Anarchist from Colony (2017 Film)

Anarchist from Colony (Korean: 박열; RR: Parkyeol) is a 2017 South Korean historical drama film directed by Lee Joon-ik. The film is based on the life of the Korean anarchist and independence activist Park Yeol (1902–1974) and his relationship with the Japanese anarchist Fumiko Kaneko during the early 1920s.

Promotional poster for the film Anarchist from Colony

Plot

The narrative follows Park Yeol, played by Lee Je-hoon, as he organizes the anarchist group Heukdohwe in Tokyo. The group advocates for Korean independence from Japanese colonial rule. The plot centers on the political activities of Park and his partner, Fumiko Kaneko, including their alleged plot to assassinate the Japanese Crown Prince Hirohito, and their subsequent trial.

Production

The film was directed by Lee Joon-ik and written by Hwang Sung-goo. Principal photography commenced on January 9, 2017, and concluded on February 17, 2017. It was distributed by Megabox Plus M.

Cast

The film features a large ensemble cast portraying historical figures involved in the 1920s anarchist movement and the Japanese legal system.

Lee Je-hoon as Park Yeol
Choi Hee-seo as Fumiko Kaneko
Kim In-woo as Mizuno
Tasuku Yamanouchi as Tatsushi Fuse
Hiroki Yokouchi as Fujishita

Reception and Awards

Anarchist from Colony received critical recognition, particularly for the performance of Choi Hee-seo. The film won several awards during the 2017 and 2018 awards season, including:

Daejong Film Awards (2017): Best Director (Lee Joon-ik), Best Actress (Choi Hee-seo), Best New Actress (Choi Hee-seo), Best Costume Design, and Best Art Design.
Blue Dragon Film Awards (2017): Best New Actress (Choi Hee-seo).
The Seoul Awards (2017): Best Film and Best New Actress (Choi Hee-seo).
BaekSang Arts Awards (2018): Best New Actress (Choi Hee-seo).