Cast
View AllKam Woo-sung
as Lieutenant Choi Tae-in
Son Byung-ho
as Sergeant Jin Chang-rok
Park Won-sang
as Sergeant Cook
Oh Tae-kyung
as Sergeant Jang Young-soo
Lee Sun-kyun
as Sergeant Park
Son Jin-ho
as Sergeant Oh
Moon Young-dong
as Corporal Byun
Jung Kyung-ho
as Corporal Lee Jae-pil
Kim Byung-chul
as Corporal Joh Byung-hoon
Gi Ju-bong
as Captain Park
Ahn Nae-sang
as Captain Kang
David Anselmo
as James
Crew
Director
- Kong Su-chang
Producer
- Kang-hyeok Choi
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Action/History/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. R-Point presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Kong Su-chang 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 2004, 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 R-Point took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 107 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 127 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 1100 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2004, when this film is released:
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While R-Point shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, R-Point subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Soldier and Universal Soldier explore similar territory, R-Point stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: August 13, 2004
- Runtime: 1h 47m