Sorry for the lack of updates last week. I was in Spain and did not have access to my computer. Had a very good time, though. If you are tempted to go, I highly recommend November (at least for the south) — clear skies and 20 degrees every day, not so many tourists around, plenty of hotel rooms to be found.

Anyhow, as for movies, the sexy Kim Min-sun film PORTRAIT OF A BEAUTY was the top film for a second week in a row, taking in 2.8 billion won (or about $1.9 million… thanks to the every more depressing exchange rate). After two weeks, it has now made about $6 million, or a decent 1.3 million admissions.

By the way, isn’t it amazing that it has been about nine years since Kim starred in MEMENTO MORI? Definitely one of the most interesting films from the heyday of the Korean film boom.

Second also went to a Korean film, ANTIQUE, an adaption from a Japanese comic book.

The latest James Bond film continued to do okay, but nothing overwhelming — around $8.2 million after three weeks. (I miss the great Bond riots of 2002, when DIE ANOTHER DAY was in the theaters).

This Week Title…………………………………….. Release Date Screens Nationwide Weekend Revenue (bil. won) Total Revenue (bil. won)
1. Portrait of a Beauty (Miindo – Korean) 11.13 498 2.80 8.59
2. Antique (Seoyang Goldong Yanggwajajeom Antique – Korean) 11.13 437 1.38 5.52
3. Quantum of Solace 11.05 435 1.37 12.16
4. Blindness 11.20 284 1.37 1.65
5. Max Paine 11.20 197 0.70 0.88
6. Connected 11.20 222 0.44 0.57
7. My Wife Got Married (Anaega Gyeolhonhaessda – Korean) 10.23 242 0.30 11.71
8. The Bank Job 10.30 133 0.13 3.52
9. Fly Me to the Moon 10.30 96 0.095 1.07
10. Let Me In 11.13 42 0.094 0.30

(Source: KOBIS – Figures represent 98% of nationwide box office)

Will try to think of something interesting or useful to say this week, once I have re-adjusted to the Korean time zone.