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From left, actor Tom Cruise, director Bryan Singer and writer/producer Christopher McQuarrie appear in Seoul Sunday to promote their movie ``Valkyrie.'' The World War II thriller makes its Asian premiere in South Korea Jan. 22. / Yonhap |
 By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
The snow over the weekend in Seoul seemed to melt away with the arrival of superstar Tom Cruise, whose latest film ``Valkyrie'' makes its Asian premiere here Jan. 22.
Fans greeted Cruise Friday at Gimpo Airport, and the 46-year-old threw the mass into frenzy as he posed for photos using his own camera and shook hands with a lucky few. The heat wave continued through Saturday as more than 500 people squeezed into a local theater for the actor's hand printing ceremony.
``I love you all. Thank you, I love you,'' said Cruise, wearing a wide grin and a finely pressed suit. For over 20 minutes, the ``Mission Impossible'' star signed autographs and accepted gifts, including a large poster of his daughter Suri, who is almost as famous as her father here. ``Thank you for the most unforgettable night,'' he said, leaving behind a hand-printed tile to be displayed at CGV Theater-Yongsan.
Word of his extended service to fans spread quickly online, with Netizens calling him ``Kind Uncle Cruise.'' ``The nickname is lovely. I would say the same about the country and the people of this country,'' the actor told reporters Sunday in a packed hotel ballroom.
The ``Top Gun'' hero appeared younger than ever in his sexy, form-fitting black shirt. When asked about the secrets of his youth, he said that, being a busy actor and family man, he doesn't ``have time to age.''
In ``Valkyrie'' Cruise stars as a German military officer who risks everything, including his loving family, to assassinate Hitler during World War II. ``I've been thinking of how it must have been like. Nothing is more important to me than my family,'' he said ``I came to greatly admire (my character Stauffenberg),'' he said about his second time playing a historical figure after ``The 4th of July.''
``I always wanted to kill Hitler ― I hate that guy,'' the actor continued, explaining that the movie satisfied his long fascination of the World War II period and queries as to why nobody killed Hitler. ``It has certainly changed my life in just knowing that there were people trying to stop him,'' he added, calling the movie ``a very powerful experience, one I will not forget.''
Many viewers, however, may know that Hitler survived Stauffenberg's assassination attempt. To this, writer/producer Christopher McQuarrie asserted that ``knowing the ending is an asset rather than a disadvantage.'' Knowing the fate of the character, viewers will be able to establish a stronger bond with them, he said. Director Bryan Singer (``X-Men'') agreed, saying ``Valkyrie'' works in the same way the movie ``Titanic'' does.
The director re-partnered with McQuarrie, his old friend and ``The Usual Suspects'' collaborator, to offer what he calls an ``unconventional war movie.'' ``It hinges on suspense'' rather than bloody battle sequences, he said.
There are nevertheless live action scenes with real planes and equipment, Singer pointed out. In one particular scene, Cruise, who is known to be a pilot, flies in a small 70-year-old German plane. There wasn't enough room for the makeup artist to board the aircraft, so Singer himself supposedly did Cruise's makeup.
The director went on to say that bringing the movie here was important because Korea has ``an extraordinary rising market for film, both international and Korean films.'' Singer, Cruise and McQuarrie took the opportunity to mingle with local filmmakers and actors at a party Saturday evening. The visit also has a personal significance for Singer because his father had been a veteran of the Korean War (1950-53).
``It's only a prelude to bringing filmmaking cultures together,'' said Singer. ``In every society and culture we do everything to support them (artists). As artists we speak a common language,'' said Cruise about meeting Korean cineastes.
``I am first and foremost a movie fan and lover. When I get an opportunity to make a movie, I want to entertain an audience,'' said the actor, hoping the Korean audience will be able to connect with ``Valkyrie.''
Cruise finished his tour Sunday evening with an appearance at COEX Mall, southern Seoul. About 2,500 people were invited to watch the film preview at Megabox Theater and many more crowded the venue to catch a glimpse of the star on the red carpet. It took the actor almost two hours to walk down the 100-meter-long carpet as he didn't forget to ask fans' names when signing autographs.
``Valkyre'' opens in time for the Seollal (lunar New Year) weekend. 120 minutes. 12 and over. Distributed by 20th Century Fox Korea.
hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr
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yistory@koreatimes.co.kr
