Rebound (2023 film)

Rebound (Korean: 리바운드; RR: Ribaundeu) is a 2023 South Korean sports drama film directed by Jang Hang-jun. Kim Eun-hee with Kwon Seong-hui wrote the screenplay based on the true story of basketball coach Kang Yang-hyeon and the Busan Jungang High School's 2012 run to the national championships final despite having only six players on its roster.[2] The film stars Ahn Jae-hong as coach Kang and Lee Shin-young, Jeong Jin-woon and Jung Gun-joo as the players.[3] It was released theatrically in South Korea on April 5, 2023.[4][5]

Rebound
Promotional poster
Hangul
리바운드
Revised RomanizationRibaundeu
Directed byJang Hang-jun
Screenplay by
Starring
Cinematography
  • Moon Yong-gun
  • Kang Joo-sin
Production
companies
  • BA Entertainment
  • Workhouse Company
Distributed byBarunson E&A
Release date
  • April 5, 2023 (2023-04-05)
Running time
122 minutes
CountrySouth Korea
LanguageKorean
Box officeUS$5.3 million[1]

Synopsis

The once-renowned basketball team of Jungang High School in Busan is in shambles and on the verge of being shut down after years of poor performance. Alumnus Kang Yang-hyeon, who had been on the coaching staff of the U-16 boys' national team,[6] is brought in as the new head coach, but his appointment sparks many players to walk out as they refuse to play under a still-relatively unknown coach. After some convincing, Coach Kang manages to scrape together a ragtag team of six players, most of whom were rejected by other top basketball schools, for the upcoming National Basketball Championships. He tries to engrain in them the mindset of teamwork and not wasting any loose balls, as summarized by his motto: "There is no such thing as missed shots, only rebounds!"

Cast
Jungang High School's basketball team
Others

Production

Background and development

The premise of the plot was the 2012 edition of the National Basketball Championships, an annual high school tournament run by the Korea Secondary Schools Basketball Federation.[14] Once a renowned basketball school, Jungang High School had been on the verge of shutting down the basketball program after years of poor performance and stagnation, a stark contrast to their opponents in the final, Seoul powerhouses Yongsan High School.[2] Despite losing to a Heo Hoon-inspired Yongsan High School, the Jungang High School team was given a standing ovation by the spectators and their story quickly caught the attention of the media.[15][16] Jungang High School's captain Cheon Ki-beom went on to play for Yonsei University and Seoul Samsung Thunders.

The story came to the attention of the production team of BA Entertainment, best known for the Crime City film series, but plans for a film adaptation remained in development hell for a decade. Kim Eun-hee joined hands with screenwriter Kwon Sung-hui, to write a script for the film.[17]

Casting and filming

In February 2022, the casting was finalized and principal photography began the following month. Ahn Jae-hong was cast as coach Kang Yang-hyeon. Lee Shin-young, Jeong Jin-woon, Jung Gun-joo, Ahn Ji-ho, Kim Taek, and Kim Min portrayed the Jungang High School players.[18]

The actors portraying Kang and the Jungang High School players spent several months learning to play basketball and filmed on location at the school's basketball court.[19][20] The production notably received support from the Korean Basketball League and the domestic basketball community. The KBL allowed its referees to serve as technical consultants and portray the referees and match officials. Former men's national team coach Cho Sang-hyun oversaw the auditions for extras to portray players from the opposing teams. Jo Hyun-il, one of the two narrators, is a veteran basketball commentator.[21]

The film was selected for the Busan Film Commission's 2022 'Busan Location Incentive Support Project' and received an incentive of ₩40 million. It was filmed in Busan at Jungang High School, Tombstone Culture Village, former Dongbusan University, Yeongdo Bridge, Sunrise Observatory, Oncheon Stream, Chungmu-dong Dawn Market, Yeongju Citizen's Apartment, and Daeyeon Cultural Park.[22] Filming was wrapped up on July 29, 2022.[23]

Release

The film was released on April 5, 2023 in South Korea and was pre-sold in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan and Singapore. It was officially invited to the 25th Udine Far East Film Festival, which was held from April 21 to 29,[24] where it won second place at podium alongside Abang Adik of Malaysia.[25]

In July 2023 it had its New York Premiere in 'South Korea at the Forefront' section at the 22nd New York Asian Film Festival on July 15, 2023.[26][27]

Reception

Box office

The film was released on April 5, 2023 on 1102 screens. It opened at 2nd place on the South Korean box office with 32,926 people viewing the film.[28]

As of June 10, 2023, with gross of US$5,160,187 and 695,630 admissions, it is at the 6th place among the South Korean films released in 2023.[1]

