Hard Hit

Summary

Hard Hit (Korean발신제한; Hanja發信制限; RRBalsinjehan; lit. Restricted Call) is a 2021 South Korean action thriller film directed by Kim Chang-ju and starring Jo Woo-jin, Lee Jae-in and Ji Chang-wook. The film depicts the unpredictable circumstances the members of an ordinary family have to deal with after a mysterious phone call puts them in a horrific situation.[4] It is a remake of Retribution, a 2015 Spanish action thriller film directed by Dani de la Torre.

Hard Hit
Official release poster
Hangul
발신제한
Hanja
發信制限
Revised RomanizationBalsinjehan
Directed byKim Chang-ju
Based onRetribution
by Alberto Marini
Starring
CinematographyKim Tae-soo
Edited byKim Chang-ju
Music byKim Tae-seong
Production
companies
TPS Company
CJ Entertainment
Distributed byCJ Entertainment
Release date
  • June 23, 2021 (2021-06-23) (South Korea)
Running time
94 minutes[1]
CountrySouth Korea
LanguageKorean
Budget₩7 billion[2]
Box officeest. US$7.70 million[3]

The film was theatrically released on June 23, 2021.[5] The film was a hit, crossing the 500,000 viewer mark on the 10th day of its release, which was the first for a Korean film in 2021.[6] As of December 22, 2021 it is the fifth highest-grossing Korean film of 2021[7] and ranks number 17 among all the films released in the year 2021 in South Korea, with a gross of US$7.70 million and 955,809 admissions.[8]

Synopsis edit

Seong-gyu (Jo Woo-jin), a manager of a branch of a bank in Busan, heads to work in his car with his daughter Hye-in (Lee Jae-in), who is about to take her entrance examination, and son. He gets a call, on a phone he discovers in the car's glove compartment, with a restricted caller ID (also known by the slang ‘black call’). The mysterious caller informs him that there is a bomb under his seat and if he tries to get out of the car it will explode. This triggers the beginning of a nightmare situation for the Seong-gyu family in the middle of downtown Busan.

It is later revealed the mysterious caller is Jin-woo, a former employee of the chemical factory where Seong-gyu scammed all the employees of the factory in an investment that gives him the position of branch manager. Despite the effort of the employees in suing the bank, they were unable to receive back their money which caused some of them to commit suicide after losing all their life savings. It turned out that Jin-Woo's wife committed suicide along with her unborn child because of this incident. Consequently, Jin-Woo is seeking revenge against Seong-gyu for his embezzlement that cost the life of his wife and unborn child.

After forcing Seong-gyu to commit suicide by driving the car into the river, Seong-gyu decides to save both of them from drowning and surrendering himself to the police for his past crime and exposing the scam the bank has committed.

Cast edit

Production edit

Casting edit

On January 13, 2020, Ji Chang-wook was confirmed to be starring in the film alongside Jo Woo-jin. Ji Chang-wook last appeared on the big screen in the 2017 film Fabricated City.[13] It was also Kim Ji-ho's first appearance on screen after a four year break; she last appeared in the 2017 film Steel Rain.[14]

The film is produced by TPS Company, with a production cost of ₩7 billion, and is distributed by CJ Entertainment.[2] With this film, Kim Chang-joo made his debut as a director.[15]

Filming edit

Filming began in early February 2020 in Haeundae City, a district of Busan, and wrapped in May 2020. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the city's roads were not crowded so the chase scenes were able to be filmed comfortably.[4] Photos of the film being shot in Busan were released on June 23, 2021, the day of the film's release.[16]

Release edit

The film was released theatrically in South Korea on June 23, 2021, on 1010 screens.[3]

It was released theatrically in Taiwan on July 22, 2021.[17]

The film was screened at the 10th Korean Film Festival Frankfurt on October 23, 2021.[18]

Home media edit

The film was made available for streaming on IPTV, TVING, Naver TV, GOM Player, Google Play, One Store, and KakaoPage from July 20, 2021.[19]

