Cast
View All
Shin Ha-kyun
as Lee Byeong-gu
Baek Yoon-sik
as Kang Man-shik
Hwang Jeong-min
as Su-ni
Lee Jae-yong
as Inspector Choo
Lee Joo-hyun
as Detective Kim
Gi Ju-bong
as Squad Leader Lee
Kim Dong-hyun
as Tae-sik
Kim Kwang-shik
as Detective Seo
Won Woong-jae
as Detective Jang
Ye Su-jeong
as Mother
Jeong Bo-hun
as Ji-won
Kim Roi-ha
as Jailer
Son Jin-hwan
as Factory Manager
Park Sung-min
as Adam
Son Jong-hwan
as Su-ni's Father
Crew
Director
- Jang Joon-hwan
Producer
- Tcha Sung-jai
- Kim Sun-ah
- Noh Jong-yun
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a science fiction narrative, Save the Green Planet! explores potential technological and societal futures, raising important questions about humanity's place in the universe and our evolutionary trajectory. The film stands apart from other sci-fi works by presenting a vision that is both thought-provoking and visually distinctive.
Director Jang Joon-hwan brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2003, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Save the Green Planet! took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $3.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 118 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 178 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 316 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2003, when this film is released:
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Save the Green Planet! shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Toscana, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Save the Green Planet! subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Border and The Sugarland Express explore similar territory, Save the Green Planet! stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 4, 2003
- Runtime: 1h 58m
- Budget: $3,000,000
