The Korean thriller movie "Tunnel" reached more than 5 million viewers in less than two weeks. The new film from director Kim Seong-hun has sold 5,000,338 tickets since its premiere on Aug. 10, or in just 12 days.
"Tunnel" has reached the summer blockbuster status along with two other successful movies "Operation Chromite" and "Train to Busan." The representatives from the film announced that the film has reached the 5 million mark on Aug. 21, Soompi reported.
Last week, "Tunnel" has 2.58 million viewers, and the number has doubled within just one week.
As for the last weekend in Korea, "Star Trek: Beyond" trailed in No. 2 spot, followed by "The Last Princess" and animation movie "Secret Life of Pets." Meanwhile "Operation Chromite" fell into fifth position from last week second position. "Train to Busan" also dropped to sixth position.
"Tunnel" has a strong cast with Ha Jung-woo, Bae Doona and Oh Dal-su starred in the movie. The director Kim is also a director who always look for the fresh angle as Variety praised him for fresh approach in a disaster movie. "Tunnel" is lean and enjoyable disaster story, with enough distinctive elements.
Different than other disaster movie, "Tunnel" focuses on the characters instead of the spectacle. The story tells about a car salesman Lee Jung-so, played by Ha, who was driving home through a newly built Hado Tunnel which suddenly collapsed. He was trapped inside his car and surrounded by the rubble.
His cellphone still receives signal with an 82 percent battery level. So he calls 911 for help, and then calling his wife (Bae). He has to sustain with two bottles of water and his daughter's birthday cake, while waiting for rescue team to reach him.
The rescue team leader (Oh) is a pragmatic person and keep calming Lee and suggesting him to save his phone battery. Meanwhile the rescue operation experiences some delay and some politics involving government minister has further intricate the operation.
Director Kim made the film become more interesting by shifting the action in the tunnel and the rescue operation. Kim made a political element at the suitable portion, in order to prevent the viewers to see the film in the eye of social justice. The element of humor also made the film fun to watch, as Ha and Oh played their top performance.
