Le Grand Chef (2007 Film)

Le Grand Chef (Korean: 식객; RR: Sikgaek) is a 2007 South Korean drama film directed by Jeon Yun-su. The film is based on the popular manhwa (comic) series of the same name by Huh Young-man, which began serialization in 2002. The story follows a intense culinary rivalry centered on a prestigious cooking competition.

Promotional poster for the film Le Grand Chef

Plot

The narrative revolves around a high-stakes cooking contest organized to determine the rightful owner of a legendary cooking knife. The knife once belonged to the final royal chef of the Joseon Dynasty, who demonstrated his loyalty to the crown through a symbolic act of self-sacrifice. The son of a Japanese bureaucrat, who had originally taken the knife, returns to Korea to return the artifact to a worthy successor, triggering a competition between the descendants of the royal chef's two apprentices.

Production and Cast

The film was produced by Show East and distributed by CJ Entertainment, with a production budget of approximately US$ 4 million. The cast features Kim Kang-woo as Sung-chan and Lim Won-hee as Bong-joo, portraying the central rivals in the competition. Other notable cast members include Lee Ha-na as Jin-soo, Kim Sang-ho, and Jung Eun-pyo.

Actor Kim Kang-woo — Kim Kang-woo, who plays the lead character Sung-chan

Actor Lim Won-hee — Lim Won-hee, who plays the rival character Bong-joo

Actress Lee Ha-na — Lee Ha-na, who plays the character Jin-soo

Actor Lee Tae-ri — Lee Tae-ri, who plays the young version of Sung-chan

Actor Kwon Sung-hoon — Kwon Sung-hoon, who plays the young version of Bong-joo

Actor Kim Sang-ho — Kim Sang-ho, who plays the character Woo

Actor Jung Eun-pyo — Jung Eun-pyo, who plays the character Hyo-sung

Actor Jung Jin — Jung Jin, who plays the character Duk-gi

Actor Ahn Kil-kang — Ahn Kil-kang, who plays the character Sung-il

Author Huh Young-man — Huh Young-man, the author of the original comic, appearing as a patron

Scene from the film — A scene from the film featuring the culinary competition

Release and Legacy

The film was released in South Korea on November 1, 2007. It later received international exposure, including a screening at the 12th Fantasia Film Festival in 2008, where it held its North American premiere. The success of the film led to a television series adaptation in 2008 and a sequel film, Le Grand Chef 2: Kimchi Battle, in 2010.