Villain and Widow (2010 Film)
Villain and Widow (Korean: 이층의 악당; RR: Yicheungui Akdang) is a 2010 South Korean film directed and written by Son Jae-Gon. The film blends elements of comedy and thriller, focusing on the psychological tension between a struggling widow and her mysterious new tenant.
Plot
Hyun-Joo (Kim Hye-Soo) is a widow living a monotonous life with her middle school-aged daughter. Facing financial difficulties, she decides to rent out a room on the second floor of her home. She encounters Chang-In (Han Suk-Kyu), a man who introduces himself as a novelist. As the two begin living under the same roof, the film explores the growing suspicion and psychological warfare between them.
Production
The film was developed under the working title Villain and Wife. During the 2009 Pusan Promotion Plan, the project was selected for the Lotte Award, receiving $8,550 in funding. Principal photography occurred between June 3 and August 11, 2010. The final scene, which depicts a psychological confrontation between the two leads, was filmed at a model home in Il-San, South Korea.
Cast
- Kim Hye-Soo as Hyun-Joo
- Han Suk-Kyu as Chang-In
- Ji-Woo as Sang-Ah
- Kim Ki-Cheon as Sung-Sik
- Lee Yong-Nyeo as the next-door neighbor
- Dong-Ho as Hyun-Chul
- Lee Jang-Woo as Oh Soon-Kyung
- Uhm Ki-Joon as Co. President Ha
Release and Reception
Villain and Widow was released in South Korea on November 25, 2010. The film later had its international festival premiere at the 13th Udine Far East Film Festival in 2011.
