Cast
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Son Hyun-joo
as Go Dong-ho
Uhm Ji-won
as Jo Yeon-soo
Bae Sung-woo
as Do Jae-hyeon
Roh Jeong-eui
as Go Kyeong-rim
Jang In-sub
as Department Head Kim
Jo Dal-hwan
as Kim Gyoo-soo
Lee Cheol-min
as Son Seok-ho
Hwang Seok-jeong
as Seo Gwang-hyeon
Hwang Bo-ra
as Kim Hye-jin
Kim Jong-goo
as Park Se-moon
Kim Ki-cheon
as Dispatch Captain
Seo Byeong-cheol
as Seocho Police Station Detective
Anupam Tripathi
as Charles
Jung Jong-woo
as Manspreader
Crew
Director
- Kim Bong-joo
Producer
- Kim Jeong-hoon
- Kim Jeong-hwan
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Thriller/Action/Mystery film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, The Phone distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Kim Bong-joo 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 2015, 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 The Phone took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 115 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 167 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 389 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2015, 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 The Phone shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Rosemary's Baby, which focuses more on action than character development, The Phone offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Dune and The Assassination of Richard Nixon explore similar territory, The Phone 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: October 22, 2015
- Runtime: 1h 55m
