Synopsis
There are two men who don't match 99 out of 100 things, but one thing is right: music. Ji-hoon (Park Chan-yeol), a musician whose musical talent explodes only when using a box, and Min-soo (Jo Dal-hwan), a producer with an instinctive sense of music but currently broke. By chance, Min-soo discovers Ji-hoon and insists on performing together for 10 stages, starting their journey.
Min-soo, who pushes for 10 busking performances based solely on Ji-hoon's talent, and Ji-hoon, who follows Min-soo with confidence despite sensing something fishy. With each stage filled with world-famous songs, they will guide the audience into a musical journey filled with overwhelming emotion and surprise.
About Movie
World-famous songs by Coldplay, Billie Eilish, Chet Baker, Mariah Carey, etc.
A feast of busking unfolds in domestic HIP places.
One of the biggest viewing points of <The Box> is that it fills the screen with world-famous songs that have never been heard in any domestic film before, creating a rich sound experience. Park Chan-yeol sings songs that stimulate the senses with his charming mid-low voice against the beautiful backdrops of Incheon, Jeonju, Gyeongju, Yeosu, Ulsan, Ganjeolgot, and Busan, which Jo Dal-hwan visits in the film. These songs are made up of tracks from top artists such as Coldplay, Billie Eilish, Pharrell Williams, Chet Baker, and Mariah Carey, delighting the audience's eyes and ears and making the runtime fly by.
Moreover, every time they change locations, they present even more polished busking stages, continuously raising the audience's expectations for what comes next. In particular, the fantasy scenes featuring Billie Eilish's [bad guy], Louis Armstrong's [what a wonderful world], and Coldplay's [a sky full of stars] appearing in the early, middle, and late parts of the film are truly spectacular, overwhelming viewers as if a grand concert is unfolding before their eyes. These scenes also showcase the unique points that differentiate <The Box> from other films, highlighting director Yang Jung-woong's strengths. Having directed notable stage productions, Yang Jung-woong presents his talents on screen, emphasizing the genre of <The Box> as a musical film while transforming domestic HIP places into stunning stages for a dazzling busking experience.
The charming voice of artist Park Chan-yeol
The meeting of Korea's Mark Ruffalo, the versatile actor Jo Dal-hwan
Park Chan-yeol and Jo Dal-hwan will showcase a strangely delightful chemistry along with the famous songs. It would not be an exaggeration to say that <The Box> is a discovery of both Park Chan-yeol and Jo Dal-hwan. First, he introduces himself as actor 'Park Chan-yeol' through the film <The Box> from EXO. He leads the atmosphere with dazzling performances, showcasing an irresistible charm while also displaying his acting side through various genres of dramas. This time, he returns with a character that fits him perfectly, allowing audiences to fully enjoy his attractive mid-low voice. He uniquely interprets world-famous songs with his distinctive mid-low tone, showcasing his long-accumulated artistry and enhancing the film's melodies.
Jo Dal-hwan also rises to the top in <The Box>, delicately portraying a character that has fallen from grace. He expresses charisma with sharp judgment in music and loyalty to the artist he discovered, as well as scenes where he knows the best restaurants in the film, conveying professionalism and a sense of humanity that brings the film's drama to life. Additionally, he shows a comedic chemistry with Park Chan-yeol, who plays the stoic and emotionally inept 'Ji-hoon'. In particular, his journey of discovering a hidden gem and turning it into a jewel evokes the image of Korea's 'Mark Ruffalo', drawing the audience deeper into the film's story.
Character & Cast
“I can't sing in front of those people.”
The genius musician 'Ji-hoon' hiding in the box | Park Chan-yeol
With genius talent and a burning passion for music, 'Ji-hoon' is a parking lot employee in an old building. Captivated by his singing, 'Min-soo' suddenly presents a hastily scribbled contract, promising to put him on a big stage after 10 rehearsals. However, 'Ji-hoon', who is terrified of singing in front of people due to trauma, hesitates to accept. Upon discovering Ji-hoon's stage fright, Min-soo suggests that he sing while using a box. Hesitant, Ji-hoon decides to trust him and enters the box Min-soo provided, starting to sing his own songs.
Park Chan-yeol, returning from artist to actor, plays the role of a genius musician with a fear of the stage, delivering a sincere story through song. In this work, he showcases his signature husky voice, guitar, and drum performances, as well as participating in songwriting, revealing his solid musical world built over many years as an artist.
“I'll help you make money.”
The carefree producer 'Min-soo' | Jo Dal-hwan
Having reached the pinnacle of success as a record planner with the ability to turn raw stones into jewels, 'Min-soo' is now a broke producer with only loan shark debts. He lives by the motto that life is all about 'style' and always dreams of another success. One day, hearing strong potential in Ji-hoon's song, he abruptly presents a contract, but Ji-hoon refuses, saying he can't sing in front of people due to trauma. After much persuasion, Min-soo finally convinces Ji-hoon, and the two embark on a 10-busking journey across the country.
Jo Dal-hwan, a versatile entertainer who excels in acting and variety shows, delivers another stellar performance.
Director
“I hope this film can wash away the trauma that exists in everyone through music.”
Screenwriter/Director Yang Jung-woong
Awarded the directing prize at the 2009 Korea Theater Awards, Yang Jung-woong is regarded as a genius of mise-en-scène representing Korean theater. He possesses a natural talent for capturing both national and global sentiments, having brought Shakespeare's works to life with traditional aesthetics, becoming the first Korean play to be staged at the London Globe Theatre, and receiving high praise as “Korea's national treasure.” He also directed the opening ceremony of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics and is actively involved in various fields beyond theater, now taking on a new challenge in film.
Music Director
Music Director Echo Bridge
Echo Bridge, the composer of Jeong Yeop's [Nothing Better] and a singer-songwriter active in various fields such as album production, composition, and arrangement, participates as the music director for <The Box>, enhancing the glamorous tracklist. His musical world, which fosters warm communication between music and people, enriches the journey of Ji-hoon and Min-soo as they take a step forward together through music.