Peninsula Entertainment started from Reply 1988

Chapter 411 Broker Script

“Oh? And about Jieun?”

It's normal that Song Kanghao asked me to act with him.

But even the role of his wife was arranged, which surprised Jin Qixuan.

Moreover, a script that Song Kang-ho says is quite suitable must be extraordinary!
Hearing herself being mentioned, Lee Ji-eun put down the book and turned to look at Kim Ki-hyeon.

The latter nodded to him, then turned on the speakerphone.

"Yes, I got this script by chance. It's a new work by director Hirokazu Koreeda."

Hirokazu Koreeda is one of the most influential directors in Japan.

"Still Walking", "Like Father, Like Son", "Shoplifters" and "Nobody Knows" are all his works.

Among them, "Shoplifters" defeated Lee Chang-dong's "Burning", Jia Zhangke's "Ash Is Purest White", and a number of veteran European directors to win the Palme d'Or at the 18 Cannes Film Festival!
Jin Qixuan also had the honor of meeting this director several times at the Cannes Film Festival.

“Is this movie a mix of Japanese and Korean actors?”

"No, they are all actors from our Peninsula, and it was invested and distributed by CJ."

"what??"

No wonder Jin Qixuan was confused.
This phenomenon can be understood as Huayi Brothers invites Lee Chang-dong to make a movie, and then all the actors on the screen are Chinese actors.

Yes, but it is uncommon.

"It's not hard to understand, just like we are all portraying different characters all the time."

On the other end of the phone, Song Kanghao explained:
"Director Hirokazu Koreeda's works have already formed a certain style and characteristics, and he also needs breakthroughs and innovations. This time, making a film in a non-native language is also an attempt for him to expand the international market and creative field."

"Also, although this film is invested by CJ, it is produced by the Bunfuku Production Team founded by director Hirokazu Koreeda himself. CJ is only responsible for investment and distribution and will not interfere in the filming."

"The script is also adapted from the real situation on the peninsula, not just a pay-to-win job."

"I understand."

Jin Qixuan nodded and then asked, "What is this movie about?"

“The main plot revolves around a company that operates a baby storage box. The second female lead regrets placing the baby in the abandoned baby storage box, but the baby has been taken away by two brokers who are trying to find a buyer. Although the second female lead sees through their intentions, she joins them. In the process, the first female lead, who is a criminal police officer, also quietly intervenes. The group develops a complicated emotional entanglement, which is also mixed with issues such as human nature, society, and family.”

"Why does it sound similar to Shoplifters?"

"It's almost the same. After all, they are both directed by Hirokazu Koreeda."

Jin Qixuan frowned slightly and said:
"But isn't the subject of child trafficking too sensitive?"

“This is just an introduction. The theme is still the emotional bond between people and the connection between people and society.”

“Oh, then who do I play and who do Jieun play?”

“You play Dongsu and Ji-eun plays Soo-young.”

"..."

Who is Dongxiu and who is Suying?
"I have sent the script to your email. Please take a look at it first. I think you will like it. By the way, the character of Ji Eun was created by the director after he watched My Mister. In a sense, it can be regarded as a true portrayal of her."

Hearing this, Li Zhien's eyes widened and she pointed at herself in disbelief.

"I?"

"what about me?"

"I recommended you."

"what……"

Jin Qixuan understood.

It is estimated that Song Kang-ho wants to use this drama to wipe out the "shame" of losing to Kim Ki-hyun in the Grand Bell Awards for Best Actor last year.

Judging from his concise narration, there should be no hierarchy between the two male characters in this play, and they can both be the protagonists if they perform well.

Just like in "New World" the male lead was Lee Jung-jae, but in the end the Best Actor award went to Hwang Jung-min.

Just like in "Parasite", Kim Kye-hyun's interpretation and completion of the role of Kim Ki-woo were very high, and his cooperation and tacit understanding with other actors were also very good.

He was fully qualified to be nominated for Best Actor, but it was Song Kang-ho who was nominated.

"Okay, let's leave it at that for now. You guys take a look at the script first and call me back after you finish reading it."

"I'll take a look."

"it is good."

After saying that, Song Kanghao hung up the phone.

"Honey, we are going to make a movie together again~"

"Uh, let me read the script first."

"Honey, I want to act."

Seeing this, Lee Ji-eun turned into a human-shaped pendant and hung on Kim Ki-hyeon.

"You can act if you want to. No one is stopping you."

"But if I act, then you have to act too, okay~"

"I know that, but you have to let me see the script too!"

