'Heaven: To the Land of Happiness' selected as opening film of 26th BIFF

A poster for the film, “Heaven: To the Land of Happiness” / Courtesy of Lotte Entertainment

By Kwak Yeon-soo

Director Im Sang-soo's “Heaven: To the Land of Happiness” has been named the opening film of this year's Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), the event's organizer announced Thursday.

“Heaven,” which was selected for the official selection in the 2020 Cannes Film Festival, revolves around two men ― played by Choi Min-sik and Park Hae-il ― who inadvertently become wealthy and go on a road trip together in pursuit of happiness.

Choi, best known for his previous hit films “Old Boy” (2003) and “Roaring Currents” (2014), plays the role of jail-breaker, Inmate 203, while Park of “The Host” stars as penniless patient, Nam-sik, in the film.

In addition, Academy Award-winning actress Youn Yuh-jung will appear as the glamorous Madam Youn.

“The harmony created from Im Sang-soo's outstanding directorial power and excellent acting by Choi Min-sik and Park Hae-il ultimately turns the film into an inquiry about happiness that is warm and beautiful like no other,” BIFF said in a statement.

Im, whose other works include “The Housemaid” (2010) and “The Taste of Money” (2012), is set to make his Hollywood debut by helming the crime drama film, “Soho Sins,” based on the novel of the same title.

The 26th edition of BIFF will be held from Oct.6-15.