The Tenor Lirico Spinto (2014 Film)

The Tenor Lirico Spinto is a 2014 biographical drama film directed by Kim Sang-Man. The film depicts the life of the acclaimed South Korean tenor Bae Jae-Chul, focusing on his career, his diagnosis with thyroid cancer, and his subsequent efforts to return to the stage through rehabilitation.

The Tenor Lirico Spinto promotional poster — Promotional poster for The Tenor Lirico Spinto.

Production

The film is a co-production between South Korea and Japan. Principal photography commenced on May 3, 2012, and spanned approximately three months. Production took place in various locations, including Japan and Serbia. To prepare for the lead role, actor Yoo Ji-Tae underwent intensive vocal and physical training, practicing for four hours daily over a two-month period prior to the start of filming.

Cast

Yoo Ji-Tae as Bae Jae-Chul
Yusuke Iseya as Sawada
Cha Ye-Ryun as Yoon-Hee
Kie Kitano as Misaki
Jung Doo-Kyum as Judge in nightmare
Lee Yong-Lee as Bae Jae-Chul's mother
Seo Dong-Hyun as Young Bae Jae-Chul

Yusuke Iseya, who plays the role of Sawada.

Cha Ye-Ryun, who plays the role of Yoon-Hee.

Kie Kitano, who plays the role of Misaki.

Release and Reception

The film was screened at the 19th Busan International Film Festival in October 2014 as part of the 'Korean Cinema Today: Panorama' section. It was released theatrically in Japan on October 11, 2014, and in South Korea on December 31, 2014. At the 52nd Daejong Film Awards in 2015, the film received the award for Best Music.