The Tower (DVD, 2012) Korean Film. Sol Kyung-gu, Son Ye-jin. Region 4

The Tower (DVD, 2013) Korean Film. Region 4.

The Tower is a 2012 South Korean disaster film about a fire that breaks out in a luxury skyscraper in central Seoul on Christmas Eve.

108 storeys up. Survive at any cost…

On Christmas Eve, at the luxurious Tower Sky twin tower building in central Seoul, residents and staff members busy themselves with Christmas preparation. A small fire in the restaurant kitchen attracts the attention of Tower Sky staff member Lee Dae-Ho, who notices a faulty water sprinkler system. Building owner Jo disregards the warning and goes ahead with the evening's Chris­tmas party.

Helicopters are hired to circle the building and spray the building with man made snow during the Christmas party. Residents gathered for the event are amazed by the spectacle. Their amazement soon turns into terror when a helicopter loses control and crashes into the building, setting off a chain of horrifying events that threatens the lives of all the residents.

Subtitled.

Special Features

• Making of THE TOWER

Reviews

“It should be obvious for most viewers whether they are likely to enjoy “The Tower”, as while anyone looking for originality, substance or good writing will be left unimpressed, disaster movie fans or lovers of huge explosions should find a great deal to enjoy. The film is definitely a superior genre entry, up there with tidal wave drama “Haeundae”, and though undeniably cheap and cheesy, it atones through some dazzling special effects work and grand, bombastic set pieces.” Beyondhollywood.com

"The script by Kim Sang-don (Taeguki) cribs from The Towering Inferno with its opening night party function for the rich and the filthy rich – but also offers a wider cross section of Korean society. Rather than just the rich above and working class firemen below, The Tower also covers the lives of hard-working hospitality staff, a cleaner and a not-so-lucky lotto winner whose prize was a luxury apartment…Most of the characters are broadly drawn, but the performances breathe plausible life into them. The central, tentative romance revolving around single dad, security supervisor Dae-ho (Kim Sang-kyeong) and hospitality leader Ms Seo (Son Ye-jin) is miraculously lively and refreshingly tender. Similarly, the heroic Fire Chief Kang (Seol Kyeong-gu) whose relationship to his work is stronger than his marriage to his wife, is convincing, despite bordering on cliché. These characterisations sustain the narrative as the script repeatedly ties itself in knots trying to get one more spectacular scene out of its scenario. There’s no denying logic is often a casualty in this film, but impressive set pieces splendidly executed by director Kim Ji-hoon (May 18) and glossy production design ensure that the film’s enterta­inment value never burns itself out. " sbs.com.au

“..bursting at the seams with the amount of melodrama that's stuffed into it, but it also includes some of the most amazing action scenes from any film this year and is genuinely harrowing at times.” Examiner.com

“Growing up in the '60s and '70s, we couldn't wait for the next proposed disaster film phenomenon. From The Poseidon Adventure (still the best) to When Time Ran Out (what was that about again?), we enjoyed the vicarious thrill of watching others die horribly so we didn't have to (sometimes, in Sensurround). The Tower will remind you of that experience, unless you have no idea what we're talking about. If that's the case, check it out anyway. You'll definitely enjoy the sky high ride. Recommended.” DVD Talk

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