A priest becomes a vampire… another man’s wife is coveted… a deadly seduction triggers murder. “Thirst” is the new film from director Park Chan-wook (“Old Boy,” “Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance,” “Sympathy for Lady Vengeance”). Already a boxoffice smash in Korea, “Thirst” was honored with the Prix du Jury [Jury Prize] at the 2009 Cannes International [...]
A priest becomes a vampire… another man’s wife is coveted… a deadly seduction triggers murder. “Thirst” is the new film from director Park Chan-wook (“Old Boy,” “Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance,” “Sympathy for Lady Vengeance”). Already a boxoffice smash in Korea, “Thirst” was honored with the Prix du Jury [Jury Prize] at the 2009 Cannes International Film Festival.
Continuing his explorations of human existence in extreme circumstances, the director spins a tale that he conceived and then developed over several years with co-screenwriter Chung Seo-kyung.
Sang-hyun (played by top Korean star Song Kang-ho, of The Host) is a priest who cherishes life; so much so, that he selflessly volunteers for a secret vaccine development project meant to eradicate a deadly virus. But the virus takes the priest, and a blood transfusion is urgently ordered up for him. The blood he receives is infected, so Sang-hyun lives – but now exists as a vampire. Struggling with his newfound carnal desire for blood, Sang-hyun’s faith is further strained when a childhood friend’s wife, Tae-ju (Kim Ok-vin), comes to him asking for his help in escaping her life. Sang-hyun soon plunges into a world of sensual pleasures, finding himself on intimate terms with the Seven Deadly Sins.
Release Date: July 31, 2009 (NY, LA, SF)
Studio: Focus Features
Director: Park Chan-wook
Screenwriter: Park Chan-wook
Starring: Song Kang-ho, Shin Ha-kyun, Kim Ok-bi
