Hero () is a 2022 South Korean historical musical drama film directed by Yoon Je-kyoon, starring Jung Sung-hwa, Kim Go-eun, and Na Moon-hee. Based on the , the film follows the true story of An Jung-geun, a Korean-independence activist who assassinated Itō Hirobumi, the first Prime Minister of Japan and Resident-General of Korea in 1909. It was released theatrically on December 21, 2022.
Plot Leaving his mother, , and his family behind, An Jung-geun, the leader of the Korean righteous army, departs his hometown.
Together with his comrades, An strengthens his resolve for national independence by forming the Danji Alliance, an oath sealed by severing the fourth finger. Sworn in blood, he vows to assassinate Itō Hirobumi, the mastermind behind Japan's invasion of Joseon, within three years or take his own life if he fails.
To fulfill his promise, Ahn Jung-geun travels to Vladivostok. Alongside his longtime ally Woo Deok-soon, sharpshooter Cho Do-seon, the youngest member of the independence army Yoo Dong-ha, and comrade Ma Jin-joo, who cares for the troops, he begins preparations for the mission.
Meanwhile, Seol-hee, an intelligence operative of the independence army, conceals her identity and infiltrates Itō Hirobumi's circle. Risking her life to gather information deep in enemy territory, she urgently relays a top-secret report that Hirobumi will soon visit Harbin for a meeting with Russia.
Finally, on October 26, 1909, the day An Jung-geun has been awaiting arrives. At Harbin Station, he unhesitatingly pulls the trigger on Itō Hirobumi upon his arrival. Captured at the scene, An Jung-geun faces trial not as a prisoner of war but as a criminal under Japanese law, not Joseon's.
Cast Jung Sung-hwa as An Jung-geun Kim Go-eun as Seol-hee Na Moon-hee as Cho Maria Jo Jae-yoon as Woo Deok-soon Bae Jung-nam as Cho Do-seon Lee Hyun-woo as Yoo Dong-ha Park Jin-joo as Ma Jin-joo Jo Woo-jin as Ma Do-sik Lee Il-hwa as Empress Myeongseong Kim Seung-rak as Ito Hirobumi Jang Young-nam as Lady Kim Ah-ryeo Kim Joong-hee as Wada Nojima Naoto as Chiba (Japanese-Korean interpreter & prison guard)
Production Principal photography began on September 10, 2019, with South Korea and Latvia as the main shooting location. The filming wrapped on December 15, 2019.
Release The first poster and teaser trailer debuted on March 26, 2020. It was slated to release theatrically in July 2020, but due to COVID-19 pandemic its release was delayed.
Philanthropy On December 15, 2022, Film Hero donated 8.15 million won to 815 Run to renovate the homes of the children of freedom fighters.
Accolades + Name of the award ceremony, year presented, category, nominee of the award, and the result of the nomination Award ceremony Year Category Nominee / Work Result Buil Film Awards 2023 Best Cinematography Cho Sang-yoon Best Music Hwang Sang-jun Director's Cut Awards 2023 Best Director in film Yoon Je-kyoon Best Actor in film Jung Sung-hwa Best Actress in film Kim Go-eun Best New Actress in film Park Jin-joo Golden Cinema Awards 2023 Best Cinematography Cho Sang-yoon Grand Bell Awards 2023 Best Supporting Actress Na Moon-hee Best Music Hwang Sang-jun Best Sound Park Ju-kang Best Costume Design Shim Hyun-seob Best Editing Lee Seon-min Public Attention Award Jung Sung-hwa Marie Claire Asia Star Awards 2023 Marie Claire Award Kim Go-eun Blue Dragon Film Awards 2023 Best Music Hwang Sang-jun
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