Rare monster film 'Monstrum' to hit theaters
Cast members of film “Monstrum” pose during a press conference for the preview of the film in Seoul, Sept. 3. / Courtesy of Lotte Entertainment
By Park Jin-hai
The unidentified mysterious creature that haunted the royal palace of Joseon in 1527 has been brought to life in the forthcoming horror film “Monstrum.”
The film, inspired by a historical account in “The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty” which stated the monster looked like a Sapsal dog and was as big as a foal, has been created as an imaginary monster on the big screen in the rare horror film since Bong Joon-ho's 2006 box-office hit “The Host.”
“Monstrum,” starring veteran actor Kim Myung-min and K-pop singer-turned actress Lee Hye-ri, tells the story of a group of people who hunt down the man-eating, plague-spreading monster. Rumor has it that it kills people cruelly on mountainsides or contaminates them with a deadly disease; and the public's horror reaches King Jeoungjong.
The king, who believes the rumor was created by an ambitious high official who aims to overthrow him and rise to the top job afterwards, calls in a former chief royal guard living in seclusion, Yoon Gyeom, played by actor Kim, his subordinate and long-time friend Seong-han and his archery-prodigy daughter Myeong, played by Lee, to team them up for a fact-finding mission.
What draws the biggest attention has been the design of the imaginary monster, which was created by the hands of the film's director Huh Jong-ho and Chung Tae-won, CEO of Taewon Entertainment and producer of the film, known for making blockbuster films and dramas such as “Operation Chromite” and “Iris 2.”
Promotional photo for film “Monstrum” / Courtesy of Lotte Entertainment
“I heard from my acquaintance that a writer was working on a novel based on the monster story chronicled in the historic record. First I thought it could not be real, but after I checked it in the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, I was convinced that it would be a great story for a film,” said Chung during a recent press conference.
“Since The Host, I think no serious creature horror films have been released here. Because this film relies heavily on the creature, we have devoted a great deal of efforts to create this imaginary monster.
“Our first outcome, created faithfully based on the document, resembled something between a dog and a horse. So we developed the fictional creature haetae which is mentioned in Chinese and Korean mythology.”
Actor Kim said the film diversifies the local cinema industry. “I don't want to make easy choices where commercial success seemed guaranteed. Although the monster horror film is a fairly new genre for viewers here, I personally believe diverse genre films like this one should be released more often,” said actor Kim. “For many years, I have known many people who have worked to make it into film and I also wanted to join in this new challenge.
“What makes the film special is that it is an action creature horror film set in the Joseon Dynasty. The unforeseen marriage between period and creature genres will intrigue viewers from overseas, I think. After the success of this film, I want to see a second and third Monstrum.”
Prior to the local release, the film has been pre-sold to multiple countries, including North America, the U.K., Germany and Australia. It will compete in this year's Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival.
“Monstrum” premieres at local theaters, Wednesday.