Fabricated City
In the 2017 South Korean action-thriller "Fabricated City," Ji Chang-wook portrays Kwon Yoo, an unemployed gamer renowned in the virtual realm as an exceptional leader. His life takes a drastic turn when he's wrongfully accused of a heinous crime—the murder of a young woman. Overwhelming evidence, including his fingerprints and DNA at the crime scene, leads to a swift conviction and a life sentence in a maximum-security prison. While incarcerated, Kwon Yoo endures brutal treatment from fellow inmates, notably the gang leader Ma Deok-soo, played by Kim Sang-ho. The emotional toll deepens with the tragic news of his mother's suicide. Determined to prove his innocence, Kwon Yoo orchestrates a daring escape from prison, initiating a nationwide manhunt. Seeking answers, he reconnects with his online gaming allies, including the skilled hacker Yeo-wool, portrayed by Shim Eun-kyung. Together, they uncover a complex conspiracy orchestrated by the manipulative attorney Min Chun-sang, played by Oh Jung-se. This nefarious scheme involves framing innocent individuals for crimes committed by the privileged elite. "Fabricated City" delves into themes of justice, the abuse of power, and the blurred lines between virtual and real worlds. The film showcases Ji Chang-wook's dynamic performance and features intense action sequences, keeping audiences engaged as Kwon Yoo and his team race against time to expose the truth and restore his freedom.
Details
🌎 Also Known As: Fabricated City
🎭 Genres: Action, Thriller, Crime
🏷 Tags: Suspense, Hacker Female Lead, Wrongfully Accused, Video Game Elements, Teamwork
✍ Screenwriters: Park Kwang-hyun, Oh Sang-ho
🎬 Director: Park Kwang-hyun
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Release Date: February 9, 2017
📺 Original Network: N/A
⏰ Duration: 126 minutes
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older
Best Scenes
Kwon Yoo’s Prison Escape: A high-octane sequence where Kwon Yoo, portrayed by Ji Chang-wook, executes a daring escape from a maximum-security prison, showcasing intense action choreography.
Yeo-wool’s Hacking Mastery: Shim Eun-kyung’s character, Yeo-wool, demonstrates her exceptional hacking skills in a pivotal scene, infiltrating a secure network to uncover critical evidence.
Final Confrontation: The climactic showdown between Kwon Yoo and the antagonist Min Cheon-sang, played by Oh Jung-se, delivers a gripping blend of action and suspense.
Team Resurrection’s Assembly: A memorable moment when Kwon Yoo’s gaming teammates unite in real life, highlighting themes of camaraderie and teamwork.
Virtual Reality Battle: The opening scene blurs the lines between gaming and reality, immersing viewers in a visually stunning virtual combat scenario.
Filming Locations
Seoul’s Urban Landscape: The film utilizes various locations across Seoul, capturing the city’s dynamic urban environment.
Incheon Port: Key action scenes were filmed at Incheon Port, providing a gritty, industrial backdrop that enhances the film’s intense atmosphere.
Namhansanseong Fortress: The historic fortress serves as a unique setting for certain sequences, adding depth to the film’s visual narrative.
Digital Media City: This high-tech district in Seoul was used to depict the modern, digital aspects of the storyline.
Abandoned Warehouses: Several action scenes were shot in deserted warehouses, contributing to the film’s dark and suspenseful tone.
Visual Design and Costumes
Virtual Reality Aesthetics: The film employs cutting-edge CGI to create immersive virtual environments, enhancing the gaming sequences’ realism.
Distinctive Character Costumes: Each character’s attire reflects their personality and role, from Kwon Yoo’s casual gamer look to Yeo-wool’s tech-savvy hacker style.
Dynamic Camera Work: Innovative cinematography techniques are used to seamlessly transition between virtual and real worlds, maintaining narrative fluidity.
High-Tech Gadgets: The inclusion of advanced technological props underscores the film’s themes of cyber warfare and digital manipulation.
Urban Color Palette: A muted, urban color scheme dominates the film, reflecting the gritty, high-stakes environment the characters navigate.
Themes and Messages
Reality vs. Virtuality: The film explores the blurred boundaries between the digital gaming world and real life, questioning perceptions of reality.
Justice and Redemption: Kwon Yoo’s journey highlights the pursuit of justice and personal redemption against systemic corruption.
Power of Unity: The collaboration of Kwon Yoo’s gaming team in real life emphasizes the strength found in unity and teamwork.
Misuse of Technology: The narrative delves into how technology can be exploited for malicious purposes, serving as a cautionary tale.
Social Isolation: Kwon Yoo’s initial detachment from society reflects themes of isolation prevalent among avid gamers.
Interesting Facts
Box Office Achievement: “Fabricated City” topped the South Korean box office upon its release, attracting over 2 million viewers in its first two weeks.
Directorial Return: This film marks director Park Kwang-hyun’s return to cinema after a 12-year hiatus following his acclaimed film “Welcome to Dongmakgol.”
Ji Chang-wook’s Film Debut: Known for his television roles, Ji Chang-wook made his feature film debut as a leading actor in “Fabricated City.”
Intensive Training: Ji Chang-wook underwent rigorous physical training to perform his own stunts, adding authenticity to the action scenes.
Virtual Reality Integration: The film’s realistic portrayal of gaming environments was achieved through collaboration with professional gamers and VFX artists.
Awards
“Fabricated City” (2017) received the following awards and nominations:
53rd Baeksang Arts Awards (2017):
- Best New Actor: Ji Chang-wook (Nominated)
- Most Popular Actor: Ji Chang-wook (Nominated)
Korean Film Shining Star Awards (2017):
- Popularity Award: Ahn Jae-hong (Won)
Fantasia Film Festival (2017):
- Official Selection
These accolades highlight the film’s impact and the recognition of its cast’s performances.
Real-Life Loves on Set
As of now, there are no public reports or confirmed instances of romantic relationships developing between the cast members of the South Korean film “Fabricated City” (2017). The actors, including Ji Chang-wook and Shim Eun-kyung, have maintained professional relationships during and after the film’s production. No information suggests that any off-screen romances emerged from this project.
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