South Korean actor Hyun Bin will soon have a new film out. Titled Harbin, the highly anticipated spy flick is all set to make its global debut at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8. Set in 1909, Hyun Bin takes on the very demanding role of portraying Ahn Jung-geun, the Korean independence fighter who executes a daring attack against Japanese soldiers garrisoned in the northeastern Chinese city of Harbin.
Nothing brings out the darkest side of humanity than occupation and war, something clearly captured in the film’s teaser. Echoing the pervading sense of desolation of the period, the trailer is dark and grisly. “I was ready to give up everything and die. The miserable screams of my dead comrades continue to ring in my ears and haunt my vision. In that moment, I realised I was living in the place of my dead comrades. I knew then what I had to do. I have to eliminate the old wolf, the leader of the Japanese forces trampling on the Korean empire”. Thus spoke Ahn Jung-geun in Hyun Bin’s voice. Meanwhile, Hyun Bin’s heavily obscured face and resolute features (at least what can be seen of it) is what greets viewers on its poster.
Harbin is a period film chronicling the struggles and sacrifices made by Korean freedom activists as they fought to free Korea from Japanese oppression. Ahn Jung-geun in particular is remembered as a martyr who assassinated Japan’s first prime minister Ito Hirobumi. Although he was later hanged for his act, stories of his dedication to Korea’s independence and patriotism continue to be passed down. He was posthumously awarded an Order of Merit for National Foundation in 1962.
Harbin hits cinemas in December 2024.
Source: 1
