there is a grain of truth in Wong’s advice.

Slowly, Lee is sucked into a world of deceit and cover-ups. His relationship with his girlfriend May (Fiona Xie) suffers as MAD begins investigating a string of bizarre teenage suicides.

A girl is found to have hung herself from a height of five feet.

Another girl is discovered to have drowned herself in a fish tank.

Impossible suicides. Unless, the victims were possessed.

As Lee and Wong follow the clues, they realize that something sinister is heading their way.

A serial killer who was shot by Lee before his reassignment to MAD is back–as a ghost. He is moving from girl to girl, leaving a grisly trail of carnage in his wake.

While Lee doggedly pursues this ancient feud, Wong has second thoughts about his flagging career at MAD. The veteran hooks up with his former wife Esther (Stephanie Che) and makes plans to quit the force.

On Wong’s last day, Lee tracks the serial killer’s ghost down to a warehouse. A showdown ensues–in which nobody is let off.

Here are some production stills:

See Also: Yet Another Korean Monster Film Goes Into Production / Korean Monster Sequels Slated For 2009

It's Giant Korean Pigs Run Amok In Chaw

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Dread Central / Avery Guerra

For a couple weeks now I have been hinting at a couple of films that feature giant killer pigs, and now I've finally gotten a chance to write about one of them.

Over the past decade film makers in Korea have really begun to make some first class horror and monster films. Westerners first started to take notice with the 1999 release of "The Ring Virus", which is a remake of the Japanese horror film "Ringu," which you probably know from the American remake, "The Ring." Many critics view the Korean version as the best of the bunch. Then, of course, there is Bong Joon-ho's giant monster film, "The Host", which again was praised by critics and fans alike. The Korean giant monster film, "D-War", didn't gain as much praise, but it did feature state of the art effects and it was a huge box office success in Asian countries.

Now there is yet another film from Korea that is starting to get some attention called "Chaw." The film features another giant monster, this time a wild hog, on a murderous rampage. The effects, once again, look very impressive, and from the trailer I gather that the film could be on the same level as "The Host", but it's hard to get a true feel from just seeing a few images.

Here's the film's synopsis:

One day in the small, peaceful village of Sameri, boasting no criminal cases for 10 years, a terrible accident happens. Ecologists studying wild animals on a nearby mountain discover a collection of dismembered body parts. Policeman Kim Kang-su, just transferred to Sameri from Seoul, takes the case. The victim turns out to be a grand-daughter of Chun Il-man, who was once a legendary hunter. Chun is convinced that it wasn’t a human that murdered his granddaughter but a man-eating boar, Chaw. Terrified, the people of Sameri invite one of the most famous hunters, Baek, to catch the Chaw. Baek leaps at the chance, hoping it will prove himself to be the best ever hunter. Baek, Chun, detective Sim in charge of the case, ecologist Soo-ryun and Kim (whose mother is also missing) head into the deep dark mountains to confront the beast.