"Tazza 4" posted unexpectedly strong numbers despite its adults-only rating. Analysts credit the franchise's high name recognition and its fast-paced portrayal of friendship, betrayal and greed. Byun Yo-han, who plays "the last tazza" Park Tae-young, has drawn praise for carrying the film with a presence rivaling that of Goni (Cho Seung-woo), the protagonist of the original "Tazza." Scene-stealing turns by Noh Jae-won, Jo Woo-jin and Yoon Kyung-ho are also cited as draws. Whether the film, which has built word of mouth as "a popcorn movie for the MZ generation," can surpass the original "Tazza's" 5.69 million admissions is another point to watch.
Director Lee Chang-dong's "Possible Love," winner of the Grand Jury Prize at this year's Venice International Film Festival, drew 110,000 viewers despite a limited release, winning strong reviews from cinephiles.
"Resurrection Man: The Red," based on a popular webtoon, has emerged as a dark horse. Since press screenings, word of mouth about its brisk action and the performances of Koo Kyo-hwan and Kang Ki-young has lifted advance bookings. The film follows Seok-hwan (Koo), a 31-year-old job seeker who gains the power to grow stronger each time he dies and comes back to life. The appeal lies in the laughs generated as over-the-top action and fantasy collide with the grim reality of job hunting. Koo described it as "a Korean-style hero movie and, confidently, a killing-time film," adding it is "a work everyone can warm to." Opens Sept. 30, rated 15 and over.
