Hyun Bin Opens Up About Mentally Exhausting Moment in 'Harbin' and Breaking Down in Tears After Filming

Hyun Bin revealed that he broke down in tears after completing the film's final scenes.

The film 'Harbin' explores the life and struggles of independence activist Ahn Jung-geun, covering the pivotal year from the Battle of Shinasan in 1908 to the assassination of Ito Hirobumi in 1909.

Released on December 24(KST), the movie attracted over 380,000 viewers on its opening day, despite premiering on Christmas Eve. However, 'Harbin' takes a different approach, steering clear of conventional action-packed or tear-jerking storytelling.

The film's standout feature lies in its focus on Ahn's inner struggles, delving into his turmoil and doubts. One striking sequence depicts the Battle of Shinasan, where independence fighters wield stones and knives in a desperate struggle, vividly portraying the brutal reality of their fight. The hyper-realistic battle scenes feel almost documentary-like, immersing viewers in the harrowing conditions of the time.

Director Woo Min-ho emphasized this perspective in a press interview on December 19(KST), stating, “Ahn Jung-geun was not a Superman. I didn’t want to depict him as a distant hero.” This humanizing portrayal aims to present Ahn as a relatable figure, rather than an untouchable icon.

With a production budget of 30 billion KRW, 'Harbin' also excels in visual storytelling. One particularly dramatic scene shows Ahn and his comrades crossing a desert to procure explosives, while another sequence captures the frigid hardships he endures along the Tumen River. These scenes, filmed in temperatures as low as -40°C at Mongolia’s Lake Khuvsgul, deliver an authentic sense of Ahn's suffering. Lead actor Hyun Bin described the experience as “more mentally exhausting than physically,” recounting how he broke down in tears after filming Ahn’s execution scene. The actors’ commitment adds a profound seriousness to the film.

However, the movie falls short in terms of entertainment value. By prioritizing Ahn’s inner conflicts, it sacrifices some elements of engagement for viewers. The presence of a spy within the independence movement could have provided greater tension, but the narrative misses opportunities for more intricate setups or payoffs. Similarly, the film does not delve deeply into the conflicts within the independence fighters, limiting its ability to fully captivate audiences. Compared to similar films like 'Assassination' (2015) and 'The Age of Shadows' (2016), 'Harbin' lacks the commercial appeal of its predecessors.

As 'Harbin' competes with Netflix's highly anticipated Squid Game Season 2, set to release on December 26, the stakes are high. Some experts see potential for success, particularly as the film's themes align with current political discourse on leadership and independence.

Adding to its relevance, the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History is hosting a special exhibition on Ahn’s Harbin mission, and a growing interest in Ahn Jung-geun among younger generations may influence the movie’s trajectory. Against this backdrop, all eyes are on 'Harbin' to see whether it can leave a lasting impact not only as a film but also as a cultural and political statement.