As he spoke, Jin Qixuan carried Li Zhien to the study, turned on the computer, and downloaded a PDF script called "Broker" from the mailbox.

Director Hirokazu Koreeda began conceiving of this script in 18, after "Shoplifters", and only started filming materials in Peninsula this year.

Since the film was invested in by Peninsula, the script was written in Korean and there was no language barrier.

At the very beginning of the script is the character introduction.

Role: Dongxiu
Background information: An orphan who grew up in a nursery and longs for family affection and a sense of belonging.

Occupation: I work in an institution that manages baby shelters, and I come into contact with babies abandoned by their parents every day.

Personality: Cold on the outside, warm on the inside, cautious and responsible.

Story experience: Involved in baby trading - emotional transformation - self-redemption.

Important items: A worn diary (recording his experience growing up in the nursery and a testimony to his longing for family affection).

Interpersonal relationships: He has an ambiguous relationship with Soo-young, is both a teacher and a friend to Sang-hyun, and is in an antagonistic relationship with Soo-jin.

"Let me see my role!"

As she spoke, Lee Ji-eun gained control of the mouse and scrolled down.

Role: So Young

Background information: She ran away from home early and was forced to work in an ignominious profession at the bottom of society. An unfortunate encounter made her pregnant with a gang member's child, and she accidentally killed the gang member during an argument.

Personality: Strong on the outside, fragile on the inside, brave and decisive.

Story experience: abandoning a child - being involved in a baby selling incident - emotional transformation - self-redemption.

Important items: A worn-out backpack (containing all her belongings, a switchblade, and a pair of baby shoes).

Interpersonal relationships: The relationship with Dongxiu went from suspicion to a special feeling in the end, the relationship with Sangxian went from suspicion to gratitude, and the relationship with Xiuzhen went from opposition to special mutual assistance.

"Your character is a bit sad, and has some shadows of Li Zhian."

"The best is to be safe. She just has a rough fate."

Li Zhien bumped Jin Qixuan with the back of her head and said unhappily, "Didn't you see it?"

"I watched it! Have you forgotten? I was filming "The Villain" when it premiered, and I even video-called you and Uncle Ma in the evening!"

"Oh yes……"

Li Zhien recalled it briefly and smiled innocently.

"Okay, let's read the script first."

"Ah."

After a while, the two of them read the script roughly and understood the general plot. As for why they didn't read it carefully, it was because the script had not been polished yet, only the story structure was available.

"Honey, what do you think?"

"Not bad, but the role is a bit bland. In short, there aren't many explosive scenes, so it's not easy to perform well."

The story content of this script also incorporates the consistent style of director Hirokazu Koreeda's works.

The rhythm is slow, the plot is simple, close to reality, reflects life, resonates with the audience, and then makes the audience cry.

If nothing unexpected happens, this film will definitely be shortlisted in the competition unit of the future Cannes Film Festival.

As for whether it can win the Palme d'Or again, it depends on the jury and competing films that year.

"Although there are few explosive scenes, the performances are still very good. Moreover, this kind of movie is the easiest to win awards."

"You value awards, I value box office. After all, movies are also commodities, and they are meant to help investors make money."

Just by looking at the story, Jin Qixuan knew that "The Broker" was an art film narrated in a leisurely manner.

The only thing that can be called a commercial element is the cast and CJ investment.

This kind of art film has always been well-received but not popular at the box office in Peninsular China.

Moreover, this movie did not bring much to Jin Qixuan's career.

He had already filmed an art film directed by Lee Chang-dong last year, and now he has won some awards.

Therefore, this role actually has no appeal to Jin Qixuan.

“Art is the core of film!”

“Art that no one sees can only be called self-entertainment.”

"You! Humph!"

Li Zhien was speechless for a moment and pouted angrily.

Seeing this, Jin Qixuan rubbed his forehead helplessly and said, "The main reason is that my schedule may not be available."

His only work goal for the second half of this year is the filming of "Squid Game".

But now that the epidemic is raging, no one knows when the filming can start, or whether the epidemic will recur during the filming.

Therefore, Jin Qixuan didn't dare to put other work on the agenda at all.

Unless the script of "The Broker" is good enough to make Jin Qixuan give up everything and shoot it.

But unfortunately, this is not possible yet.

"Honey, didn't you only take on 'Squid Game' in the second half of the year? You should have a schedule."

"It's the epidemic, silly girl."

Jin Qixuan knocked her head helplessly.

"Oh yes……"

Li Zhien covered her forehead and thought for a while, then said: "Then you can ask Senior Song when the filming will start, and then decide!"

