The film <Midnight Sun>, available on Netflix, is more than just a simple romance; it is a work with a deep resonance that speaks to the preciousness of life and the value of dreams. What makes this film even more special is that its story has been remade multiple times, each time imbued with the cultural colors of Japan, the United States, and Korea. The poignant and dazzling story of youth, centered on the theme of a rare disease, has transcended borders and eras to capture the hearts of many. Each country's version shares the emotional core of the original while radiating its own unique charm, offering audiences a new experience. This article will explore the journey of <Midnight Sun> from its origins to the Korean adaptation, delving into the meaning and appeal embedded within.
The story begins in Japan with the 2006 release of the film <Taiyou no Uta> (Song to the Sun). The film depicted the fresh and heartbreaking love between Kaoru Amane, a girl who must avoid the sun due to a rare disease called Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP), and Koji Fujishiro, a boy who loves to surf. It moved audiences across Japan. The film's explosive popularity was not confined to the big screen. It was quickly adapted into a 10-episode TV drama that brought tears to viewers at home, and it was also published as a novel, spreading its touching story through the written word. The fact that a single film could be expanded into various media like dramas and novels demonstrates the powerful and universal appeal of its story.
What's more fascinating is that the roots of this moving tale run even deeper. The Japanese version of <Midnight Sun> actually originated from a plan to remake the 1993 Hong Kong film <C'est la vie, mon chéri>. That film also deals with the poignant love between a terminally ill heroine and a poor musician, and it is a masterpiece that left a significant mark on Hong Kong cinema. Although the project eventually shifted into a completely new creation during the remake process, it did not forget to pay respect to its source of inspiration. The credits of the Japanese film <Taiyou no Uta> include a note of gratitude to <C'est la vie, mon chéri>, serving as a fine example of how a great story can inspire another culture and gain new life.
Over time, this emotional narrative crossed the Pacific to Hollywood. In 2018, it was remade in the United States under the title <Midnight Sun>. While the Japanese original exuded a lyrical and wistful romantic atmosphere, the American version, as felt even from its poster, has a much brighter and fresher feel of a teen romance. This change in tone can be seen as a strategic adaptation considering cultural differences and the target audience. It maintained the original story's core emotional line while reinterpreting it with Hollywood's unique sensibility, thereby creating a different kind of charm.
Another reason the American version of <Midnight Sun> garnered attention was its lead actors. The male lead, Charlie, was played by Patrick Schwarzenegger, the son of the legendary action star Arnold Schwarzenegger. His portrayal of a soft and youthful character, so different from his father's tough, muscular image, came as a fresh surprise to many and became a hot topic. The female lead, Katie, was played by former Disney star Bella Thorne, who delicately portrayed a girl who doesn't lose her love and dreams despite the pain of her rare illness, further enriching the film's emotional depth.
Having proven its quality and received great love in Japan and the United States, the story of "Midnight Sun" was finally reborn in Korea. Thanks to the high reputation of the original, the Korean version garnered significant anticipation from the production stage, achieving the remarkable feat of being pre-sold to 83 countries. This demonstrated the confidence that the story's universal power would resonate with global audiences. In an unusual move, the film was released in Japan about a month before its Korean release, which can be interpreted as a reflection of the high interest from fans in the original's home country.
At the heart of the film lies the rare disease known as Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP). It is a genetic disorder that causes severe burns upon exposure to ultraviolet light, leading to DNA damage and an extremely high risk of skin cancer. As a result, patients are often called "Children of the Night" and live a life where they cannot be active outdoors during the day. It is a terrifying disease that can lead to neurological damage and eventually death as symptoms worsen. The film uses this extreme constraint to portray a protagonist striving to achieve her dreams and nurture love, posing a profound question about how one should live the life they are given.
The Korean adaptation cast actress Jung Jiso in the role of Misol, the protagonist who bears this tragic fate. Having left a strong impression in the movie <Parasite>, she brings the character to life with her clear voice and stable acting skills, portraying a girl who dreams of becoming a singer-songwriter. Her counterpart, Minjun, is played by actor Cha Hakyeon, who depicts a healthy and pure young man who sells fruit by day and chases his dreams by night. Furthermore, veteran actors Jin Kyung and Jung Woong-in play Misol's parents, solidly anchoring the film's emotional weight. Notably, Jung Woong-in, who has a strong image as a villain, successfully transformed his acting by perfectly portraying a friendly father with a deep, touching love for his daughter.
Produced in 2021, the Korean version actively reflects the changing times to enhance the story's realism. The most noticeable change is that the protagonist, Misol, uses YouTube as a channel to communicate her music to the world. Though she must live disconnected from the world during the day, at night she records herself playing the guitar and singing, sharing it online and gradually gaining fame. This is a clever adaptation that layers modern digital sensibilities onto the analog emotions of the past, serving as an important device to create empathy with younger audiences living in the current era. It is also noteworthy that the film's overall music was directed by Lee Chanhyuk of AKMU, marking his debut as a music director. His delicate and original music maximizes the film's lyrical atmosphere, captivating the audience's ears.
In conclusion, despite dealing with a tragic subject, <Midnight Sun> avoids wallowing in melodrama. Instead, it follows the characters' emotional journey with a calm and composed perspective. This restrained direction paradoxically leaves a deeper emotional impact and lasting impression, all while retaining its charm as a fresh and youthful romance film. From the Japanese original to the American remake and the Korean adaptation, "Midnight Sun" has been slightly altered against different temporal and cultural backdrops. However, its core theme—a life and love that shine brilliantly within a limited time—consistently pierces the hearts of audiences. This beautiful film, readily available on Netflix, serves as a warm gift that reminds us of the preciousness of each and every day we are given.
댓글
댓글 쓰기