Park Chan-wook & Lee Byung-hun's 'Uncontrollable' Captivates Toronto with Dark Comedy Brilliance

Acclaimed director Park Chan-wook and actor Lee Byung-hun have successfully concluded their participation at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) with their latest film, 'Uncontrollable.' The movie, already a standout selection in the competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival and the opening film for the 30th Busan International Film Festival, received a rapturous reception from the Canadian audience.

Following the gala premiere on September 9th (local time), both Park and Lee engaged in a post-screening Q&A session. Park expressed his gratitude, noting how deeply the audience connected with the film's subtle nuances, reacting with both laughter and tears. Lee shared his overwhelming feeling amidst the energetic applause, stating, "The audience's fervent response throughout the screening made my heart swell. Hearing their detailed insights and profound affection for the film was truly moving."

Critical reactions poured in immediately after the official screening. Reviewers lauded the film for Park's signature clever cinematic flair, praising the immersive experience and Lee's commanding performance. Comments highlighted the tightly woven black comedy, its distorted perspectives, symbolic imagery, sharp editing, and music, calling it an "unforgettable experience." Others noted its poignant capture of how desperation erodes the human spirit in an era of increasing job insecurity.

During the Q&A, Park spoke highly of Lee's powerful portrayal, recalling his remarkable acting and humor in 'Joint Security Area.' He added, "Now that he's a father, it likely helped him delve deeper into portraying the character of 'Mansu.'" Lee reciprocated the admiration, describing Park as meticulous, never overlooking the smallest detail, and always possessing the final cut in his mind even before filming began.

Further enhancing their TIFF engagement, Park and Lee participated in an 'In Conversation with…' event on September 10th. This special session delved into Park's diverse filmography, with Lee joining to enrich the discussion on 'Uncontrollable' through their in-depth dialogue. With such an overwhelmingly positive response, 'Uncontrollable,' boasting high artistic quality, is poised to captivate global audiences. The film, set to release on September 24th, follows 'Mansu' (Lee Byung-hun), a once-satisfied office worker who, after an unexpected layoff, embarks on a personal battle for re-employment to protect his home and family.

Park Chan-wook is a globally renowned director celebrated for his distinctive visual style and compelling narratives in films like 'Oldboy,' 'The Handmaiden,' and 'Decision to Leave.' His works are consistently lauded for their unique storytelling and artistic vision. 'Uncontrollable' marks Park's return to directing a Korean-language feature film after a significant hiatus since 'Night Fishing' in 2011.