Cast
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Kim Myung-min
as Joo Man-ho
Go Ara
as Yu Ji-won
Ahn Sung-ki
as Park Sung-il
Jo Hee-bong
as Jong-soo
Choi Tae-joon
as Min Yun-gi
Choi Jae-woong
as Joo Sung-ho
Lee Yool
as Gyeong-sun
Abu Dodd
as Bong-Jo
Lee El
as Dr. Choi
Lee Yu-ha
as Sung-ho's wife
Jo Young-jin
as Director
Kwak Jin-seok
as Wooyuki
Kwak Ja-hyung
as Loan shark
Park Seong-taek
as Coach
Sung Tae-joon
as Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff
Crew
Director
- Kim Dal-joong
Producer
- Yoon Ki-ho
- Kim Young-min
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Pacemaker examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Kim Dal-joong 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2012, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Pacemaker took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 124 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 182 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1057 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 376 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2012, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Pacemaker shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike How Old Are You, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Pacemaker subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like See How She Runs and Swimming Instructor explore similar territory, Pacemaker stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 18, 2012
- Runtime: 2h 4m