Reception edit

Box office edit

According to the integrated computer network for movie theater admissions by the Korea Film Council (KoFiC), the film attained first place at the Korean box office. As of June 23, 2021, it had amassed 57000 admissions, which was the best opening record among Korean films released in 2021.[20] The film maintained its first place during the first week by mobilising 39,277,[21] 47,505,[22] 105,496[23] 100,912,[24] 35,743[25] and 35,114 admissions on the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh days, respectively. The admission total at the end of the seventh day was 421,581.[26]

According to the Korean Film Council, as of November 15, 2021, it stands at fifth place among all the Korean films released in the year 2021, with a gross of US$7.78 million and 955,809 admissions.[7]

Critical response edit

Lee Da-won, writing for Sports Trend, opined that the power of the story lay in the conveyance of the message of 'human morality' and 'family love' alongside the thrills. Da-won praised Jo Woo-jin for expressing tension, remorse, and apologetic feelings with facial expressions as for 80% of the film he acts from the confined space of a driver's seat. She felt that Ji Chang-wook is a new find in completely different role in this film, and recommended that audiences head back to the theatre to see the film.[27]

Yang So-young, writing for Star Today, praised the performance of actors Lee Jae-in and Jo Woo-jin. Writing about Jo Woo-jin, So-young said, "Jo Woo-jin persuasively portrays the fear, tension, urgency, and fatherly love that Seong-gyu feels in a confined and enclosed space." In conclusion, So-young wrote, "Literally no smoke holes, the second half may be disappointing depending on the audience, but you can enjoy 94 minutes."[28]

Kim Young-sik, reviewing for Within News, praised the performance of Jo Woo-jin and wrote, "A work that definitely stands out for actor Jo Woo-jin's passionate performance." Young-sik also praised the car chase scenes, and noted that these are a standout for a solo lead.[29]

Choo Seung-hyun of Seoul Economy praised the performances of Jo Woo-jin and Lee Jae-in. Highlighting the strengths of director Kim, who has previously worked as a film editor, Seung-hyun wrote, "The audience follows the same timeline as the main character, giving the impression of being right next to each other..." Seung-hyun liked the runtime of the film and wrote, "The running time of 94 minutes, which is neither too long nor too short, was expressed plainly without any fuss."[30]

Jeon Hyeong-hwa, reviewing for Star News, wrote that the film is a familiar scenario so, to make it seem more fresh, the film was kept pacey. He praised the performances of Jo Woo-jin and Lee Jae-in. He noted that the charm of Busan is fully captured on a large screen, and concluded, "A movie proves that it tastes good only when it is seen in a theatre."[31]

Awards and nominations edit

Year Awards Category Recipient Result Ref.
2021 30th Buil Film Awards Best Supporting Actress Lee Jae-in Nominated [32]
42nd Blue Dragon Film Awards Best New Director Kim Chang-ju Nominated [33]
Best Editing Award Nominated
2022 58th Baeksang Arts Awards Best New Director Nominated [34][35]

