The battleship island press conference in singapore
Roughly 400 Korean laborers try to escape from Battleship Island during the Japanese colonial era.
“The Battleship Island” is a highly raved about blockbuster even before it was released in the theatres. It was filmed based on a true event which took place towards the end of World War II. In a small island of Hashima, which was nicknamed “Battleship Island”, there is a site of massive coal mine where 400 Koreans lead bleak lives as conscripted laborers. Tensions run high between the Japanese soldiers who maintain the order with shocking cruelty and violence, and the Koreans from all walks of life who were tricked or forced into coming there. Then, just as the island’s dark secrets are revealed, the Koreans plot a dramatic escape.
The film is directed by Director Ryoo Seung-Wan, who is known for his subtle humour and unique portrayal of characters in his work. It also features many popular actors such as the veteran Hwang Jung-Min, Hallyu star So Ji-Sub and Song Joong-Ki, a hot star who got really popular among people of all ages after acting as the main cast for the highly crazed over TV drama, Descendants Of The Sun.
The production of “The Battleship Island”, which lasted 115 shooting days over a total of 6 months, stands as one of the Korean film industry’s most complex and ambitious projects ever. To promote their movie, the cast dropped by Singapore for a visit on 8th August at Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre, to hold a press conference and share with us more about the process of filming the movie.
The production of “The Battleship Island”, which lasted 115 shooting days over a total of 6 months, stands as one of the Korean film industry’s most complex and ambitious projects ever. To promote their movie, the cast dropped by Singapore for a visit on 8th August at Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre, to hold a press conference and share with us more about the process of filming the movie.
With Singapore being their very first stop for the movie promotion, Joong-ki feels very happy to be back in Singapore once again and is very curious as to how the audience will react to the movie, which will be released in Singapore next week.
Joong-ki will be playing the role of a soldier once again, like he did previously in the popular drama, Descendants of the Sun, which was well-loved by fans around the world. He will now be playing as a special force soldier that was dispatched by the Korean Division Army. He mentioned that if one counts the number of years he has served in the National Service in Korea, as well as playing the role of the soldier in Descendants of the Sun and Battleship Island, he has been living the life of a soldier for 5 years now, and it has become something natural to him and has grown on him. Joong-Ki also had short hair after his National Service and thus can immerse himself into the character of a soldier.
Although he was acting alongside older actors and is the “Maknae” (The youngest member), there was no pressure that was associated with being the youngest and on set as his big brothers (the actors) took very good care of him and gave good advice. He felt that the chemistry amongst the actors was very well balanced, which puts him at ease.
Joong-ki will be playing the role of a soldier once again, like he did previously in the popular drama, Descendants of the Sun, which was well-loved by fans around the world. He will now be playing as a special force soldier that was dispatched by the Korean Division Army. He mentioned that if one counts the number of years he has served in the National Service in Korea, as well as playing the role of the soldier in Descendants of the Sun and Battleship Island, he has been living the life of a soldier for 5 years now, and it has become something natural to him and has grown on him. Joong-Ki also had short hair after his National Service and thus can immerse himself into the character of a soldier.
Although he was acting alongside older actors and is the “Maknae” (The youngest member), there was no pressure that was associated with being the youngest and on set as his big brothers (the actors) took very good care of him and gave good advice. He felt that the chemistry amongst the actors was very well balanced, which puts him at ease.
Despite it being such a difficult genre to venture into, Director Ryoo chose to take up the challenge of filming this movie as he was very moved by the historical background behind “The Battleship Island” and wanted to share the story with the public. However, he feels that the challenges that they went through were nothing compared to sufferings and atrocities that took place within the island in the past. He also added that the happy pill in the set was Kim Su-An, who played Sohee in the movie, as she has a bright and cheerful character as a child actress and whenever she appears on the set, she makes everyone laugh.
The last scene in the movie was of the character So-hee looking afar, and many would wonder why it was made that way. Director Ryoo replied that he could not reveal too much as it would end up spoiling the movie but the ending of the scene transits from one of color to black and white and that also signifies the past, present and the future. The little girl that went through the atrocities of the island and survived and escaped eventually signifies our past, yet also directs us to the future, so she also exemplifies the future. As she stares into the camera, Director Ryoo wanted her eyes to meet the audience as he wanted them to be placed in a situation where they can put themselves into the shoes of the character and look back into the past.
The last scene in the movie was of the character So-hee looking afar, and many would wonder why it was made that way. Director Ryoo replied that he could not reveal too much as it would end up spoiling the movie but the ending of the scene transits from one of color to black and white and that also signifies the past, present and the future. The little girl that went through the atrocities of the island and survived and escaped eventually signifies our past, yet also directs us to the future, so she also exemplifies the future. As she stares into the camera, Director Ryoo wanted her eyes to meet the audience as he wanted them to be placed in a situation where they can put themselves into the shoes of the character and look back into the past.
Since Director Ryoo doesn’t re-cast a lot of actors in his new movie, Hwang Jung Min mentioned that he is extremely blessed and thankful that he has been casted, and is honoured to be able to retell the product of the history to the public.
In reply to how he prepared for his multi-talented character in the movie, he explained that he has been playing the clarinet for years, even before he was casted for the movie, so it was not something new for him, but when it came to Japanese, he memorised the lines without question.
