Spellbound 2011 South Korean Film Overview
Spellbound, also known by its literal Korean title Eerie Romance (Hangul: 오싹한 연애; revised romanization: Ossakhan Yeonae), is a 2011 South Korean romantic-comedy and fantasy film written and directed by Hwang In-Ho.
Production Background
The production involved producers Ahn Young-Jin, Ahn Sang-Hoon, and Lee Won-Tae, with cinematography handled by Lee Doo-Man. Distribution was managed by CJ Entertainment. Principal photography commenced on December 27, 2010, in Ilsan, South Korea. Filming officially concluded on April 4, 2011, with the final sequence capturing a scene of an ordinary high-school student named Yeo-Ri who drowned and stopped breathing.
Plot Synopsis
From a young age, Kang Yeo-Ri possesses the ability to see ghosts, which inadvertently brings unexpected misfortune to those around her. Consequently, she isolates herself from the outside world. Meanwhile, a street magician named Ma Jo-Goo encounters Yeo-Ri in an audience and later approaches her to participate in his stage performances.
One year later, Jo-Goo performs in large theaters with a popular edgy horror-themed magic show, featuring Yeo-Ri acting as a ghost on stage. As their professional relationship deepens, Jo-Goo attempts to break through Yeo-Ri's isolated lifestyle, exposing him to the frightening supernatural world she inhabits.
Cast and Characters
- Son Ye-Jin as Kang Yeo-Ri
- Lee Min-Ki as Ma Jo-Goo
- Park Chul-Min as Pil-Dong
- Kim Hyun-Sook as Min-Jung
- Lee Mi-Do as Yoo-Jin
Additional cast members include Yoon Ji-Min as Sun-Woo, Yeom Hyun-Seo as the child, Um Tae-Goo as the magic show PD, Lee Hyun-Jin as Jo-Goo's friend, Hwang Seung-Un as Lee Joo-Hee, and Kim So-Hee as Kang Yeo-Ri's mother, alongside supporting actors.
Film Festival Screenings
Spellbound was invited to several international film festivals following its theatrical release, including:
- The 15th Shanghai International Film Festival (June 16-24, 2012) under the Spectrum section.
- The 16th Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival (July 19-29, 2012) under the World Fantastic Cinema section.
- The 10th Korean Film Festival in Paris (October 27 - November 3, 2015) under the Focus section.