Actor Choi Minsik shared his thoughts on playing the role previously portrayed by Robert De Niro in the film "The Intern," calling the comparison out of the question.
Attending the press and distribution preview for the movie "The Intern" held at Yongsan CGV in Seoul on the afternoon of the 4th, Choi Minsik addressed the high level of interest surrounding the project, saying, "From the moment I briefly hesitated about whether to take on this project, I expected this kind of reaction. Since the original work is so famous, I figured the media and the public would inevitably compare them."
He continued with a laugh, "I have no desire to compare myself with our De Niro, and I think it is even blasphemous to mention him."
Choi Minsik confessed that he is a fan of the original work, stating, "'The Intern' (2015), directed by Nancy Meyers, is such a wonderful film. I also watched it when it was released and received great healing from it."
In the Koreanized version of "The Intern," Choi Minsik plays Ki-ho, the senior intern originally played by Robert De Niro. Describing the character, Choi Minsik said, "I tried to act like water. Acting is all about action and reaction. Ki-ho enters a company called Ututu, and many actions are directed at him. I respond with reactions to the actions of various characters. Those combine to create this result."
Choi Minsik added, "No matter how wonderful the original work is, using it as a reference? That is like cheating by looking at the answer key during an exam. As a creator, that is out of the question and a matter of conscience. There was no such thing. I remember that before filming started, Director Kim Do-young and the actors gathered for drinks. We had intense discussions back then, deciding to just hold onto the fragrance of the original for a moment and then tell our own story from then on. That mindset carried through until crank-up."
He also did not hold back praise for his junior co-star Han So-hee. Choi Minsik said, "Anne Hathaway is a great actor. But Han So-hee has her own unique strengths. Seeing Han So-hee on the big screen today, I could see another Jules, a different Seon-woo."
He also picked a scene starring Han So-hee as a memorable highlight of the movie. Choi Minsik mentioned, "In the latter half of the film, there is a scene where Seon-woo talks about her own story at a bar. Han So-hee delivered those long lines exceptionally well. I was just listening, but it made me pay close attention. That scene stays in my memory until the very end."
"The Intern" depicts an office life that transcends generations and ranks, beginning when Ki-ho (Choi Minsik), a 37-year veteran silver intern, joins the company of Seon-woo (Han So-hee), who rapidly emerged as a dark horse in the fashion industry three years after launch. It is a remake of the Hollywood film of the same name released in 2015, which grossed more than five times its production budget and was loved by audiences worldwide. Choi Minsik plays the 37-year veteran intern role played by Robert De Niro in the original. Han So-hee portrays the rookie CEO played by Anne Hathaway in the original.
The film is scheduled to open in theaters on September 16.
〈Photo = Reporter Baek Seung-chul〉
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)