Korean sci-fi blockbuster attracts global fans
Korea’s first big-budget space adventure, “Space Sweepers,” got off to a solid start by topping the global Netflix movie chart for five consecutive days, according to FlixPatrol.The streaming analytics company showed that “Space Sweepers” debuted at No. 1 on Netflix on Feb. 6 and remained atop the list through Feb. 10.The sci-fi blockbuster once ranked first at almost 30 countries, including France, Norway, Belgium, Bulgaria, Vietnam, and South Korea.In the United States, the 136-minute film with a budget of around $22 million started at No. 7 on Feb. 6 and went up to No. 3 on Feb. 8 and Feb. 10.But the movie’s ranking slid to second place on Feb. 11 and the fourth slot on Feb. 12.Set in 2092, “Space Sweepers” is a story about four members collecting space junks like discarded satellites while aboard a spaceship called The Victory.The Earth is almost destroyed by pollution. Rich people live in a new habitable facility in outer space with clean air.The four members find a humanoid robot, which is warned as a weapon of mass destruction, to get involved in a risky business deal. Then, the quartet is eventually embroiled in fights, which prove to help save the Earth.Directed by Jo Sung-hee of Korea, the movie stars the country’s first-tier actors such as Song Joong-ki and Kim Tae-ri.Originally, the film was scheduled to hit cinemas last summer. But its big-screen release was delayed several times due to COVID-19.Hence, its distributor decided to disclose “Space Sweepers” through Netflix.Of note is that South Korean video contents have recently gained popularity on Netflix as demonstrated by The Uncanny Counter, an action-adventure fantasy, and Sweet Home, a thriller.이 기사를 공유합니다
Hillary Lee
(homin30@hanmail.net)