The director and cast of the historical film "Harbin" on Dec. 18 take a group photo at the media screening and news conference for the movie at the multiplex CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul's Yongsan-gu District. From left are actors Park Hoon, Jo Woo-jin and Hyun Bin, director Woo Min-ho, and actors Jeon Yeo-been, Yoo Jae-myung and Lee Dong-wook.

By Xu Aiying
Photos = Xu Aiying
Video = CJ ENM Movie's official YouTube channel

"Long live Korea!" (Корея Ура!)

This is what pro-independence activist Ahn Jung-geun said on Oct. 26, 1909, at a rail station in Harbin, China, after fatally shooting Hirobumi Ito, the first Japanese resident-general of Korea.

Ahn, 30, shouted this phrase in Russian upon his arrest at the scene, giving a cry that shook the frozen Asian continent and ignited the fire of resistance for the Korean people, who were buried in the darkness of colonial rule.

Director Woo Min-ho, whose previous works include "Inside Men" (2015) and "The Man Standing Next" (2020), is the latest filmmaker to present this historic incident through his movie "Harbin." This story features Ahn and his fellow pro-independence activists Woo Deok-sun, Kim Sang-hyun Choi Jae-hyung heading toward Harbin to assassinate Ito.

The media screening and news conference for "Harbin" was held on Dec. 18 at the multiplex CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul's Yongsan-gu District. The director and cast members Hyun Bin, Park Hoon, Jo Woo-jin, Jeon Yeo-been, Yoo Jae-myung and Lee Dong-wook were on hand to share the film's meaning.

"I wanted to find out why these young people were so dedicated," Director Woo said in giving the reason for his desire to make a movie about independence activists.

"I hope that the audiences who watch this movie can receive consolation and gain strength," he added. "We live in an era of chaos, but I hope that people can still feel proud and believe that they can overcome."

Hyun, who plays Ahn in the film, mentioned the phrase "For a better tomorrow" inscribed on the posters for the film abroad, saying, "We filmed the movie to thank those who gifted us our daily lives."

"In the film, Ahn Jung-geun and his comrades each take one step at a time no matter the odds. Because they eventually achieved a positive result, I firmly believe that if we join forces and take one step at a time, there will be a better tomorrow."

"Harbin" begins with the visually stunning scene of Ahn crossing the frozen Dumangang River. The urgency of the time is punctuated on screen by the compelling mise-en-scene featuring dramatic natural wind and light represented by a vast stretching desert and icy roads and the intense beauty from the contrast between light and darkness.

The sharp contrast between black and white and the use of lights show precise but beautiful visual aesthetics to immediately capture viewer attention.

Adding to the film's sense of realism is location. The shots capture Mongolia's geographical features, which are similar to those of Manchuria, old Russian architecture in Latvia and the quest of independence activists in Korea.

These elicit the feeling of immersion as if viewers are accompanying the activists on their mission.

"Through the title 'Harbin,' I tried to convey their journey in a spectacular and lofty manner," director Woo said, adding that his focus was on vividly conveying the history of the time by searching for the great outdoors while filming.

The world premiere of "Harbin" came in September as an officially invited work at the Toronto International Film Festival of Canada. Its release in Korea is slated for Dec. 24.

Actor Hyun Bin (fourth from left) on Dec. 18 responds to reporters' questions at the media screening and news conference for the film "Harbin" at the multiplex CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul's Yongsan-gu District.