Set against the backdrop of high-stakes tension, “Escape” is a riveting narrative that follows the life-or-death pursuit between Kyu Nam, a North Korean soldier trying to secure his future through escape, and Major Hyun Sang of the State Security Department, relentless in his mission to maintain the status quo.
Newly published still cuts on June 10th spotlight the North Korean soldier Kyu Nam, portrayed by Lee Je-hoon, who is seen embarking on a grueling journey of escape. His desperate dashes through rough terrain, battling against tough climates and navigating through swamps stimulate curiosity regarding the storyline of his urgent flight.
Lee Je-hoon comments on the challenge of embodying Kyu Nam, “I foresaw this as an extraordinary test of my physicalities. My level of commitment to this role was unparalleled when compared to my previous works.” He indeed pushed his body to the brink in order to authentically portray Kyu Nam’s arduous journey.
To fittingly represent Gyu-nam, Lee Je-hoon underwent a transformation to appear leaner. He reflected, “You’ll see my silhouette in its entirety for the first time. Despite the brevity of the scene, presenting Gyu-nam’s lived experience felt significant. I dedicated considerable thought on how to express Gyu-nam’s trials through a physical transformation,” underlining his unwavering dedication to the performance.
Lee Je-hoon also encountered the demanding task of executing authentic running sequences, pivotal to the essence of the storyline about a character’s escape. Reportedly, he ran to the point of breathlessness and numbness in his legs to ensure each shot was captured with excellence. Lee Je-hoon shared, “While running, I thought, ‘If I can’t surpass my limits, I will be caught, and the viewers will disengage.’ That’s why my running had to convey real desperation.”
The film’s director, Lee Jong-pil, expressed deep appreciation for Lee Je-hoon’s efforts and praised his performance, “Revisiting the footage, I could truly appreciate his determination. His vitality throughout was a joy to witness,” teasing audiences about what’s in store from Lee Je-hoon’s portrayal.
Lee Je-hoon further revealed his profound connection to the film, stating, “Throughout this project, I pondered on how to depict someone who perseveres in spite of dire circumstances. I was daily consumed by the theme of desperation, reminding myself that ‘Escape’ might be my last endeavor. Thus, I deeply immersed myself in the story, maintaining that mindset throughout filming.”
Expectations are high as “Escape” is set to debut in cinemas on July 3rd.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the movie “Escape” about?
“Escape” is a dramatic film narrating the intense chase between a North Korean defector and a State Security Department official.
Who stars in the movie “Escape”?
Lee Je-hoon plays the protagonist, a North Korean soldier named Kyu Nam, who is attempting a daring escape.
What inspired Lee Je-hoon’s performance in “Escape”?
Lee Je-hoon sought to authentically depict a man’s fight for survival in extreme conditions and approached the project as if it might be his last performance.
When will “Escape” be released?
“Escape” is scheduled to premiere in theaters on July 3rd.
Did Lee Je-hoon undergo any physical changes for his role in “Escape”?
Yes, Lee Je-hoon slimmed down significantly to portray the physical toll of his character’s journey in “Escape.”