Being very experienced in the movie industry, Hwang Jung-Min shared with us the 2 main concerns while filming the movie - the first was that as the set was so real and so massive, it really re-enacted the battleship island many years ago, and he was overwhelmed when he first set foot on the set. The second concern was that by playing the role of a captive and a father, he not only has to worry about his own survival but he had to also ensure his young daughter’s safety and welfare. There were a lot of thoughts that were placed into the movie in these 2 aspects.
In reply to how he prepared for his multi-talented character in the movie, he explained that he has been playing the clarinet for years, even before he was casted for the movie, so it was not something new for him, but when it came to Japanese, he memorised the lines without question.
Being very experienced in the movie industry, Hwang Jung-Min shared with us the 2 main concerns while filming the movie - the first was that as the set was so real and so massive, it really re-enacted the battleship island many years ago, and he was overwhelmed when he first set foot on the set. The second concern was that by playing the role of a captive and a father, he not only has to worry about his own survival but he had to also ensure his young daughter’s safety and welfare. There were a lot of thoughts that were placed into the movie in these 2 aspects.
Charismatic So Ji-Sub played the role of a gangster which raised some concerns as to whether he got injured during filming was posed to him. He assured that there were no major injuries during the filming process as there were a lot of preparation put into filming the action scenes in which he took a month and a half to train.
One of his most memorable scenes was the public bath fight scene where he had nothing on except his undergarments. It was the very first real action scene in the movie and a lot of emphasis was placed into re-enacting the real scenario inside the movie. He spent a lot of time with the Director in the process of filming the scenes, yet there were not many NGs in the midst of filming.
One of his most memorable scenes was the public bath fight scene where he had nothing on except his undergarments. It was the very first real action scene in the movie and a lot of emphasis was placed into re-enacting the real scenario inside the movie. He spent a lot of time with the Director in the process of filming the scenes, yet there were not many NGs in the midst of filming.
Hallyu Star So Ji-Sub
When it comes to their most memorable scene in the movie, Joong-Ki felt that it was the mass escape sequence towards the end of the movie, not just because of the vast image or cinematography but also because it depicts the sadness, suffering and hardship that the captives and labourers went through in the island.
Director Ryoo could not pick a favorite scene but felt that the audience would all have different favorite scenes as they watched the movie, and his would be in-line with theirs.
Hwang Jung-min thought the most memorable scene was where his character, Kang-Ok plays with his daughter using the long rubber band string, and also as they sing and play, he holds her high into the air. The scene touched him as within the island, the environment was extremely harsh and yet that scene reminded him of fathers and daughters playing back in their hometown which brings him memories.
So Ji-sub’s favourite scene was the ending, where the camera zooms in to So-hee, as it made him feel like the expression on the little girl’s face really expresses the pain, sadness and suffering she went through, as well as hope and the past and the present.
Director Ryoo could not pick a favorite scene but felt that the audience would all have different favorite scenes as they watched the movie, and his would be in-line with theirs.
Hwang Jung-min thought the most memorable scene was where his character, Kang-Ok plays with his daughter using the long rubber band string, and also as they sing and play, he holds her high into the air. The scene touched him as within the island, the environment was extremely harsh and yet that scene reminded him of fathers and daughters playing back in their hometown which brings him memories.
So Ji-sub’s favourite scene was the ending, where the camera zooms in to So-hee, as it made him feel like the expression on the little girl’s face really expresses the pain, sadness and suffering she went through, as well as hope and the past and the present.
Main Cast of 'The Battleship Island' Together with Director Ryoo
The movie was about surviving in and escaping from the island, and when asked who had the best survival skills, the cast unanimously agreed that it was Song Joong-ki. So Ji-Sub thinks that it is because Joong-ki is the youngest and he has served his national service not too long ago, so the skills and trainings are still fresh in his mind. Hwang Jung-min mentioned that for the rest of them, a big or aggressive movement can cause pain in them, so it is best to stay put, evoking laughter from the cast.
As we all know, Song Joong-Ki will be holding his wedding soon and when asked if he would still act with his fiance, Song Hye-kyo, Song Joong-ki replied that it would be something he has to give a little more thought to, especially since it would be challenging as work is work, thus it would be a little tough to work on the same project together.
As we all know, Song Joong-Ki will be holding his wedding soon and when asked if he would still act with his fiance, Song Hye-kyo, Song Joong-ki replied that it would be something he has to give a little more thought to, especially since it would be challenging as work is work, thus it would be a little tough to work on the same project together.
Charming Song Joong-Ki shooting Hearts
After the press conference, the cast also had a meet and greet session at Suntec City, North Atrium on the same day where many fans got to meet their favourite stars and find out more about the highly anticipated movie. Some lucky fans even got to watch the Gala Premiere of The Battleship Island at the Marina Bay Sands, where it was screened for the first time ever in Singapore.
If you did not manage to catch the gala premiere, fret not as it will be released in the cinemas really soon! The Battleship Island is launched by tvN movies and will be distributed by Golden Village Pictures and Clover Films in Singapore, on the 17th of August 2017. So be sure to catch it at your nearest cinema when it’s out!
Written By: Kylie and KaiLin
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If you did not manage to catch the gala premiere, fret not as it will be released in the cinemas really soon! The Battleship Island is launched by tvN movies and will be distributed by Golden Village Pictures and Clover Films in Singapore, on the 17th of August 2017. So be sure to catch it at your nearest cinema when it’s out!
Written By: Kylie and KaiLin
Follow us for more updates and picture releases!
