A Streaming Revival for ‘Real’

Eight years after its initial release, the film Real, starring Kim Soo-hyun, is experiencing an unexpected resurgence in popularity on various Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms. As of today, the movie holds the 5th position in netflix’s “Today’s Top 10 movies” and ranks second in Coupang Play’s top 20 most popular films this week.This renewed interest comes after a controversial initial reception and relatively low box office numbers.

Plot Overview: Ambition and Intrigue in the Casino World

Released in 2017, Real delves into the shadowy world of Jang Tae-young, a casino boss facing the threat of losing his establishment, “Siesta,” to a dark loan shark, Jo Won-geun. Desperate to secure funding, Jang Tae-young seeks out an investor, leading him down a path of complex alliances and betrayals. The film is a neo-noir action thriller that explores themes of identity, ambition, and the corrupting influence of power.

Kim Soo-hyun’s Dual Role and Sully‘s Performance

Kim Soo-hyun takes on the challenging role of Jang Tae-young,portraying the character’s multifaceted personality and internal struggles. the film also features Sully as Song Yu-hwa,a rehabilitation therapist at a VVIP hospital where Jang Tae-young receives treatment. At the time of its release,the film heavily promoted Sully’s performance,particularly highlighting her willingness to take on a challenging role.

Controversy and Initial Reception

Despite a substantial production budget of ₩11.5 billion,Real faced harsh criticism upon its release,with many considering it one of the worst Korean films ever made. The film only managed to attract approximately 470,000 viewers in theaters, a significant disappointment given the investment and star power involved. The complex and often confusing narrative was a major point of contention for critics and audiences alike.

Re-examination and the Sully Controversy

The recent resurgence of Real has also brought renewed attention to the controversy surrounding Sully’s role, particularly the explicit scenes. Following Sully’s passing, discussions arose regarding the circumstances surrounding her involvement in the film, with some alleging that she was pressured into performing the scenes.These allegations prompted Kim Soo-hyun to address the issue, clarifying that the bed scene was part of the original script and that sully and her agency had reviewed and approved all content before she accepted the role.

Kim Soo-hyun explained that the role of Sully’s Song yu -hwa was a bed scene from the scenario, so when casting, the actor who was able to postpone was delayed, and Sulli and the agency at that time reviewed all the contents and decided to appear.

The Director’s Connection

Adding another layer of intrigue, Real was directed by Lee sarang (also known as Iobe), who is reportedly Kim Soo-hyun’s cousin. This familial connection further fueled interest in the film during its initial release, although it did little to mitigate the negative reviews.

streaming Success: A Second Chance?

The current success of Real on streaming platforms raises questions about the evolving landscape of film consumption and the potential for films to find new audiences long after thier theatrical runs. While the film’s initial reception was undeniably negative, its newfound popularity suggests that it may resonate with viewers in a diffrent way in the age of streaming. Whether this resurgence will lead to a re-evaluation of the film’s artistic merits remains to be seen.