"Too."

After saying that, Jin Qixuan took Li Zhien to the living room again, picked up his phone and called Song Kanghao back.

"How about it? The script is good, isn't it?"

"Yeah, not bad, the character is also fine, a very classic Hirokazu Koreeda-style little guy."

"Then will you answer it?"

"I don't dare to take on any roles right now. I don't know when Squidward can start filming. As you know, the current epidemic is very serious."

Hearing this, Song Kanghao was silent for a moment and said:
"That's right. No one can predict the future right now. How about this? I'll ask the director when he expects the filming to start. Then, you decide?"

"Okay, I'll trouble you, Senior."

"fine."

In less than five minutes, Song Kanghao called again.

"I asked, and the director said that the expected filming will start in April next year, with four weeks of filming in Seoul, three weeks in Busan, two weeks in Daegu, and two weeks in Suwon. The filming period is about three months."

"Next April..."

It is already mid-April. Theoretically, given half a year for epidemic control, it is more than enough to shoot nine episodes of "Squidward Idol" within six months.

But, nothing is absolute, so it is better to be safe than sorry.

Feeling that his arm was being shaken by Li Zhien, Jin Qixuan gently patted her slender hand and said:
"I'm willing to take it, but I have to make it clear in advance. If the filming period of "Squid Game" is extended due to the epidemic, I'm afraid I will have to compete with other projects."

"It should be fine. The director should understand. After all, in this situation, no one can say what the future will be like. By the way, what does Jieun say?"

"she?"

Jin Qixuan glanced at Li Zhien who was full of admiration, pinched her face lovingly, and said with a smile:

"She was so happy when she heard that she could act with her senior."

"Hahaha, that's settled. I'll tell the director first, and we'll meet up later, have a meal, and talk about it in detail."

"Okay, senior."

After hanging up the phone, Lee Ji-eun suddenly hugged Kim Ki-hyeon's neck and pecked him hard on the lips.

"Are you so happy?"

"Of course!"

It has nothing to do with future development or anything like that. The main reason is that Lee Ji-eun is very happy that her schedule overlaps with Kim Ki-hyeon's, so she can avoid the pain of missing him.

"Hey, husband, how do you think I should get the feeling of being a single mother?"

"Do you want to go the experiential or methodological route?"

"What do the experientialists say? Give birth to one child?"

Three black lines instantly appeared on Jin Qixuan's forehead:

"Uh, no, it's not too early to have a baby now! How come you've become stupid before you're even pregnant?"

"Damn it, I'm not stupid! So what do I do?"

Li Zhien raised her little pink fist and hit Jin Qixuan's chest coquettishly.

"Well, of course it's to restore the character's experience. Isn't the character of Suying a girl who makes a living by selling her body? Then you wear different pajamas every day to serve me, and I give you a meal at a time. Until finally you can't stand the abuse and "kill" me. You have no food to eat, and you are being hunted. At this time, you are still pregnant, and you have no choice but to give birth to the child in the bathroom, and then abandon it in the baby shelter. Afterwards, you feel a little regretful, but you don't have the ability and capital to take care of the child. Isn't this a complete experience of the role."

"Haha, I want to divorce you!"

"Method school, let's go with the method school!"

The path of the experiential school has been completely wiped out, and Lee Ji-eun began to ask about the methodological school's learning method.

“Of course, I analyzed the role from a professional perspective and then presented it perfectly.”

"That's the same as not saying anything."

IU rolled her eyes. She knew that the Method School used professional techniques and past experience and emotions to interpret the characters.

However, she has no experience as a mother after all, and has zero emotional experience in this area, and she doesn't know how to build up her mentality.

"Watch the movie. If you watch a movie directed by Hirokazu Koreeda, you naturally have to watch his works. The movie Shoplifters can help you better understand the director's way of portraying the emotions of the lower-class characters, and how to interpret the feeling of struggling in difficult situations and longing for warmth."

"Also, the emotional changes of the characters in the movie Nobody Knows are of great reference value to you. It will help you better understand the pain and helplessness that Suying felt as a mother when she abandoned her child."

“There is also a movie about fighting child trafficking called ‘Dear’, which will give you some inspiration on the whole process of child trafficking.”

"Of course, if you have time, you can go to the abandoned baby protection warehouse."

Abandoned baby protection chambers really exist on the peninsula.

However, with the legalization of abortion announced in the Constitution, the number of abandoned baby shelters has decreased year by year, and today there are only two in operation.

(End of this chapter)