References edit

  1. ^ Kim Mi-hwa (June 14, 2021). "'발신제한', 멈출 수 없는 94분의 스릴..짜릿한 도심 추격" ['Call Restriction', the thrill of 94 minutes that can't be stopped.. Exciting city chase]. Star News (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved June 14, 2021.
  2. ^ a b Moon Ji-yeon (January 13, 2020). "[단독] 지창욱 차기작은 '응징'..조우진 손잡고 스크린行" [[Exclusive] Ji Chang-wook's next small 'retribution' ..Jo Woo-jin joins hands on the screen 行]. Sports Chosun (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  3. ^ a b "KOFIC, KOBIS (Korean Box Office Information System) HARD HIT (2021)". KOFIC. Retrieved December 12, 2021.
  4. ^ a b Jo Hyunna (January 23, 2021). "'발신제한' 김창주 감독 - 해운대 질주의 스릴과 서스펜스" ['Restricted Calls' Director Kim Chang-joo-The thrill and suspense of running at Haeundae]. Cine21 (in Korean). Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  5. ^ Kim Yoo-jin (June 7, 2021). "'발신제한' 6월 23일 개봉 확정…조우진 "건강하게 극장에서 만나요"" ['Send Restriction' to be released on June 23rd... Jo Woo-jin "See you at the theater in good health"]. Export News (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved June 7, 2021.
  6. ^ Jung Yoo-jin (July 2, 2021). "'발신제한' 10일째 만에 50만 돌파…올 개봉 한국영화 중 처음 "감사" [Nbox]" ['Outgoing Restriction' exceeded 500,000 in 10 days... "Thank you" for the first time among Korean films released this year [Nbox]]. News 1 (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved July 2, 2021.
  7. ^ a b "KOFIC, KOBIS (Korean Box Office Information System) All Korean films box office ranking". KOFIC. Retrieved November 15, 2021.
  8. ^ "KOBIS (Korean Box Office Information System) Year 2021 (All films ranking)". KOFIC. Retrieved December 12, 2021.
  9. ^ Jeong Yu-jin (May 17, 2021). "'조우진 주연 '발신제한', 6월 개봉…'내 차에 폭탄이 있다'" ['Restricted Calls' starring Jo Woo-jin, released in June... 'I have a bomb in my car']. News1 (in Korean). Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  10. ^ Jeon Hyung-hwa (May 10, 2021). "[단독]진기주 '미드나이트' 티빙 공개-지창욱 '발신제한' 극장 개봉..변화의 시작 [종합]" [[Exclusive] Jin Ki-joo'Midnight' Teabing Revealed-Ji Chang-wook's'Restricted Calls' Theater Opened.. Beginning of Change [Comprehensive]]. Star News (in Korean). Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  11. ^ Kim Bo-ra (June 9, 2021). "'발신제한' 진경x김지호x류승수, 명품 조연진의 시너지 폭발" [Synergy explosion of 'Send Restriction' Jinkyung x Kim Jiho x Ryu Seungsu, and luxury Jo Yeonjin]. Osen (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved June 9, 2021.
  12. ^ KPark Jeong-seon (June 9, 2021). "진경·김지호·류승수, '발신제한'의 신스틸러들" [Jin-kyung, Kim Ji-ho, and Ryu Seung-soo, new stealers of 'Send Restriction']. Daily Sports (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved June 9, 2021.
  13. ^ Kim So-yeon (January 13, 2020). "지창욱 측 "차기작 '응징' 출연 확정"…조우진과 호흡 맞춘다" [Ji Chang-wook side "confirmed to appear in the next film,'Retribution" Breathe with Woojin Jo]. Daily Economic Star (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  14. ^ Noh Gyu-min (June 15, 2021). "김지호 '발신제한'으로 4년만에 스크린 컴백…조우진 아내 役 [공식]" [Kim Ji-ho makes a screen comeback after 4 years with 'Send Restriction'... Jo Woo-jin as wife [Official]]. Ten Asia (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
  15. ^ "[Movie] Ji Chang Wook becomes a person of unknown identity in "Restricted Call"". Ji Chang Wook's Kitchen. January 11, 2021. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  16. ^ Lee Jong-min (June 23, 2021). "부산 올로케 촬영 도심 추격 스릴러 '발신제한' 개봉" [Busan Oloque shooting city chase thriller 'Call Restriction' released]. Yonhap News Agency (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  17. ^ Kang Hyo-jin (July 26, 2021). "'발신제한', 대만에서도 본다…'韓흥행 이어 한 달 만에 해외개봉'" ['Send Restriction' is also seen in Taiwan... 'Overseas release in a month after a hit in Korea']. Sports TV News (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
  18. ^ "Hard Hit / 발신제한". Korean Film Festival Frankfurt. WordPress. October 23, 2021. Archived from the original on June 27, 2022. Retrieved December 29, 2021.
