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“Someday or One Day” (CGV) |
Hit foreign films with large fan bases are reopening at local theaters.
Japanese animation “The First Slam Dunk” began its second round of screening on Jan. 4 to celebrate the first anniversary of its theatrical release at cinemas nationwide.
The film adaptation of the popular Japanese basketball comic book series "Slam Dunk" topped 4.7 million tickets sold in just two months after it hit local theaters in January last year.
Following the movie’s success, special screenings and a pop-up store selling its goods opened. Special screenings now include a message from director Takehiko Inoue.
Another Japanese animation, "Suzume" from director Makoto Shinkai, which sold almost 6 million tickets last year -- making it the most successful Japanese film in Korean history -- also reopened in local theaters on Jan. 10.
"Suzume" centers on a high school girl and a mysterious young man trying to prevent a series of disasters across Japan, and has drawn a wide range of viewers since its release on March 9.
For the special reopening in Korea, Shinkai visited Korea last month to communicate with local moviegoers and express his gratitude. The special new version includes newly added scenes.
According to the Korean Film Council, the two Japanese animations have been this year’s ninth and 10th most successful at the box office.
Meanwhile, Taiwanese romance flick “Someday or One Day” is also slated to reopen on Jan. 25.
Based on an adaptation of a 2019 TV series of the same name, the film revolves around a woman who is depressed after her boyfriend dies in a plane accident. Struggling to get over his death, she receives a mysterious tape that allows her to travel back in time. She dreams of meeting her boyfriend again and questions whether she will be able to change his destiny.
Directed by Huang Tien-Jen, also known as Hwang Cheonin, the film had a successful 11-week run when it was first released here in January last year.
Industry insiders say the reopening of these “bestseller” films will prove to be “steady-sellers.”
The reopening of the popular movies "will not only boost the moviegoers flocking to the cinema, but also show that good storytelling appeals to the public regardless of the time frame and multiplex cinema chains are willing to reopen (films) to attract more people to cinemas,” said an industry insider.
