The World of Korean Film and Drama

Set in the near future, Korea launches their second manned mission to the Moon, after their first attempt ended in disaster.

Korea is determined to become the second nation to send a manned spaceship to the Moon. The first mission failed when the rocket manned with three astronauts exploded in flight. Because of this incident, Korea is forced to leave the international space organization. Despite having to go it alone, only seven years later, another mission is scheduled. Everything seems to go as planned when unexpected solar winds damage the vessel. The two senior astronauts leave the ship to repair the damage when a thruster explodes, killing both of them. Now the young rookie astronaut Sun-woo (Do Kyungsoo) is left on his own in space. In desperation, Naro Space Center turns to their former managing director Kim Jae-guk (Sol Kyung-gu) to help bring the young astronaut back safely However, Sun-woo is determined to fulfil his mission and to land on the Moon.

The prolific director Kim Young-hwa presents a visually stunning film. This film looks expensive, and it was, at a budget of about $20 million. The CGI is on par with any Hollywood disaster movie, with the collisions and the scenes on the Moon being particularly impressive.

The story is intriguing, including many twists and turns, several of the scenes ending in a cliffhanger. Kim uses many tropes from Hollywood disaster films, steadily keeping up the level of suspense, also by making us care about his characters. Although the style may appear overly melodramatic at times, the impressive cast lend credibility to their characters.

Sol Kyung-gu (Memoir of a Murderer, Peppermint Candy, Kingmaker) plays former Naro space center director Kim Jae-guk, who was forced to leave in disgrace after the tragic failed mission. He now spends his time holed up in Sobaeksan Observatory, assisted by young intern Han-byeol (Hong Seung-hee). When he is called back to help avert another disaster, he tries his utmost to save the rookie astronaut, maybe as a way to redeem himself. Do Kyungsoo (Along with the Gods, Sccret) convinces as the young astronaut Hwang Sun-woo, who is trying to succeed at all cost, for his dead senior colleagues and for his country. After the death of his colleagues, he first appears as a Kpop star who finds himself completely lost in the wrong movie. Yet his initial naivite works to the character’s advantage because he is still a rookie, and he grows with his problems, as he has to cope with one horrifying scenario after the other. Kim Hee-ae as Jae-guk’s ex-wife Yoo Moon-young (Moonlit Winter, Herstory, The Vanished) has to handle quite a bit of English dialogue as general director of the NASA space station. Kim shows the necessary authority and intensity, such as when her loyalty is questioned by NASA officials because she is from Korea. The chemistry between the principal cast works very well.

Interestingly enough, in this film the purpose of sending astronauts to the Moon is not just a matter of prestige, the race is on for the resources the Moon has to offer and Korea wants to be one of the powers who gets a share, so placing a Korean flag on our satellite is like staking out a claim. However, unlike other nations, Korea is willing to share any findings about the Moon with the whole world, a message of solidarity.

This film is thrilling and full of suspense, sometimes interrupted by flashbacks that provide necessary information about the common history of the characters. The storyline appears a bit sluggish, but the characters are well-built and believable. The politicans might be a little over the top at times, but they also provide some necessary comic relief. Jo Han-chul is hilarious as the Minister of Science and ICT, who has a degree in the humanities and admits that he is absolutely clueless about science. He feels out of place and often becomes irritated, until he discovers the rewards that come with his position.

The audience at the Fantasy Film Festival in Munich applauded after the film. This is one movie not to be missed.

Running time: 129 minutes