The Great Actor
In the unpredictable world of acting, Jang Seong Pil (Oh Dal Soo) is a middle-aged, struggling actor who refuses to give up on his lifelong dream of making it big in the industry. Despite years of small roles and countless auditions, his passion for acting burns brighter than ever. When an opportunity arises to audition for a prestigious role, Seong Pil sees this as his last shot at stardom. However, the path to success is anything but easy. Director Park (Lee Kyung Young) is a tough and demanding filmmaker who expects perfection, while Sul Gang Sik (Yoon Je Moon), a rival actor, stands as a major obstacle in Seong Pil’s journey. With the help of Ji Young (Jin Kyung), a loyal supporter who believes in his talent, he embarks on a rollercoaster ride of rejections, comedic mishaps, and unexpected turns. Amidst the struggle, The Great Actor brilliantly balances comedy, drama, and heartfelt moments, offering an insightful look into the harsh reality of the entertainment industry. The film captures the essence of perseverance, ambition, and the resilience needed to chase one's dreams, no matter the odds. With a stellar performance by Oh Dal Soo, this Korean comedy-drama resonates with anyone who has ever dared to dream. If you love underdog stories, behind-the-scenes Hollywood-style struggles, and inspiring character arcs, The Great Actor is a must-watch!
Details
🙂 Native Title: 대배우
🌎 Also Known As: Daebaeu
🎭 Genres: Comedy, Drama
🏷 Tags: Actor Male Lead, Chasing a Dream, Desperate Male Lead, Filming, Poverty
✍ Screenwriter & Director: Seok Min Woo
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Release Date: March 30, 2016
⏰ Duration: 1 hour 48 minutes
🔞 Content Rating: 13+ (Teens 13 or older)
Best Scenes
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Audition Preparation Montage: Jang Seong-Pil (Oh Dal-Su) undergoes a series of humorous and heartfelt attempts to embody the role of a priest for director Cannes Park’s new film, showcasing his dedication and the lengths he will go to achieve his dream.
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Confrontation with Sul Gang-Sik: A tense yet comedic encounter between Seong-Pil and his now-famous former colleague, Sul Gang-Sik (Yoon Je-Moon), highlighting the contrast between their careers and Seong-Pil’s determination to succeed.
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Family Revelation Scene: Seong-Pil’s family confronts him about his fabricated success, leading to an emotional moment where he must face the consequences of his lies and reaffirm his commitment to his craft.
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Children’s Play Performance: Portraying Patrasche in “A Dog of Flanders,” Seong-Pil’s heartfelt performance in a children’s play reflects his passion for acting, regardless of the audience size or role significance.
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Final Audition: The climactic scene where Seong-Pil delivers a powerful and moving audition, encapsulating his growth and unwavering dedication to his dream of becoming a renowned actor.
Filming Locations
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Seoul Theaters: Various local theaters in Seoul were utilized to depict Seong-Pil’s journey through different acting gigs, providing an authentic backdrop to his struggles and aspirations.
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Urban Neighborhoods: Scenes capturing Seong-Pil’s daily life and interactions with his family were filmed in typical Seoul neighborhoods, grounding the character’s personal experiences in relatable settings.
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Film Studio Sets: The audition and film production scenes were shot in actual studios, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the filmmaking process and the environments actors navigate.
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Cultural Centers: Community centers served as locations for the children’s play performances, highlighting the grassroots level of theater where many actors hone their craft.
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Cameo Appearances Locations: Cameo scenes featuring real-life directors and actors, such as Yoo Ji-Tae and Lee Joon-Ik, were filmed in settings that reflect their professional environments, adding authenticity to their appearances.
Visual Design and Costumes
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Realistic Wardrobe Choices: Costume design reflects Seong-Pil’s modest lifestyle, with everyday clothing that underscores his financial struggles and dedication to his art.
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Theatrical Costumes: Detailed outfits for the children’s play “A Dog of Flanders,” including Seong-Pil’s dog costume, highlight the contrast between his current roles and his aspirations.
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Film Industry Attire: Characters like director Cannes Park (Lee Kyung-Young) and successful actor Sul Gang-Sik are dressed in stylish, industry-appropriate clothing, emphasizing the disparity between Seong-Pil and his peers.
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Audition Outfits: Seong-Pil’s varied and sometimes over-the-top clothing choices during audition scenes add a comedic element, showcasing his attempts to fit different roles and impress casting directors.
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Family Wardrobe: The costumes of Seong-Pil’s family members reflect a typical middle-class household, grounding the film’s emotional core in relatable visuals.
Themes and Messages
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Perseverance in Pursuing Dreams: The film emphasizes the importance of relentless dedication to one’s passion, as Seong-Pil continues to strive for success despite numerous setbacks over his 20-year career.
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Reality vs. Aspiration: A central theme is the conflict between Seong-Pil’s dreams of stardom and the harsh realities of the acting industry, highlighting the sacrifices and challenges faced by aspiring artists.
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The Impact of Deception: Seong-Pil’s fabrication of success leads to personal and professional consequences, exploring the moral implications of dishonesty and the pressure to appear successful.
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Family Dynamics and Support: The narrative delves into how Seong-Pil’s career affects his family life, showcasing the strain between personal ambition and familial responsibilities.
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The Nature of Success: Through Seong-Pil’s journey, the film questions traditional definitions of success, suggesting that personal fulfillment and passion are as significant as public recognition.
Interesting Facts
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Oh Dal-Su’s First Leading Role: Despite a prolific career in supporting roles, “The Great Actor” marks Oh Dal-Su’s debut as a leading man, showcasing his versatility and depth as an actor.
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Cameo Appearances by Industry Figures: The film features cameos from notable personalities like Yoo Ji-Tae, Lee Joon-Ik, and Kim Sae-Ron, adding authenticity and a meta-commentary on the film industry.
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Meta-Narrative Elements: The storyline mirrors the real-life experiences of many actors, including Oh Dal-Su, who spent years in minor roles before achieving prominence, adding a layer of realism to the narrative.
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Box Office Performance: Upon its release on March 30, 2016, the film topped the box office among domestic films in South Korea, indicating a strong reception from local audiences.
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Directorial Debut: “The Great Actor” is directed by Seok Min-Woo, marking his first feature film and highlighting his ability to blend comedy and drama effectively.
Awards
There are no public records indicating that the 2016 South Korean film “The Great Actor” has received any awards or nominations. The film, directed by Seok Min-woo and starring Oh Dal-su, was released on March 30, 2016, and achieved moderate box office success, ranking third overall during its opening, just behind American films Zootopia and Batman vs. Superman.
Real-Life Loves on Set
There are no public records or reports indicating that any romantic relationships developed between the cast members of the 2016 South Korean film “The Great Actor” during or after its production. The actors have maintained a professional rapport, and no personal relationships have been reported in the media.
Trailer
The Great Actor OST
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