Born in Seoul in 1971, he is a director and screenwriter. After graduating from Seoul National University, he dedicated himself to directing several short films before moving to the United States to complete his studies at the University of Southern California. He made his debut as a director and screenwriter on the big screen in 2007 with "My Father" followed by "Silenced" (2011). In 2014 he directed the comedy "Miss Granny" obtaining a resounding success at the box office. His latest film "The Fortress" was released in theaters in South Korea on October 3, 2017.
Critique
Hwang Dong-hyuk adapts the literary material provided by Kim Hoon's novel "Namhansanseong" into a cinematographic work in which physical clashes between armies and dialectical clashes between statesmen maintain an incessant tension in equal measure. With a very accurate historical reconstruction it is decided to investigate the war through the filter of diplomacy and dialectics, successfully applying it to action. Accompanying the evocative mise-en-scène, emphasizing it without ever overpowering it, is an impeccable soundtrack composed by Ryuichi Sakamoto. Lee Byung-hun, in the role of Minister Choe Myeong-gil, gives an interpretation of great depth and maturity which, although stripped of the appeal of his well-known and magnetic physicality, enhances the intact charm of a great performer who embraces a new phase of his career with class and awareness.
