Twenty (Korea)
Opening March. 25
Comedy. Directed by Lee Byung-hun
This coming-of-age film centers three close friends who are all turning 20 years old. Chi-ho (Kim Woo-bin) is jobless and has no specific plans in life, but is very popular around girls, while Dong-woo (Lee Jun-ho) dreams of becoming a comic artist. Kyung-jae (Kang Ha-neul) is smart concerning his schoolwork, but not so much when it comes to relationships.
Whiplash (U.S.)
Opened March. 12
Drama. Directed by Damien Chazelle
Based on the director’s real experience in his high school band, “Whiplash” is a story of a promising young drummer Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller), who enrolls at a prestigious music conservatory, aspiring to become one of the greatest drummers in the country. It is at the school where he meets the tyrannical jazz band conductor Terence Fletcher, played by J.K. Simmons, who won the award for Best Supporting Actor at this year’s Oscars for his role. Fletcher sees potential in Neiman and pushes him to excel.
Empire of Lust (Korea)
Opened March. 5
Drama. Directed by Ahn Sang-hoon
Set at the beginning of the Joseon era, “Empire of Lust” illustrates ill-fated love between a fearless general, Kim Min-jae (Shin Ha-kyun), and a courtesan named Ka-hee (Kang Han-na) — who at first approaches Min-jae to take revenge but ends up falling in love with him. Actor Jang Hyuk plays Minjae’s political rival Lee Bang-won, a well-known historic figure whose ascension to the throne was established through bloody coups against his potential rivals and enemies, including his own siblings. The film has been called the Korean version of Ang Lee’s “Lust, Caution” for its complex romantic plot and explicit sexuality.
Detective K: Secret of the Lost Island (Korea)
Opened Feb. 11
Comedy, Adventure. Directed by Kim Seok-yoon
This comedy, a sequel to the 2011 box office hit “Detective K: Secret of the Virtuous Widow,” is set in Korea during the 18th century and follows the genius detective Kim Min (Kim Myung-min) and his witty assistant Seo Pil (Oh Dal-su). The unlikely duo — a Joseon-era Holmes and Watson — becomes involved in a life-threatening case that involves counterfeit silver ingots and the possibility of child labor exploitation. Actress Lee Yeon-hee stars as the mysterious, elegant geisha Hisako.
Kingsman: The Secret Service (U.K., U.S.)
Opened Feb. 11
Action, Thriller. Directed by Matthew Vaughn
Based on Mark Millar’s eponymous comic book, the film centers on veteran secret agent Harry Hart (Colin Firth), who selects a young, troubled protege, Eggsy (Taron Egerton), to join his secret organization Kingsman and gives him a chance to become a spy. Samuel L. Jackson stars as the villain Mr. Valentine, who has a scheme to overthrow the world using SIM cards.
