Yorgos Lanthimos, the acclaimed director behind “Poor Things,” is set to bring the cult South Korean film “Save the Green Planet (Jigureul jikyeora!)” back to the silver screen.
In a groundbreaking announcement, Yorgos Lanthimos, the visionary director behind the blockbuster “Poor Things,” is set to breathe new life into the cult classic of South Korean cinema, “Save the Green Planet (Jigureul jikyeora!).”
Lanthimos’ Last Movie and Its Success: Poor Things
Following the success of “Poor Things,” featuring the stellar cast of Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, and Willem Dafoe, the celebrated director has chosen to embark on the recreation of the South Korean fantasy-comedy masterpiece, “Save the Green Planet (Jigureul jikyeora!).”
Embraced at nearly every festival and accolade ceremony, “Poor Things” earned Yorgos Lanthimos 11 Oscar nominations and 5 BAFTA awards, solidifying his status as a cinematic luminary. Now, the 50-year-old Greek director is gearing up for his next cinematic venture.
A Reunion with Element Pictures for “Save the Green Planet”
Variety’s exclusive report reveals that Yorgos Lanthimos is joining forces once again with Element Pictures to bring to life the remake of the South Korean fantasy-comedy, “Save the Green Planet (Jigureul jikyeora!).”
Scheduled for filming in the summer of 2024, the new version will unfold against the backdrop of captivating locations in the United Kingdom and New York. Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe from Element Pictures will take on the film’s production, collaborating with Ari Aster’s Square Peg and CJ ENM (formerly CJ Entertainment). This collaboration marks the sixth partnership between Lanthimos and Element Pictures.
What is the Plot of “Save the Green Planet (Jigureul jikyeora!)”?
Lanthimos’s long-anticipated project is defined as a dark comedy, exploring the disappointment of a businessperson who believes they are part of an alien invasion.
To explain in more detail “Save the Green Planet!” (Jigureul jikyeora!) is a South Korean science fiction dark comedy film directed by Jang Joon-hwan. The film, released in 2003, follows the story of a mentally unstable young man named Lee Byeong-gu who believes that aliens from the Andromeda galaxy are planning to invade Earth and wipe out humanity. Convinced that he is the only one who can save the planet, Byeong-gu kidnaps a wealthy businessman, Kang Man-shik, whom he believes is an alien in disguise.
Byeong-gu tortures Kang Man-shik in an attempt to extract information about the impending invasion and to force him to reveal the true identities of other aliens living among humans. As the story unfolds, the audience is taken on a surreal and bizarre journey, blurring the lines between reality and Byeong-gu’s delusional perceptions. The film explores themes of paranoia, obsession, and the consequences of unchecked fanaticism. The movie has received critical acclaim for its creativity, dark humor, and thought-provoking exploration of psychological themes.
The original film, directed by Jang Joon-hwan in 2003, served as the inspiration for this venture. Produced by CJ Entertainment, the film attained cult status, becoming a sought-after gem at festivals such as Bucheon, Buenos Aires, and Brussels, as well as winning awards at fantasy film festivals in Rotterdam, Tokyo Filmex, and Moscow. Jang was also honored with the Golden Bell Award for Best New Director in South Korea in 2003.
Jang Joon-hwan’s Background and Recent Endeavors
Jang Joon-hwan, the creative force behind the original “Save the Green Planet,” has previously contributed to notable projects such as HBO’s “Succession” and Searchlight’s “The Menu.”
Film enthusiasts can also anticipate another cinematic treat from Yorgos Lanthimos, titled “Kinds of Kindness,” preceding the release of “Save the Green Planet (Jigureul jikyeora!).” The film, currently in post-production, features an ensemble cast including Emma Stone, Margaret Qualley, Willem Dafoe, and Joe Alwyn.
What are your thoughts on Yorgos Lanthimos’s latest film project, “Save the Green Planet (Jigureul jikyeora!)”? Share your excitement with us!
Last modified: February 20, 2024