Critical response

Jeon Hyung-hwa, writing for Ilgan Sports, called the film a "precious, fun and passionate second chance." Praising Ahn Jae-hong's performance as coach Kang Yang-hyun, he concluded, "Rebound has no enemies, as there are opponents, but not enemies." He added, "If it had been a movie where winning or losing was important, it would have fleshed out an enemy, in which case it would have been punchier, but this movie chose [to highlight] the process, not victory or defeat."[29]

The film received praise for its realism as a sports-centered biopic.[30] Retired player Ha Seung-jin praised the attention to detail, especially in scenes of the tournament games, and noted that it never came across as awkward, even to a former professional basketball player like himself.[19]

Accolades
Year Award Category Recipient(s) Result Ref.
2023 25th Udine Far East Film Festival Golden Mulberry: Audience Award Rebound 2nd place [25]
2023 Buil Film Awards Best New Actor Lee Shin-young Nominated [31]
2023 Grand Bell Awards Best New Actor Pending [32]

References
  1. "KOFIC, KOBIS (Korean Box Office Information System) The Box office: Korean films of 2023". KOFIC. Retrieved June 10, 2023.
  2. "고교농구 감동 실화, '천기범과 아이들'을 아시나요?". MK Sports (in Korean). Maeil Business Newspaper. May 13, 2012.
  3. Kang Min-kyung (February 24, 2023). "[공식] 장항준 신작 '리바운드', 4월 개봉 확정…안재홍→정진운의 감동 실화" [[Official] Jang Hang-joon's new film 'Rebound' confirmed to be released in April... Ahn Jae-Hong→Jeong Jin-Woon's touching true story]. Ten Asia (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  4. Jeonhwa (February 22, 2023). "[단독] 장항준 감독 '리바운드' 4월 극장 개봉 지원작 선정..천원씩 혜택" [[Exclusive] Director Jang Hang-joon's 'Rebound' selected for April theatrical release... 1,000 won benefit]. Ilgan Sports (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  5. Kim Na-ra (March 14, 2023). "'리바운드' 장항준 감독 "안재홍, 코치 캐스팅? '하반신 제왕'이라…"" ['Rebound' director Jang Hang-joon "Casting Ahn Jae-hong as a coach? It's called 'The King of the Lower Body'..."] (in Korean). My Daily. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  6. "2011 제2회 FIBA 아시아U16남자농구선수권대회" (in Korean). Korea Basketball Association.
  7. Choi, Jeong-ah (March 2, 2023). "장항준 감독→안재홍, 중꺾마 농구부 '리바운드' 스틸 공개" [Head coach Jang Hang-joon → Ahn Jae-hong, mid-break basketball team 'rebound' stills released] (in Korean). Sports World. Retrieved March 2, 2023 – via Naver.
  8. Kim Hyeon-jeong (January 16, 2023). "노경, 와이원엔터와 전속계약…'더글로리2'·'리바운드' 출연" [Roh Kyung, exclusive contract with Y One Enter... Appeared in 'The Glory 2' and 'Rebound']. Xports News (in Korean). Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  9. Jung Soo-jin (March 31, 2023). "[시네마 데이트] 장항준의 '리바운드', 이기 바로 팀워크 아이가!" [[Cinema Date] Jang Hang-joon's 'Rebound' is a teamwork kid!]. ize (in Korean). Retrieved April 2, 2023 – via Naver.
  10. Kim Seon-woo (April 10, 2023). "박재민, '리바운드' 출연…농구 해설 위원으로 등장" [Park Jae-min appeared in 'Rebound'... Appeared as a basketball commentator]. JTBC (in Korean). Retrieved April 17, 2023 – via Naver.
  11. Kang Min-kyung (April 9, 2023). "김택 "용산고 에이스 허훈 役 이석민, 나와 땀 함께 흘린 친구…웃음 나왔다"[인터뷰③]" [Kim Taek "Lee Seok-min as Yongsan High School Ace Heo Hoon, a friend who sweated with me... Laughter came out" [Interview ③]]. Ten Asia (in Korean). Retrieved April 10, 2023 – via Naver.
  12. Lee, Jae-bum (May 15, 2023). "영화 '리바운드' 도운 장우녕 코치, "배우들, 갈수록 기량 늘었다" [Rebound' Coach Jang Woo-neung, "Actors, increasingly skilled]. Jumpball (in Korean). Retrieved July 17, 2023 – via Naver.
  13. Lee, Su-hyun (May 10, 2023). "영화 '리바운드', VOD 서비스 시작…손익분기점·관객수 관심" [Film 'Rebound' launches VOD service...break-even point - audience interest]. Topstar News (in Korean). Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  14. "Tournament and individual records" (in Korean). Korea Secondary Schools Basketball Federation.
