Hallyu-fueled 'Ghost' remake to inspire nostalgia: actors

The famous pottery wheel scene from the 1990 love story "Ghost" is remade in "Ghost: In Your Arms Again." / Courtesy of Filament Pictures
kOREatimes
By Lee Hyo-won

Remember the passionate pottery wheel scene between Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze in the 1990 film “Ghost.” Now, 20 years later, Korean heartthrob Song Seung-hun and Japanese sweetheart Nanako Matsushima have reenacted the “Unchained Melody” moment.

“The remake reenacts some of the most touching scenes in the original, including the pottery-making scene. I hope viewers can feel a pang of nostalgia, thinking ‘oh there was that kind of scene,’ while watching the movie,” Song told reporters in Seoul, Tuesday, following a press preview.

The Korea-Japan-United States joint production,“Ghost: In Your Arms Again,” is about an undying love affair between a Korean pottery artist (Song) and Japanese businesswoman (Matsushima) ― even death does not come between the inseparable couple.

But a twist in the new film, directed by Taro Otani, is that the heroine, rather than the hero, reappears before her lover as a ghost after an untimely death.

“I was 17 when the original movie opened in Japanese theaters, and I was truly moved,” said Matsushima. “I never imagined I’d be starring in a remake of the movie as an actress.”
Song said he hopes the Asian version will inspire the sweet reminiscence of first loves, rather than attempt to eclipse the appeal of the original.

Language barriers, more than the burden of doing a remake, concerned him, he said. “Acting in my mother tongue is itself overwhelming, so working in Japanese was truly a big challenge for me. But it was a rare opportunity to work with Japan’s foremost star actress, and I thought I would regret not taking part in this remake.”

His co-star said that language was certainly a barrier off screen and they had to communicate through an interpreter ― “But when we were acting, we locked eyes and communicated with our hearts. I was really surprised by that kind of experience, and it inspired a lot of confidence.”

The actress revealed that she had Song in mind from the beginning.

“I thought it would be nice to make a film that has an Asian appeal, and that it would be ideal to act opposite a Korean actor. When the project was set, I suggested a Korean actor, Song Seung-hun, to the production company,” she said, adding that “Korean actors, or Korean men in general, seem to be more candid in their expression of love.” “I think the audience will be touched to see two people, from two different cultures, falling deeply in love.”

Now showing in theaters nationwide. Distributed by Filament Pictures.