Shocking transformation with long hair! Kim Min-jong returns to the screen after 20 years, brings honor to the nation as Florence wins three Hollywood awards
Actor Kim Min-jong returned to the screen after about 20 years and raised the status of Korean cinema by winning three awards — best picture, best director and best screenplay — at a Hollywood film festival. The film, featuring his shocking long-hair transformation and the delicate sensibility of a middle-aged man, drew praise from both audiences and critics.
Directed by Lee Chang-yeol, Florence knockin' on you is set in Florence, Italy, and follows a middle-aged man, Seokin, as he reflects on his life and comes to understand the meaning of what he has lost. Using the cupola of the Florence Cathedral symbolically to explore human existence and the essence of happiness, the film captures moments of choice, reconciliation and reflection in the latter part of life amid beautiful scenery.
Kim Min-jong plays Seokin and returned to the screen after 20 years, delivering more mature emotional expression and deep inner acting. His chemistry with actress Ye Ji-won blends the loneliness of a middle-aged man and the warm sensibility of a woman exquisitely, prompting audience reactions such as "So middle-aged sensibility can resonate like this."
In his acceptance speech, Kim Min-jong said, "I am so honored to stand on the red carpet at a Hollywood film festival that prides itself on history and tradition thanks to Florence. I want to use the energy I received in Hollywood to promote the film widely." Ye Ji-won also said, "I am honored to share the sentiment of Korean cinema with global audiences. I want to share this joy with Korean filmmakers."
Internet users reacted with comments such as "Kim Min-jong returns after 20 years… he even has long hair and his acting explodes, amazing!", "The Florence scenery, middle-age sensibility and acting are perfect. I want to see its release in Korea soon," and "Sweeping best picture, best director and best screenplay, really bringing honor to the nation."
The "Global Stage Hollywood Film Festival" invites feature and short films and documentaries from around the world and discovers emerging filmmakers.
K-Pandem investor and CEO Kang Kwang-min also said, "I am happy to be able to show the potential of Korean cinema to the world," and added, "We will use this award as an opportunity to pursue sustained overseas expansion." The film Florence's sweep of three awards proves that Korean storytelling and direction resonate with global audiences and shows new possibilities for Korean actors' global advancement.
Florence is scheduled for a domestic release in midnext month, heightening expectations among fans who have been waiting for Kim Min-jong's comeback after 20 years.
[Photo] Poster, YTN News
[OSEN]