Exploring evolution of cinema: BIFF embraces Netflix with opening title ‘Uprising’

Five years after the Netflix film "Roma" won three Oscars, the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), Asia's largest, selected a Netflix movie as its opening title for the first time in its history, breaking from its tradition of showcasing primarily independent films. This selection reflects the film industry's efforts to adapt to rapidly changing trends in movie consumption and the variety of platforms available for film distribution, said Kim Sang-man, director of the BIFF opening film "Uprising," during a press conference Wednesday in Busan. "There has been ongoing controversy when Netflix productions are nominated for or win awards at film festivals. I think we should question the controversy itself," Kim said. "Is the size of the screen really what matters? Going to a film festival or theater is all about shared experience -- being in the same space, focusing on the film and sharing the moment with others," he said, adding, "That collective experience is something unique, and I don't think audien ces will give that up easily." The historical action film is just one example of the industry's on-going efforts to attract audiences and explores new forms of expression, the director said. "Uprising," set in the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), tells the story of two men who grew up together -- one as a master (Park Jeong-min) and the other as a servant (Gang Dong-won) -- and reunite as enemies after a war. Acclaimed director Park Chan-wook, known for films such as "Old Boy" (2003) and "Decision to Leave" (2022), contributed to the film as both a producer and scriptwriter. The director emphasized Park's significant involvement in the filmmaking process. Referring to Park as his "mentor" since working as an art director on the set of "JSA" (2000), the director shared that Park provided extensive guidance from the early stages of scriptwriting. "Although he could be physically present on set, we worked very closely. For instance, he even gave direction on how to pronounce certain words," he said. In addition, Park helped in reediting certain sections that had been done "out of habit" by meticulously reviewing each cut to ensure the original intent was fully realized. The director said his intent was to portray each character's unique perspective on the rigid social system of the time, where class divisions were strictly enforced. He paid special attention to shooting the sword fight scene near the end, set against a backdrop of thick sea fog. In this scene, the three main characters initially fight against one another, only to later join forces amid confusion and a sense of loneliness. The misunderstandings and tension dissipate as the fog finally lifts. "It was challenging to design the action scene involving three characters," he said, noting that the scene effectively depicted the resolution of tensions after seven years of a "love and hate" relationship between the master, Jong-ryeo, and the slave, Cheon-yeong. "I found the film really enjoyable and thought it is a great movie that appeals to a wide audien ce," Park Do-sin, co-deputy director of BIFF, said. Although the film is restricted to viewers under 17 for its violence, he said it was worth the risk. "The film is exceptionally well-made, and I definitely want to introduce it to audiences," he said. Source: Yonhap News Agency