“Smugglers”, Interview with director Ryoo Seung-wan

In our interview with director Ryoo Seung-wan we talked about on how he stands out as a master of reinvention. With a remarkable filmography that includes hits like “Veteran” (2015) and “Escape from Mogadishu” (2022), Ryoo Seung-wan is known for his distinctive action-packed narratives. However, he thrives on the challenge of evolution, constantly pushing the boundaries of his craft.

“Smugglers”: its philosophy and female cast

In an exclusive interview with us at Locarno Film Festival, Ryoo shared his creative philosophy, emphasizing the importance of avoiding creative stagnation. “There is nothing more dangerous than repeating yourself. As a filmmaker with over a decade of feature films under my belt, I have my own style. Yet, my ambition lies in renewing myself and striking a balance between familiarity and innovation”, Ryoo explained.

His latest cinematic venture, “Smugglers”, is a testament to his commitment to exploring uncharted territories. Set against the backdrop of a tranquil seaside village in the 1970s, the film takes an unconventional approach by featuring an ensemble cast of strong female characters in an action-packed narrative – a rarity in the genre.

Ryoo elaborated on this unique choice, stating, “Female divers serve as a pivotal element of the film’s premise, so it felt natural to have them as the lead characters. However, the film isn’t centered on gender roles or feminist discourse. It delves deeper into the intricate relationships between the characters themselves”.

Within “Smugglers”, Kim Hye-soo and Yum Jung-ah shine in their roles as Chun-ja and Jin-sook, respectively. Ryoo shared insights into his casting decisions, revealing his deep admiration for their craft. “My association with Kim dates back to my time as an assistant director. Her close-up shots were so mesmerizing that they illuminated the monitor. As for Yum, her performances are subtle yet leave a lasting impact. Her ease on screen is matched by a powerful presence”, Ryoo shared.

“Smugglers”: narrative, themes and expectations

Delving into his cinematic preferences, Ryoo expressed his affinity for narratives centered around betrayal and reconciliation. “These stories possess an innate drama that captivates audiences. ‘Smugglers’ also tackles themes such as the decline of small towns, the peril faced by female divers, and the burdens of being a firstborn daughter from Jin-sook’s perspective”, he added.

As the conversation shifted to the state of the Korean film industry, Ryoo candidly addressed the challenges. “Filmmakers should strive to create better films. Since I aspired to be a filmmaker, the industry has always faced periods of crisis. It’s like lamenting over a struggling economy every year. As filmmakers, we must unite and produce better content”, he emphasized.

The film as expressing both excitement and apprehension about “Smugglers”, Ryoo revealed his desire for the film to spark conversations. “I’m eager to see the audience’s response to the film. I want discussions to ensue – be it about the music, action sequences, fashion, or the performances. The worst outcome would be no reaction at all”, he admitted.

With the competitive summer box office landscape in mind, Ryoo expressed a refreshing perspective on success. “I’m relieved that each summer film brings its unique charm. I’m not drawn to the numbers game; I simply hope the audience enjoys our film”, he shared.

As “Smugglers” premiered at the Locarno Film Festival, Ryoo Seung-wan continues to prove his mettle as a visionary filmmaker, unafraid to challenge conventions and ignite thought-provoking discussions.