Acclaimed director Bong Joon-ho's latest film, 'Mite 17,' premiered on February 28 and quickly captivated audiences, surpassing 300,000 advance ticket sales by early morning on opening day. According to the Integrated Ticket Network, the film's advance booking rate stood at 68.5%, making it the leading choice against its competitors, including 'Geumari' at 5% and 'Captain America: Brave New World' at 4.8%. Experts anticipate 'Mite 17' will dominate box offices through the upcoming three-day holiday weekend.
'Mite 17' tells the intriguing story of 'Miki' (played by Robert Pattinson), who is part of the crew sent on dangerous missions to inhospitable planets. The twist? When he dies, he is printed anew, leading to unexpected encounters when he meets another version of himself, 'Miki 18.' This venture marks Bong’s return to Hollywood after his 2019 success with 'Parasite,' awarded the Palme d'Or and multiple Oscars.
The film, backed by around $118 million (approximately 170 billion KRW) budget, is noted as Bong Joon-ho's most expensive project to date. It tackles topics of cloning, worker exploitation, and the value of life, wrapped in Bong's signature blend of black comedy and social commentary. Following its London world premiere and special screening at the Berlin International Film Festival, the film has already generated significant buzz.
Notably, as of February 28, 'Mite 17' had reached over 310,000 advance ticket sales, outperforming other local releases dramatically. The buzz surrounding the film crystallizes the anticipation audiences feel for Bong’s ambitious storytelling and visually captivating style.
Adding to the excitement, the film features Hollywood stars such as Mark Ruffalo and Tony Collette, bringing even more star power to the project. Critics have had mixed reactions, with some calling it “a showcase of his genius” (reported by IndieWire), whereas others, like the BBC, labeled it “a serious disappointment.” Nonetheless, what shines through is Bong’s ability to weave societal critiques within the sci-fi narrative, making it relatable to modern audiences.
The director's unique storytelling style, reminiscent of his earlier works like 'Snowpiercer' and 'Okja,' has drawn comparisons, prompting discussions on whether 'Mite 17' stands up to the monumental impact of 'Parasite.' Building on anticipation, Bong will engage with audiences through special events at Megabox Coex on March 8 and Lotte Cinema World Tower on March 9 where he will share insights about the film.
Federal projections suggest 'Mite 17' will likely become the first blockbuster of 2025, especially as it navigates the release window before other major films drop, including Lee Byung-hun and Yoo Ah-in's 'Seungbu' scheduled for March 26.
Having evolved from his earlier sensation, Bong promises not only to entertain but also to challenge viewers with thought-provoking themes. Given his history of both artistic and box office success, industry insiders are optimistic about 'Mite 17' revitalizing interest in cinema throughout South Korea and beyond. “We hope this film sparks renewed interest in theaters,” industry officials mentioned, eyeing positive impacts on future domestic releases.
With the film’s opening securing it as the most anticipated release post-'Parasite,' it is clear Bong Joon-ho’s unique narrative voice and stylistic approach will be at the forefront of cinematic discussion for the foreseeable future. Bong's capability to blend the absurd with the critically serious ensures 'Mite 17' will not only be significant at the box office but will also contribute to the discourse surrounding art and eternity, cinema and society.
All signs point to 'Mite 17' inviting audiences on another wild ride through the mind of one of modern cinema’s most significant directors. With its opening weekend data now rolling out, the film is well-positioned to leave its mark on theaters, ensuring this latest cinematic venture is as unforgettable as the director’s past works.