“Harbin,” a South Korean spy action thriller, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and has been acquired for North American release by Well Go USA. The distributor has confirmed that the film will receive a theatrical release in the United States and Canada, although a specific schedule has not been announced. Directed by Woo Min-ho, known for his previous hits “Inside Men” and “The Man Standing Next,” the film portrays pivotal events in the struggle for Korean sovereignty, particularly focusing on the violent colonial oppression by the Japanese in the early 20th century.
Set in 1909, “Harbin” follows the story of Ahn Jung-geun, played by Hyun Bin, who leads a mission to assassinate Ito Hirobumi, the first Japanese Resident-General of Korea. Ahn, as the sole survivor of a bloody skirmish, embarks on a dangerous journey to Russia with his allies to carry out the mission. The film also features an ensemble cast including Park Jung-min, Jeon Yeo-been, and Jo Woo-jin. Despite its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, the Korean distributor CJ ENM has postponed the film’s release to December, skipping the possibility of premiering during the Korean Thanksgiving holiday.
Well Go USA, based in Plano, Texas, has a strong reputation for distributing commercial film titles from Asia and has a rich Asian filmography. The distributor has committed to releasing upcoming films such as the Philippines-set “Death March” and the Thai comedy-drama “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies.” In the past, Well Go USA has handled successful films like Kore-eda Hirokazu’s “Monster,” Donnie Yen’s “Raging Fire,” Lee Chang-dong’s “Burning,” and Fan Bingbing’s “I Am Not Madame Bovary.” The president and CEO of Well Go USA, Doris Pfardrescher, praised “Harbin” as an intricate historical epic that vividly brings to life a tumultuous period in Korean and world history.
The film “Harbin” sheds light on the arduous struggle for Korean sovereignty in the face of Japanese colonial oppression in the early 20th century. Through the character of Ahn Jung-geun and his mission to assassinate a key figure of the Japanese colonial administration, the film delves into themes of resistance, sacrifice, and perseverance. With masterful cinematography by Hong Kyung-pyo, the film is described as a tension-filled and visually stunning portrayal of a critical period in human history, offering audiences a glimpse into the struggles faced by Korean nationalists fighting for their country’s independence.
Despite its historical context and intricate plot, “Harbin” promises to deliver an engaging and action-packed cinematic experience for audiences in North America. With its acquisition by Well Go USA, the film is poised to reach a wider audience and showcase the talents of South Korean filmmakers and actors on an international stage. As the distributor prepares for the film’s theatrical release in the United States and Canada, anticipation grows for the impact that “Harbin” will have on viewers, inviting them to immerse themselves in a gripping and visually stunning narrative of rebellion and resilience.
