THIRST

Year: 2009
USA: Focus Features
UK: Metrodome Distribution
Cast: Song Kang-ho, Kim Ok-vin, Kim Hae-sook, Shin Ha-kyun, Park In-hwan, Oh Dal-su, Song Young-chang, Mercedes Cabral, Eriq Ebouaney
Director: Park Chan-wook
Country: South Korea
Language: Korean (English subtitles)
USA: 133 mins
USA Rated: R for graphic bloody violence, disturbing images, strong sexual content, nudity and language
UK Certificate: 18 contains one use of very strong language, strong bloody violence and sex
USA Release Date: 31 July 2009 (Limited Release - New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco)
UK Release Date: 16 October 2009 (Limited Release)

Synopsis

A priest becomes a vampire...another man's wife is coveted...a deadly seduction triggers murder.

THIRST is the new film from director Park Chan-wook (OLD BOY, SYMPATHY FOR MR VENGEANCE, SYMPATHY FOR LADY VENGEANCE). Already a box office smash in Korea, THIRST was honoured with the Prix du Jury [Jury Prize] at the 2009 Cannes International Film Festival.

Continuing his explorations of human existence in extreme circumstances, the director spins a tale that he conceived and then developed over several years with co-screenwriter Chung Seo-kyung.

Sang-hyun (played by top Korean star Song Kang-ho, of THE HOST) is a priest who cherishes life; so much so, that he selflessly volunteers for a secret vaccine development project meant to eradicate a deadly virus. But the virus takes the priest, and a blood transfusion is urgently ordered up for him.

The blood he receives is infected, so Sang-hyun lives - but now exists as a vampire. Struggling with his newfound carnal desire for blood, Sang-hyun's faith is further strained when a childhood friend's wife, Tae-ju (Kim Ok-vin), comes to him asking for his help in escaping her life. Sang-hyun soon plunges into a world of sensual pleasures, finding himself on intimate terms with the Seven Deadly Sins.