  15. Bae Hyo-joo (February 26, 2023). "김은희X장항준, 농구 흥행 열기 잇는다‥'리바운드' 4월 개봉[공식]" [Kim Eun-hee X Jang Hang-joon, basketball box office fever continues…'Rebound' to be released in April [Official]]. Newsen (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved February 26, 2023.
  16. "한국판 슬램덩크…11년 전 부산중앙고의 기적". JoongAng Ilbo (in Korean). March 29, 2023.
  17. Kwak Yeon-soo (July 31, 2022). "'Kingdom' writer's next project is zero-to-hero sports film 'Rebound'". The Korea Times. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  18. Kim Bora (February 8, 2022). "[단독] 장항준 감독 '리바운드' 안재홍→이신영, 고교 농구단 감동 실화 그린다(종합)" [[Exclusive] Director Jang Hang-joon's 'Rebound' Ahn Jae-hong → Lee Shin-young draws a touching true story of a high school basketball team (comprehensive)]. Osen (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  19. "한때 농구 기자가 본 '리바운드'…11년 전의 '기적'과 오늘의 암울함" ['Rebound' once seen by a basketball reporter... The 'miracle' of 11 years ago and the darkness of today]. Seoul Shinmun (in Korean). March 29, 2023.
  20. Jeong Yoo-jin (March 14, 2023). ""'슬덩' 붐 이어가길"…장항준·김은희 뭉친 '리바운드', 신이 내린 타이밍(종합)[N현장]" ["I hope the 'Sad Dung' boom continues"... Jang Hang-jun and Kim Eun-hee's 'rebound', divine timing (comprehensive) [N site]] (in Korean). news1.
  21. Na Hye-in (March 14, 2023). "허훈·조상현·심판진… KBL 전폭적 지지 속 '리바운드' [SQ현장]" [Heo Hoon, Cho Sang-hyun, referees… 'Rebound' with KBL's full support [SQ site]] (in Korean). SportsQ.
  22. Lee Jong-min (April 6, 2023). "영화 '리바운드' 부산서 35일간 체류하며 촬영" [Filming the movie 'Rebound' while staying in Busan for 35 days]. Yonhap News (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  23. Kim Ye-eun (July 29, 2022). "장항준 감독·안재홍 주연 '리바운드', 3개월 촬영 마치고 크랭크업" ['Rebound', directed by Jang Hang-jun and starring Ahn Jae-hong, cranks up after 3 months of filming]. X-ports News (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  24. Jo Ji-young (March 21, 2023). "[공식] 장항준 감독 '리바운드', 이탈리아 우디네 극동영화제 초청 "호소력 짙고 감동적이다"" [[Official] Director Jang Hang-joon's 'Rebound' invited to the Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy "It's appealing and moving"] (in Korean). Sports Chosun. Retrieved March 21, 2023.
  25. Frater, Patrick (May 1, 2023). "Malaysia's 'Abang Adik' Wins Udine Festival's Golden Mulberry". Variety. Retrieved July 8, 2023.
  26. "Rebound: 22nd New York Asian Film Festival". NYAFF. Retrieved July 8, 2023.
  27. "New York Asian Film Festival 2023". Film at Lincoln Center. Retrieved July 8, 2023.
  28. Bae Hyo-joo (April 6, 2023). "장항준 신작 '리바운드' 2위로 출발‥'스즈메' 1위 굳건[박스오피스]" [Jang Hang-joon's new film 'Rebound' starts at 2nd place ‥ 'Suzume' 1st place is solid [Box Office]]. Newsen (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  29. Jeon Hyung-hwa (March 31, 2023). "[IS리뷰] '리바운드' 소중하고 즐겁고 뜨겁게 잡은 두 번째 기회" [[IS Review] 'Rebound' is a precious, fun and passionate second chance]. Ilgan Sports (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved March 31, 2023.
  30. Kang Min-kyung (March 29, 2023). "[TEN리뷰] 신장이 아닌, 심장으로 하는 '리바운드'" [[TEN Review] 'Rebound' with heart, not height]. 10Asia (in Korean). The Korea Economic Daily. Retrieved March 29, 2023.
  31. Nam, Yoo-jung; Lee, Woo-young (August 27, 2023). "누가 받아도 될 정도로 훌륭한 후보들, 그중 최고는 누구?" [Great candidates to anyone can accept, who is the best of them?]. n.news.naver.com (in Korean). Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  32. Ha-neul Lee (October 24, 2023). "제59회 대종상영화제, 남우주연상→여우주연상 후보 및 각 부문별 선정" [59th Grand Bell Awards, Best Actor → Best Actress Award nominations and selection in each category]. Ten Asia (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
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