Actor Jung Woo-sung’s feature directing debut, A Man Of Reason, has been acquired by Epic Pictures Group ahead of its world premiere as part of the Special Presentation section of the 47th Toronto International Film Festival this month. The film will have an early 2023 release in North America via the company’s Epic Releasing label.
In A Man Of Reason, Jung plays Soo-hyeok, an ex-con looking to restore himself to a normal life after a decade in prison, especially after learning he’s the father of a young girl. His efforts to cut ties with his gangland past are unsuccessful, worsened by his former boss, who then begins questioning Soo-hyeok’s loyalty and using his newly discovered daughter as leverage. Backed into a corner with nothing to lose, Soo-hyeok must resort to violence to save her and get his revenge.
Also starring are Kim Nam-gil (Lovers Vanished) and Park Sung-woong (For The Emperor). Jung penned the pic with co-scribe Jung Hae-sin. Studio Take Co., Ltd produced the pic next to Song Dae-chan with Jung Hyun-joo exec producing.
“Shakespearean in its violence, Jung Woo-Sung’s A Man of Reason is a modern masterpiece in storytelling that is filled with some of the most adrenaline inducing and innovative action sequences,” said Epic Pictures Group CEO and Owner Patrick Ewald on the acquisition. “We are deeply grateful to the team at ACEMAKER movieworks and Jung Woo-Sung for allowing us to introduce this amazing thrill ride of a film to North American audiences.”
“We’re thrilled to present Jung’s first — but overwhelming — feature A Man of Reason to North American audiences, and look forward to the reception from TIFF and further festivals, ” said Hana Choi, International Business Team Leader at ACEMAKER movieworks. “We are very happy to start our business with Epic Pictures, who have rich experience distributing genre films in the US and Canada, and are sure to provide an excellent platform for Jung’s feature.”
The deal was negotiated by Patrick Ewald and Epic Pictures Group CFO Katie Page on behalf of Epic Pictures and Hana Choi on behalf of ACEMAKER movieworks.
Jung will also be seen alongside long time friend and colleague, celebrated Squid Game star Lee Jung-jae’s own directorial debut, Hunt, for its Gala Presentation section premeire at TIFF ahead of its December 2022 release from Magnolia Pictures.