DirectorWoo Min-hotried three times before he managed to convince Hyun to take on the leading role.
Woo understood Hyuns hesitation, given the magnitude of Ahns stature in Korean history.
I knew that playing Ahn wouldnt be an easy task and it took a lot of courage.
Hyun Bin stars in ‘Harbin.‘Courtesy of TIFF
The film had its world premiere in theTorontoInternational Film Festivals Gala Presentations section on September 8.
The film is set in the early 1900s, whenKoreais forced by Japan to sign the Eulsa Treaty.
Korea loses its diplomatic rights and becomes a Japanese colony.
By 1909, whenHarbinbegins, Koreas Righteous Army militia launches a campaign of armed resistance against the Japanese.
Ahn later heads an operation to assassinate Ito Hirobumi, the first Japanese Resident-General of Korea.
However, a spontaneous trip to a bookstore ended up changing Woos mind.
While waiting for his mother at a medical appointment, Woo decided to venture to a bookshop nearby.
It was about Ahn Jung-geun.
Harbinwas filmed across Korea (including Mudeung mountain in Gwangju), as well as Mongolia and Latvia.
The film was lensed byParasitecinematographer Hong Kyeong-pyo.
Woo added: We went to different locations and into natures vastness to shoot the film.
We wanted to portray that as much as possible on the screen.
It was harsh but there was a sense of sacredness as well.
Alejandro G. Inarritus 2015 filmThe Revenantalso featured as a major source of inspiration for both Hyun and Woo.
He also read Ahns autobiography, the letters that he wrote in prison and Ahns East Asia Peace Thesis.
Tojiis a book set in those times, Woo said.
While Ahn is a well-known figure in Korea, foreigners may not know who he is, Woo said.
Even if they dont know Ahn Jung-geun, everyone will understand this concept.
