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[Apr-24-2008] HanCinema - Four stingy questions about Rain's Hollywood entrance
Top star Rain is starring in Hollywood blockbuster "Speed Racer", which cost 300 billion won ($US 300 million), and will reveal his face to the whole world. He plays a handsome character with a big part, not distorted because he's Asian.
Rain, who rose as a singer and actor in Korea, came close to being a world star after a world tour, including a performance in America. With this movie, he will establish a foundation. With his sincerity and effort, he came out earlier than expected. He also has the lead role for "Ninja Assassin", the next work of the Wachowski brothers, the directors of "Speed Racer". The directors did not hesitate to put Rain in the leading role of their big project, ten years in the making.
At this point, it's hard not to be curious about the chemistry between Rain and "Speed Racer". The answers come from the world premiere on the 18th and an interview with Rain. Of course, most of the answers are not disappointing.
Does Rain speak English well?
When Rain, who was born, raised, and worked in Korea, said he would come out in a Hollywood movie, everyone was doubtful about his English skills. Would he be able to show his talent when he had to focus on accomplishing his English lines?
But after the premiere, there were many in the audience who applauded Rain's natural recitation of his lines. There weren't any long and difficult lines, but there was no indication that it was his first English movie.
Rain said that the secret for these results were 'honestly'. He said, "From the beginning, I truthfully admitted that I was learning English and to tell me if I pronounced something wrong. My fellow actors also corrected my usage, and monitored my scenes especially with care".
His way of studying English is to talk to himself. He revealed, "It's become a habit to sit at a coffee shop and ask questions and answer them by myself. My English is still at a conversation level, but by next year, I hope to speak comfortable even in a formal setting".
Taejo Togokhan? Isn't he Japanese?
Asian roles in Hollywood movies are usually Japanese or Chinese. This movie was a remake of the Japanese comic "Mahha GoGoGo" and there was speculation that Rain's haracter Taejo Togokhan was Japanese. It's not a big problem of what nationality he is, but there was the desire that it would be known as a Korean.
The movie approached his nationality vaguely, and took a step back from the problem. Togokhan's father seems Chinese, and his younger sister seems Japanese. The company name at the office is in Korean. Rain's opinion greatly influenced the Korean in the movie. Rain took care of the problem by saying "Taejo Togokhan is just Asian American".
Easy to adjust to Hollywood actors and system?
He wasn't absolutely alone, but there were a lot of things he had to do alone in that unfamiliar place. Rain said he was worried at first. "It seemed Hollywood top stars wouldn't be as kind to Asians".
But the results were opposite. Rain was amazed at the set, directors, and actors, but he was determined not to make it obvious. So he had no NGs or faults. The actors were nice and they got along well.
Rain revealed his ability to adapt. "Almost everything was filmed with a green screen. It was embarrassing to stare into space and recite lines with nothing there, but after the second time, I got used to it and it was fun".
He also got along with the actors. "There is a scene where I punch Emile Hirsch. I still remember people monitoring in front of the camera and telling me that I did really well. And Susan Sarandon, who I liked when I was young, complimented my acting and it seemed like a dream. Later, she took a signed CD, saying that she saw my performance on YouTube. She sent a letter congratulating my Hollywood debut, and I have it safe at home".
"I watched 'Lost', 'Prison Break', and 'Entourage" to study English, and it was nice to meet Matthew Fox, the main character of 'Lost'. He is handsome, and I tried hard to get close to them".
As the directors, Rain, who didn't have a single NG, seemed to be a logical choice for their next work. Rain wanted to treat them to Korean food, and invited them to Korean restaurant in Berlin for bulgogi and kimchi. The Wachoski brothers then asked, "You work very hard. There's something we've been preparing for ten years. Do you want to do it?"
Rain said, "Sure. Who's the main character?" And the directors answered, "It's you". And so, "Ninja Assassin", filming from next month, will allow Rain to do the action and sad acting that he wanted.
Is there a big emphasis?
Taejo Togokhan is an important character who controls the main character's situation. He is not simply a sweet friend or an evil character, but a role whose mystery grows towards the end of the movie. Rain acted out scenes when he was angry, nervous about a competition, and cheering innocently.
Initially, the emphasis was small, but it grew with Rain's efforts. How hard he must have worked for the directors to expand his role. But if you know Rain's sincerity, it is easy to understand. Afraid that he would be pushed around by the actors, he didn't sleep right, wore the racing uniform in 35 degree Celsius weather, not asking for water or rest, and showed that 'Koreans are always like this'.
It is a custom for blockbusters, but there may be a third "Speed Racer", and Rain may have the opportunity to reveal the mystery behind Taejo Togokhan. He said, "I'm curious about some scenes toward the end. There seems to be something after that, but they won't tell me".
If anyone has been into the online game "Kart Rider" (Open the link), the movie will seem exciting. You can see Rain holding a steering wheel in the midst of great computer graphics on May 8.
(hancinema)
From: rain-america |
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发表于 2008-4-23 22:05
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