"Omniscient Reader" is undoubtedly a work unlike anything seen in the Korean cinema until now. "How will the story of a protagonist sucked into a fantasy novel, completing game quests for 2 hours, be realized?" While there were skeptical views, it ultimately results in an outcome beyond expectations. It's worth waiting for a sequel.
The film "Omniscient Reader" (directed by Kim Byung-woo, produced by Lotte Entertainment and Smilegate, distributed by Lotte Entertainment, produced by Realize Pictures, co-produced by MYM Entertainment, Smilegate Realize, and The Present Company) is a fantasy action piece in which the world of a novel that has been serialized for over 10 years becomes reality on the day it concludes, and the only reader, Kim Dok-ja (played by Ahn Hyo-seop), survives in a ruined world alongside the novel's protagonist, Yoo Jung-hyuk (played by Lee Min-ho), and his companions. With a total production cost of approximately 30 billion won, it is a major work based on a popular web novel of the same name. Director Kim Byung-woo, known for "The Terror Live" (2013) and "PMC: The Bunker" (2018), presents his new work after seven years, produced by Realize Pictures, which created the blockbuster "Along with the Gods" series.
Having experienced bullying and school violence and having worked at a contract company, the reader sends a message to the author criticizing the conclusion of the novel he has read for over 10 years. He was dissatisfied with the ending where the protagonist, Yoo Jung-hyuk, sacrifices others and survives alone. The reader feels even a sense of betrayal, and at that moment, a reply from the author, having read the reader's message, arrives. The author suggests that the reader change the ending directly, and at that moment, the world of the novel transforms into reality, allowing the reader to act as a prophet who foresees the future.
In particular, the original novel "Omniscient Reader" has an enormous fan base, surpassing a cumulative global view count of 300 million. It is impossible to encapsulate such an original and extensive story and vast world view into just a 2-hour film. This necessitated choices and focus, with Director Kim Byung-woo tackling the challenging adaptation of a fantasy world and game narrative into "the simplest story possible." He emphasizes that "the reader resolves quests alongside companions not for himself but for everyone," helping the audience immerse themselves. The director’s ability to combine flashy, fast-paced developments with an easy-to-follow story stands out.
Of course, fans of the original may feel disappointed that the historical figures of Korea appearing as backups to eliminate villains from Greek mythology were omitted. However, what Director Kim Byung-woo focused on this time was the value of 'togetherness' among the good elements of the original story. He introduces the reader and key characters, showing how they meet and how they discard egotism to become companions. If one hasn’t read the original, the absence of the above-mentioned setting isn’t a significant concern. This also signifies that a bold choice was successful.
Additionally, the greatest spectacle of "Omniscient Reader" is the tremendous battle scenes unfolding with the reader group and monsters set against the backdrop of subway line 3. More than 80% of the total cuts are VFX (visual special effects) shots, with significant effort devoted to CGI and post-production. Monsters, goblins, constellations, and serpents designed to realize this world enhance immersion.
Along with Ahn Hyo-seop, characters played by Lee Min-ho, Cha Soo-bin, Shin Seung-ho, Nana, BLACKPINK's Jisoo, and child actor Kwon Eun-sung were flawlessly portrayed, and despite being his first screen debut, Ahn Hyo-seop led the drama with high-level action, leaving a deep impression.
The short cookie video raises expectations for a sequel, leaving curious about whether the various settings and social issues omitted in this installment will appear in future releases.
Opens July 23, suitable for ages 15 and up, 117 minutes.
[Photo] Film poster and stills
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