Actor Yoo Jae-myung, right, Jo Jung-suk, left, and director Choo Chang-min stand in front of a photo wall during a press conference for their new movie, “The Land of Happiness”, at a cinema in Yongsan District, Aug. 6. Yonhap
Korean filmmaker Choo Chang-min’s political courtroom drama “The Land of Happiness” opens with a recreation of then President Park Chung-hee’s assassination in October 1979, a watershed moment in modern Korean history.
Rather than simply recounting well-known facts, the film presents a more nuanced perspective by exploring the internal struggle of Army Col. Park Tae-joo (Lee Sun-kyun), inspired by the real-life, lesser-known figure Park Heung-joo.
Intimate scenes delve into his confusion, hesitation and moral conflict during the crucial 30 minutes leading up to the assassination.
Tae-joo is portrayed as a principled “true soldier” who unwaveringly follows orders, ultimately shooting presidential security guards at his superior’s command.
His subtle inner turmoil contrasts sharply with the emotional journey of his legal representative, Jung In-hoo (Cho Jung-seok), who grapples with ensuring a fair trial for his client within the military court’s single-trial system.
Unlike Tae-joo, In-hoo initially displays more flexible moral standards, viewing trials as mere games to be won at any cost. He grows increasingly frustrated with his unyielding client, who refuses to compromise to save his own life.
However, as the story unfolds, In-hoo develops empathy for Tae-joo, who reminds him of his own principled pastor father. Simultaneously, In-hoo becomes enraged by the unjust judicial proceedings, covertly manipulated by Chun Sang-doo (Yoo Jae-myung), who seeks to exploit the trial for political gains. The character is inspired by former President Chun Doo-hwan, who seized power through a military coup less than two months after the assassination — an event explored in last year’s box-office hit “12.12: The Day,” which drew more than 12.7 million moviegoers.
Director Choo Chang-min speaks during a press conference in Yongsan District, Seoul, Aug. 6. Yonhap
The director’s visual approach breathes life into the film’s 1970s setting. He employed a filmlike, grainy texture to evoke the era’s atmosphere and used actual courtroom footage, records and documentaries as references for historical accuracy. The courtroom scenes, in particular, make the story feel especially realistic.
Varied camera angles, particularly in close-up shots, serve as a powerful tool to convey the characters’ complex emotions and shifting perspectives, allowing viewers to connect more easily with the internal struggles of the protagonists.
In addition, the film’s trio of lead actors offers a compelling ensemble performance, taking viewers to the harsh reality of late 1970s Korea, where military might superseded human rights and dignity.
Cho Jung-seok shines as the compassionate lawyer, serving as an observer who watches and judges the events alongside the viewers. His versatility as an actor is further highlighted by his concurrent, contrasting role in the comedy “Pilot,” which is currently leading the local box office.
The late Lee Sun-kyun delivers a complex and sensitive portrayal of a soldier caught up in major events he can’t control, prompting viewers to ponder their own responses when confronted with such moral dilemmas. Lee’s character starkly opposes the main antagonist, Chun, also a soldier whose political ambitions override all other considerations. For those who have seen “12.12: The Day,” comparing Yoo’s portrayal of the former dictator with Hwang Jeong-min’s interpretation will offer an intriguing perspective.
“The Land of Happiness” is scheduled for release next Wednesday. (Yonhap)
