Actor Park Yoo-rim is set to undertake the most dramatic acting transformation of her career in the upcoming film "Tristes Tropiques."
"Tristes Tropiques" tells the story of members of the assassin organization "Tristes Tropiques" who grew up like brothers, only to vow bloody revenge amid growing suspicion of one another following the death of their Master. Directed by Park Hoon-jung, known for films such as "New World" and "The Witch" series, the film stars Lee Shin-young, Park Yoo-rim, and Kim Myung-min.
Park Yoo-rim previously gained international recognition for her delicate sign-language performance in the film "Drive My Car," leaving a deep impression on movie lovers worldwide and attending the Academy Awards. Since then, she has showcased her stable acting abilities across various projects, including the drama "Miraculous Brothers," the film "Ballerina," and the play "The Cherry Orchard". In director Park Hoon-jung's new film "Tristes Tropiques," she signals a radical transformation as she takes on the role of an assassin.
Park portrays Jojo, an inscrutable and unpredictable killer who, unlike the other members, joined the organization on her own as a child and blindly follows its absolute ruler, "Sabu" (played by Kim Myung-min). To fully embody Jojo, who dispatches targets with cold calculation, Park underwent intense preparation. In line with her character's use of the Japanese language, she practiced repeatedly with a Japanese tutor prior to filming. To grow accustomed to the heavy weight of firearms and the loud sound of gunfire, she also practiced her stance continuously in front of a mirror, mastering a ruthless gun action performance.
Park shared her thoughts, saying, "Taking on a new challenge and acting with such a wide range of emotions brought me immense joy as an actor." She added with confidence, "Unlike the other characters, Jojo rarely reveals her emotions and keeps them completely concealed, which will serve as another key point to watch in the film".
Praise from the production crew has also followed, highlighting director Park Hoon-jung's sharp eye for spotting the essence of Jojo in Park's everyday appearance. Cinematographer Kim Young-ho lauded her performance, stating, "Her anxiety, honesty, and striking gaze were Jojo personified. Behind her sorrowful, vacant gaze was an underlying tension that felt as though it could explode at any second. It was the best casting choice!" His words have further elevated anticipation for the character.
Park Yoo-rim's new performance can be seen in the film "Tristes Tropiques," which premieres in theaters on November 25.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)