(From left) Sul Kyung-gu, Do Kyung-soo, Kim Hee-ae. Images: Courtesy of CJ ENM and Columbia Pictures Philippines
Many, especially those who have been consuming Korean content for quite some time, might be familiar with Do Kyung-soo, Sol Kyung-gu, and Kim Hee-ae’s acting prowess, but “The Moon” — which is dubbed as a film that kicks off its “space survival era” — banks on their ability to evoke various emotion amid its visual spectacle.
For starters, Hee-ae is a powerhouse actress in her own right with such popular dramas under her belt, such as “The World of the Married,” “Queenmaker,” and “Secret Affair.” Kyung-gu is an award-winning screen veteran in South Korea, where he’s best known for his lead roles in the films “Peppermint Candy” and “Oasis.”
Do Kyung-soo as Hwang Sun-woo. Image: Courtesy of CJ ENM and Columbia Pictures Philippines
Kyung-soo, on the other hand, is a singer-actor who built a dedicated fanbase through the years, but is seen as a triple treat for his singing, acting, and dancing skills. He’s also one of the main vocalists of South Korean-Chinese group EXO.
Putting them together in “The Moon” is an impressive feat for filmmaker Kim Yong-hwa, especially with their respective strengths. Hee-ae is known for her subtle yet impactful presence, Kyung-gu doesn’t hesitate to go all-in with his emotions, and Kyung-soo completely transforms into his character.
Sol Kyung-gu as Kim Jae-guk. Image: Courtesy of CJ ENM and Columbia Pictures Philippines
The space film takes viewers to 2029, where South Korea is determined to fulfill its second lunar exploration mission after a failed attempt five years ago — with flashbacks of how it connects to the present. What started as a lighthearted journey to the moon ended in tragedy as Lee Sang-won (Kim Rae-won) and Lee Yi-kyung (Cho Yoon-jong) were killed after a solar wind hit their already malfunctioned ship. Hwang Sun-woo (Do Kyung-soo), who was initially in a fit of tears, bravely forges on, despite Kim Jae-guk (Sol Kyung-gu) begging him to return home.
Despite the slow start, the film immediately built its storyline, through the alternating perspectives of Hwang and Kim, with both actors engaging in what appeared to be a sword-fight in terms of showing varying depths of pain. Yoon Moon-young (Kim Hee-ae) on the other hand, was introduced as the general director of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s space station and Kim’s ex-wife — who was the rightful airspace with her signature subtlety — although her role was crafted to stand as the movie’s final deliverer of heart-wrenching punches.
Kim Hee-ae as Yoon Moon-young. Image: Courtesy of CJ ENM and Columbia Pictures Philippines
Hwang’s desperate journey to return to Earth, despite his “great work,” became the film’s focal point, as Kyung-soo was tasked with the physically and mentally draining duty of showing emotional pain and getting brutally hurt, all while wearing a heavy spacesuit.
But while Kyung-soo’s fans will have overwhelming bouts of fear for him, his scenes of anguish mirror his undeniable dedication for his role, which he even noted during an interview with Marie Claire Korea for its August issue. “I do have the tendency to go until the end once I become sincere about one thing,” he said, which will be shown from his first appearance to his final scenes in the film. “I also have the tendency to do whatever it takes, especially if there are things I want to do.”
Meanwhile, Kyung-gu and Hee-ae, with their respective strengths, act as Kyung-soo’s much-needed wings to deliver the layers of internal torment in the film. Both actors, despite not sharing Kyung-soo’s physically draining task, dutifully showed commitment to their roles including the accurate use of science jargon.
Do Kyung-soo as Hwang Sun-woo. Image: Courtesy of CJ ENM and Columbia Pictures Philippines
The visually breathtaking film, which tapped into the signature gut-wrenching prowess South Korean movies and dramas are known for, appears to be in keeping with the director’s style of combining elements of visual and emotion — with Kyung-soo capturing desperation, grief, agony, numbness, anger, and innocence (in flashback scenes) all at once, as he rightfully seals his fate in a single English line: “Mayday, mayday, this is Hwang Sun-woo.”
Kim Yong-hwa’s use of frightening visual effects function as another overwhelming element — without taking focus away from the lead stars — in key scenes, including Hwang’s journey as he takes his first step into the moon and wholeheartedly fulfills his mission despite the odds.
Kim Hee-ae as Yoon Moon-young. Image: Courtesy of CJ ENM and Columbia Pictures Philippines
As some moments initially feel hauntingly familiar to the anguish of the 1998 film “Armageddon” starring Bruce Willis, Ben Affleck, and Liv Tyler, “The Moon” immediately shatters the similarities to the popular American space film. The film is far from perfect, but the combination of visuals and sharp acting among the leads smoothens the gritty parts to deepen their roles’ characters.
The astonishing visuals were meant to entice viewers to pay attention from beginning to end, but it was the electrifying performances of Kyung-soo, Kyung-gu, and Hee-ae that ultimately sealed the deal.
Contrary to Kyung-soo’s excitement of “expressing weightlessness with my body,” his journey as Hwang Sun-woo is filled with heaviness as he tries to prove himself as an astronaut who rightfully earned his place, just as the singer-actor proved himself to be a rightful representative of his country’s film.
Sol Kyung-gu as Kim Jae-guk. Image: Courtesy of CJ ENM and Columbia Pictures Philippines
“The Moon” will premiere in Philippine cinemas on Aug. 16.