PAWN’S FEEL-GOOD APPEAL
Korean film releasing this week is the perfect family outing for Eid Al Adha
It’s rare to find such cinematic gems that so effectively overcome language barriers to tug at heartstrings and draw you in for a long, warm hug. Kang Dae-kyu’s Pawn goes down a similar path that was tread in Miracle in Cell No 7 to explore the subgenre of surrogate fathers. While Miracle … saw a group of prisoners raise an inmate’s child together, Pawn follows two debt collectors who end up adopting a young child who they had kidnapped as collateral.
As the film opens in UAE cinemas on July 15, we take a look at why Pawn is the perfect watch with the family over the long Eid Al Adha break.
KANG DAE-KYU IS KING OF COMPASSION
If you’ve been impressed by director Kang Dae-kyu’s Harmony, which depicted the tale of inmates with unfortunate stories who find hope through music, then keep those tissues handy before you watch Pawn. In his own words, the award-winning described his work on the movie by saying: “I prepared for Pawn as if I were making a film for the first time. Pawn is like a treasure to me.”
The efforts show in the way Kang effortlessly weaves humour into some of the most emotionally charged scenes in the film. But the credit really goes to him to make child actress Park Soi, who portrayed the role of nine-year-old Seung-yi, shine on screen in some of the most difficult moments in the film.
Speaking about working with Kang, Park said: “I remember how the director cried with me for an emotional scene,” to help her immerse in her role and learn to cry behind the camera for the camera.
UNIQUE STORY
Pawn tells the story of two ruthless loan sharks Du-seok (Sung Dong-il) and Jong-bae (Kim Hee-won) who take nine-year-old Seung-yi (Park) as collateral in the hopes of collecting her mother’s debt, but fortuitously end up raising her. Ha Ji-won, who portrays adult Seung-yi claimed she was left in tears after reading the screenplay. “I think the audience will be able to empathise deeply with Pawn. It’s a film that is really needed in this day and age,” while adding that she decided to take part without hesitation.
Sung also added: “I took part in the film with my three children in mind. I can’t wait to show it to them. Armed with such lovely and warm charms, Pawn not only promises to bring happy smiles across theatres, but also leave deep impressions with a message that can be shared by all generations.”
CRACKER OF A CHEMISTRY
Sung and Kim as the prickly retired army officers who become loan sharks are a delight to watch on screen. Feeding off each other’s sardonic sense of humour, the duo perfectly balance out the emotionally heavy moments from Pawn. Explaining their close friendship, Kim says: “I like Sung Dong-il a lot and he likes working with me too. Just like Du-seok and Jong-bae, I like bantering with him which came out naturally in the film.”
A STAR IS BORN
Child actress Park Soi is the surprise package of the film. Bringing innocent humour to her character, Park manages to defer from the cloying sweetness that child stars are expected to emote on screen. Her confidence, just with a hint of sass, puts her miles ahead of the competition and a sure-fire force to reckon with in Korean film and TV.
According to the makers, Park was selected out of a shortlist of 300 hopefuls vying for the role. If she looks familiar, it is possible you saw her shine as Yoo-min in Deliver Us from Evil.
Pawn director Kang spoke highly of her, saying: “She is an actress who is well aware of the situation and gets instantly immersed in her role really well. She has great concentration and energy. Her beautiful eyes will attract audiences and keep them glued to her throughout the film.”