Weekend Box Office Guide (10/3-10/4)

Heading out to the theaters this weekend? The Korea Herald offers a guide to what's currently playing in theaters.

For a historical drama, check out "The Throne." "The Intern" offers some lighthearted fun, while "The Long Way Home" combines comedy with the emotional drama of war. "The Loft" is a thriller for those who are looking for a little more spice, and "The Martian" is a blockbuster to look forward to next week.

The Martian (U.S.)
Opening Oct. 8

Adventure. Directed by Ridley Scott

When a storm separates astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) from his crew during a manned mission to Mars, Watney is presumed dead by everyone. But he is still alive, with only minimal resources and his wits to sustain him until he can find a way to call for help.

The Loft (U.S.)
Opened Oct. 1

Mystery. Directed by Eric Van Looy

Five married men find a secluded loft where they can carry out their illicit affairs and fulfill desires without leaving a paper trail. Everything seems to be going well until the bloody body of an unknown woman shows up in the loft, and all signs point to one of the group’s members being involved.

The Long Way Home (Korea)
Opened Sept. 24

Comedy, war drama. Directed by Chun Sung-il

Set during the Korean War, South Korean farmer Nam-bok (Sul Kyung-gu) is recruited to the army and entrusted with the delivery of a document containing top-secret battle strategies to allied forces. On his way, he encounters young North Korean soldier Young-kwang (Yeo Jin-gu) in the plains near the western front. The two develop an unlikely friendship, realizing that they are both victims of war in their own ways.

The Intern (U.S.)
Opened Sept. 24

Comedy. Directed by Nancy Meyers

When the boredom of retired life starts to drive 70-year-old Ben (Robert De Niro) to the brink, he takes matters into his own hands and lands an internship at an online fashion company created and headed up by the young Jules (Anne Hathaway). Hilarity ensues as Ben adjusts to office life among the new generation, and his colleagues discover there’s more to Ben than meets the eye.

The Throne (Korea)
Opened Sept. 16

Historical drama. Directed by Lee Joon-ik

The tragic story of a father-son conflict in the royal Joseon court of King Yeongjo comes to life in “The Throne.” The film follows the troubled relationship between the king (Song Kang-ho) and Crown Prince Sado (Yoo Ah-in) that eventually drove the young prince mad, and then to his death following eight days locked in a rice chest.

By Won Ho-jung (hjwon@heraldcorp.com)