  19. ^ Baek Seung-hoon (July 20, 2021). "조우진 '발신제한' "안방 극장에서 보세요"" [Jo Woo-jin 'Call Restriction' "See it at the small screen"]. Newsis (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
  20. ^ Ji-eun Kim (June 24, 2021). "조우진 '발신제한' 개봉 첫날 1위…올해 韓영화 최고 오프닝" [Jo Woo-jin's 'Send Restriction' took first place on the first day of release... Best Korean movie opening of the year]. Newsis (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  21. ^ Jo Ji-young (June 25, 2021). "[공식] 조우진 '발신제한', 이틀 연속 흥행 1위 굳히기..10만 돌파 목전" [[Official] Jo Woo-jin's 'Send Restriction' solidifies first place at the box office for two days in a row... nearing 100,000 mark]. Sports Chosun (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  22. ^ Jo Eun-ae (June 26, 2021). "'발신제한' 3일 연속 박스오피스 1위 독주…조우진 흥행 파워 계속" ['Send Restriction' topped the box office for 3 days in a row... Jo Woo-jin's box office power continues]. Sports Korea (in Korean). Hankook. Retrieved June 26, 2021.
  23. ^ Kim Ji-hye (June 27, 2021). "'발신제한', 주말 관객도 꽉 잡았다…4일 연속 1위→20만 돌파" ['Send Restriction' caught the weekend audience too... 1st place for 4 days in a row → exceeded 200,000]. SBS Entertainment News (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved June 27, 2021.
  24. ^ Kim Ji-hye (June 28, 2021). "조우진 '발신제한', 韓 영화 개봉 주 최다 관객…누적 35만 돌파" [Jo Woo-jin's 'Send Restriction', the largest audience in a Korean movie release week... Cumulatively exceeded 350,000]. SBS Entertainment News (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved June 28, 2021.
  25. ^ Yu-min (June 29, 2021). "'발신제한', 이유 있는 40만 흥행…조우진·지창욱 연기 폭발" ['Send Restriction', 400,000 hits for a reason... Jo Woo-jin and Ji Chang-wook's smoke explosion]. Newsis (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved June 29, 2021.
  26. ^ Koh Seung-ah (June 30, 2021). "'발신제한' 7일 연속 1위…누적 42만↑ [Nbox]" ['Send Restriction' ranked first for 7 days in a row... Accumulated 420,000↑ [Nbox]]. News 1 (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  27. ^ Lee Da-won (June 17, 2021). "'발신제한' 수신 환영 [편파적인 씨네리뷰]" [Welcome to 'Send Restriction' [Unbiased Cinereview]]. Sports Trend (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved June 17, 2021.
  28. ^ Yang So-young (June 17, 2021). "'발신제한' 조우진 해냈다[리뷰]" ['Send Restriction' Jo Woo-jin did it [Review]]. Star Today (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved June 17, 2021.
  29. ^ Kim Young-sik (June 17, 2021). "[리뷰] 배우 조우진의 열연이 돋보이는 작품. 영화 '발신제한'" [[Review] A work that stands out for actor Jo Woo-jin's passionate performance. Film 'Restricted Calls']. Within News (in Korean). Retrieved June 17, 2021.
  30. ^ Choo Seung-hyun (June 22, 2021). "'대박부동산' 10일 스페셜 방송 편성…미방분 영상 공개[공식]" [[Review] 'Send Restriction' 94 minutes with no time to breathe... Finally, it has come]. Seoul Economy (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  31. ^ Jeon Hyeong-hwa (June 22, 2021). "[리뷰] '발신제한' 시작부터 갇히고 달린다" [[Review] Trapped and running from the start of 'Send Restriction']. Star News (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  32. ^ Jo Young-mi (August 26, 2021). "모가디슈' ·'자산어보' 13개 부문 중 8개 부문 후보에 올라" [Mogadishu’ and ‘Jasaneobo’ were nominated for 8 out of 13 categories]. Busan Ilbo (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved September 3, 2021.
  33. ^ Kim Nara (November 1, 2021). [제42회 청룡영화상, 후보 발표…류승완 '모가디슈' 최다 부문 노미네이트 [공식] [42nd Blue Dragon Film Awards, nominations announced... Ryoo Seung-wan 'Mogadishu' Nominated for Most Category [Official]]. My Daily (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
  34. ^ "제 58회 백상예술대상" [58 Nominees · Works]. Baeksang Arts Awards (in Korean). April 11, 2022. Retrieved April 11, 2022.
  35. ^ Ahn Byung-gil (April 11, 2022). "58회 백상예술대상 후보 공개…영광의 주인공은?" [58th Baeksang Arts Awards nominations revealed... Who is the hero of glory?]. Sports Kyunghyang (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved April 11, 2022.

External links edit