Count (2023 film)
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| Count | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Hangul | 카운트 |
| Revised Romanization | Kaunteu |
| Directed by | Kwon Hyuk-jae |
| Written by | Kim Jin-ah Hong Chang-pyo |
| Produced by | Kim Jeong-min Cha Sang-min |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Lee Seong-jae |
| Edited by | Lee Kang-hee |
| Music by | Lee Jin-hee |
Production companies | Filmmaker R & K 26 Company |
| Distributed by | CJ Entertainment |
Release date |
|
Running time | 109 minutes |
| Country | South Korea |
| Language | Korean |
| Box office | US$2.9 million[1] |
Count (Korean: 카운트; RR: Kaunteu) is a 2023 South Korean comedy-drama film directed by Kwon Hyuk-jae. Based on former boxer Park Si-hun, it stars Jin Seon-kyu as Park, along with Sung Yoo-bin, Oh Na-ra, Ko Chang-seok, Jang Dong-joo, Ko Kyu-pil, and Kim Min-ho. The film was theatrically released on February 22, 2023.[2]
Plot
[edit]In 1988, Si-hun won an Olympic gold medal. But now, in 1998, he lives an ordinary life as a high school teacher. Since retiring from boxing, all that remains is his stubbornness, and his relentless "my way" attitude frustrates everyone around him.
One day, at a boxing tournament he attends by chance, Si-hun witnesses a talented young boxer, Yoon-woo, unfairly forced to forfeit due to match fixing. Outraged by the injustice, Si-hun decides to form a boxing club at his school. Despite fierce opposition from his wife Il-seon and persistent discouragement from the school principal, Si-hun presses on. He takes under his wing the fiery and determined Yoon-woo, along with two unexpected recruits, Hwan-joo and Bok-an, who have no idea what they've gotten themselves into. Together, they embark on an intense and unpredictable training journey.
Cast
[edit]- Jin Seon-kyu as Park Si-hun
- Sung Yoo-bin as Yoon-woo
- Oh Na-ra as Il-seonk[3]
- Ko Chang-seok as Principal
- Jang Dong-joo as Hwan-ju
- Ko Kyu-pil as Man-deok
- Kim Min-ho as Bok-an
- Lee Hong-nae as Dong-soo
- Cha Soon-bae as Association President
- Choi Woo-hyuk as Byung-wook[4]
- Park Sung-geun as Chairman of the Korean Sports Council
Production
[edit]Background
[edit]Count was inspired by real-life events surrounding former Olympic boxer Park Si-hun, who won a controversial gold medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. The film follows a retired boxer turned high school teacher who mentors troubled students while confronting his past. Jin Seon-kyu, in his first lead role, was drawn to the film due to its setting in his hometown, Jinhae.[5] He had been practicing boxing for ten years before taking on the role, which helped him prepare for the character. To further enhance his performance, he underwent additional boxing training near the filming location.[6]
Filming
[edit]Count was filmed in Jinhae, a district of Changwon, South Korea, known for its naval base and cultural heritage.[5] The film captures the local dialect and traditions, including the distinct linguistic differences between Jinhae and nearby cities like Busan. Jin noted that while Jinhae is part of the Gyeongsangnam-do province, its dialect differs from Busan's, leading to minor linguistic adjustments during production.
Themes
[edit]Count explores themes of resilience and personal growth, drawing parallels between the protagonist's struggles and the broader societal challenges of the time. It also touches on Korea's evolving sports culture and the moral dilemmas athletes face in pursuit of victory. The 1988 Seoul Olympics, a significant moment in Korean sports history, serves as a backdrop for the protagonist's past and influences his mentorship style.
Count also indirectly critiques the controversial aspects of Olympic judging and fairness in sports, referencing real-life debates surrounding Park Si-hun's gold medal victory.[7]
Release
[edit]Count was released theatrically on February 22, 2023.[2]
Home media
[edit]The film was made available for streaming on September 16, 2023 through tvN Movies under the title Countdown.[8]
References
[edit]- ^ "KOFIC, KOBIS (Korean Box Office Information System) The Box office: Korean films of 2023". KOFIC. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
- ^ a b Lee Bok-hyun (January 19, 2023). "'카운트' 2월 개봉…티저포스터 공개" ['Count' to be released in February... Teaser poster released]. NSP News Agency (in Korean). Retrieved May 30, 2023.
- ^ Yoo Soo-yeon (January 30, 2023). "'카운트' 진선규→오나라 '케미 맛집' 훈훈 현장…지금 딱 필요한 영화 [종합]" ['Count' Jin Seon-gyu → Oh Na-ra 'Chemistry Restaurant' Warm Scene... The Movie We Need Right Now [Comprehensive]]. Osen (in Korean). Retrieved March 5, 2025.
- ^ Kim Mi-hwa (July 1, 2020). "최우혁 , '카운트' 출연..진선규X성유빈과 호흡 [공식]" [Choi Woo-hyuk, 'Count' appearance.. Working with Jin Seon-gyu X Sung Yu-bin [Official]]. Star News (in Korean). Retrieved March 5, 2025.
- ^ a b Jang A-reum (January 30, 2023). "'카운트' 진선규 "이 영화는 내 영화…주연작 떨리고 부담돼"(종합) [N현장]" ['Count' Jin Seon-gyu "This movie is my movie... I'm nervous and burdened by the lead role" (Comprehensive) [N Field]]. News1 (in Korean). Retrieved March 5, 2025.
- ^ Lee Won (February 23, 2023). "20년 만에 첫 단독 주연…부조리한 세상에 날린 어퍼컷" [First solo lead role in 20 years… An uppercut to the absurd world]. Kookje (in Korean). Retrieved March 5, 2025.
- ^ Nam Su-hyeon (March 1, 2023). "금메달 따고도 '국민 망신' 비난…"35년 응어리, 영화가 풀어줬다"" [Even after winning the gold medal, criticized as a 'national disgrace'… "35 years of pent-up anger, the movie solved it"]. JoongAng Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved March 5, 2025.
- ^ "Countdown". CJ ENM Ocean. Retrieved 29 July 2024.