This September, a reincarnated ancient Korean warrior and his lover will be fighting an Imoogi (a mythical, dragon-like creature) and its evil army of monsters in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles' Egyptian Theater is going to hold a premier screening of the Korean blockbuster film "Dragon Wars" on September 13th. On the 14th, the movie will be showing nationwide on more than 2000 screens, distributed by Freestyle Releasing.
"Dragon Wars", which was written, produced, and directed by Korean comedian and director Shim Hyung-rae, has been the biggest summer hit in Korea. Released on August 1st, "Dragon Wars" has grossed over $ 60 million and attracted over 8 million viewers as of September 1. This makes it the fifth biggest hit in Korean film history. The film is also getting noticed for stirring endless debate on various topics, including the quality of film itself, the Korean film making process, and Korean nationalism.
After the box-office failure "Yonggary", Shim dedicated five years and over $ 30 million to making the fantasy-science film of his dreams. When Shim unveiled the long awaited "Dragon Wars", the film faced both enthusiastic supporters and skeptical critics. While its supporters endorsed the movie for the impressive CGI and visual entertainment, critics have not been so kind, taking aim at a weak plot and Shim's ability as a director. Many have attributed the movie's appeal to Korean nationalism.
In "Dragon Wars", young Ethan Kendrick (Cody Arens) meets Jack, an antique dealer (Robert Forster) who claims that Ethan is the reincarnation of ancient warrior apprentice Haram who saved his lover Narin from Buraki, an evil Imoogi. Jack gives Ethan a powerful pendant and tells him to find reincarnation of Narin, for when she reaches 20, the couple will have to face Buraki again. Years later, Ethan is a television news reporter and meets Sarah Daniels (Amanda Brooks), the reincarnation of Narin. The pair faces Buraki and the army of monsters in Los Angeles.
Despite, or perhaps because of, ongoing controversy, the movie has been largely successful so far. In addition to Korea and the U.S., Shim plans to release the movie worldwide. "Dragon Wars" was filmed in English with American actors, a decision designed to target a wider global audience. "Dragon Wars" is scheduled to be released in Russia and Japan this winter, and negotiations continue for showings in other countries. Soon the world will see if Shim's personal message at the end of the film comes true: "D-War (Dragon Wars) and I will succeed in the world market without fail". Success in the United States certainly will be the first and the essential step.
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