Wonderful Days Trailer
May 29th, 2003 at 1:20 pm (Movie News)
A beautiful trailer for the Korean animated movie Wonderful Days (2003) has appeared on the movie’s English site. It is hard to tell what to expect from the story, but the visual style of the film seems to raise the animation bar.
Poeta_Assassino said,
May 29, 2003 at 6:46 pm
looks real nice, i wonder if the matrix served as an influence to this film. sure looks like it did!
Leopoldo said,
May 30, 2003 at 2:28 pm
A Full Trailer for the movie has been posted on the web site. Once again I am very impressed with the look of the film, and once again I don’t read Korean so I am rather unsure what the story is.
ciaran said,
June 18, 2003 at 8:37 am
when is this wonderful piece of art out????
and will it be translated to english??!!
Leopoldo said,
June 18, 2003 at 9:38 am
Good question Ciaran. I have been wondering the same myself. According to http://us.imdb.com/ReleaseDates?0353014 the movie saw a North America debut at the Waterloo Film Festival in Canada last month. The front page of the web site says the movie is due for a Korean release in July 2003, but http://www.wonderfuldays.co.kr/english/overview.php?sound= says April, so not even their own web site agrees on release dates. I did some web searching and could not find any more information. I would expect it to make some film festivals in the US and if it gets enough attention maybe get some wider distribution. It is very hard for movies not made by the big film companies to get distributed so this may never see US theaters, in which case I would suggest you stay attentive for a DVD release.
Troy said,
June 19, 2003 at 3:49 pm
Korea release date for this movie is confirmed
as July 2003. I guess english site not updated yet? I heard they had to move the release date from april to July, so they won’t compete with another beautiful Korean animation called “Osearm”
and other Hollywood movies perhaps. which also relased in April.
So far, Japanese and some european countries such as France purchased or sign the contract for this movie.
coolmint said,
June 23, 2003 at 8:29 am
France and Spain to also have Wonderful Days
The distributor of the feature-length animation Wonderful Days (directed by Kim Moon-saeng and produced by Tin House), which will open on July 17th, has announced the signing of distribution contracts for the film. Korean firm Mirovision signed agreements with Pathe Distribution of France and Manga Films of Spain, after discussions during the film market at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
Mirovision says that it has entered into a contract with Pathe Distribution, a mammoth French company, for a minimum guarantee of $500,000. It did not disclose the amount of the contract with Manga of Spain, but it was reportedly a record figure in Korean film history.
The Korean blockbuster Wonderful Days was produced entirely by Korean staff and deals with a love story set amidst a war with the ruined Earth as backdrop. The original soundtrack CD for Wonderful Days will be introduced to the market in June 26th. The CD contains 15 songs, representing five years of work on the part of music director Il Won .
source: Korean Culture and Contents Agency
www.kcc.or.kr/ctnews/eng
A Korean said,
July 2, 2003 at 8:29 am
Wonderful days, the last hope of the south korean animation, will be released on july 17th in korea.
The meaning of ‘the last hope’ is quite sorrowful for koreans like me who loves korean animation (in korean ‘manhwa’).
Other korean animations such as ‘oseam’ was totally blown by other hollywood movies that most of them could not make net profit at all.
The only big bugetted korean animation at this stage is Wonderful days.
even though my english writing may have been clumsy, please understand ^^
Cerise said,
July 4, 2003 at 4:52 am
Wonderful days definitely wasn’t influenced by the Matrix. Because the creation of it started seven years ago.
Troy said,
July 4, 2003 at 6:06 pm
Music Video is up!!!!!
http://wonderfuldays.co.kr/download/new_musicvideo.php
Sean Jeon said,
July 4, 2003 at 11:41 pm
I’ve worked at this film studio for a month before.
Since ever, I move to another Digita Animation company which is Cinepix that made Cubix (TV seris 3D Animation).
Anyway, This film is gonna release on 17th July, 2003 in Korea.
It’s very soon.
I’ve seen trailer of this one at the movie theater.
The visual was awesome, but I’m worry about the story.
It talks about end of the world I think.
But It’s not a good story of in this mood.
If you love to see a qualty of good visual movie,
it’s gonna be.
Also I’ve been read on the newpaper that it’s gonna show in state up than.
I hope you like it.
NY said,
July 5, 2003 at 1:28 pm
Yes, many of the Korean fans are looking forward to see this animated movie on July 17th. Some of the lucky Korean people have already seen it. Unfortunately, many of them are disappointed with the overall story. But all of them have praised the wonderful visuals…
Troy said,
July 7, 2003 at 4:11 am
Ok… Here is the Preview of the “Wonderful Days” sorry no translation!! But I see the subtitles!!
http://wonderfuldays.co.kr/news/itv_cine_0621.asf
Kang said,
July 9, 2003 at 4:48 pm
Hi.
I’m Korean fan~
Many people wonder about this movie.
I read Korean new about release in USA
Company in USA will invest almost 1.7 million for english version(transraiton??).
Mail to me for more information
Jordan said,
July 9, 2003 at 9:10 pm
The matrix came out way after this film started making. This animation took 7 years to complete.
Wonderful Days has no influence from the Matrix.
XxSwtDreamerxX said,
July 11, 2003 at 10:33 am
I’ve been waiting for this anime forever… I can’t wait till it comes out. I’m in the US, so I’ll be waiting for a while since it hasn’t even come out in Korea.
Sun-Kee said,
July 14, 2003 at 3:01 am
I’m so proud of my country right now.
Oh the Wonderful Days.
I’ve got a DVD with the Trailer and the making of Wonderful Days, and I was more than amazed.
YuNiQuE said,
July 14, 2003 at 7:39 pm
i’m in korea right now and its coming out in 2 days baby!! i bought the soundtrack and its amazing. it comes with 2 cds, one is a bunch of songs, and the other is a bunch of video clips including directors notes, trailers, music video, and some really nice 2 minute clips from the movie. there are subtitles in english for some of the clips, so im guessing there will be a translated version sooner or later. but anyways i’m so psyched for this movie!
yuno said,
July 15, 2003 at 5:26 am
‘WonderfulDays’ will open at 7.17 in Korea.
I was very impressed when i saw this trailer.
A new cinematic technique, beautiful visual, this is a ‘wonderful!’ animation.
this film will import to America soon.
I HOPR FOR A SUCCESSFUL OPEN IN AMERICA
Mukou said,
July 15, 2003 at 7:13 am
ive been waiting for this anime for ever. I first heard of it 2 years ago, and now my dream has come true. ITW COMING OUT!!!! i just cant wait
Lee said,
July 15, 2003 at 7:28 am
I’m looking forward to the release, too. *Brandishes pre-purchased ticket* I am a little worried about how the story will turn out, since I’ve heard so many bad things about the scenario, but the visuals are nothing short of wonderful. Though parts of the production(especially the bikes) occasionally stand out as computer graphics, on the whole the miniatures(for buildings), cell animation(characters), and computer animation(machines) are beautifully integrated.
Here’s a bit of spoiler-free info for those who are wondering what it’s all about.
It’s the year 2142. Extreme pollution has made most of Earth unsuitable for human survival, and the sun has been invisible for the past century, with the sky overcast from pollutants. (I don’t see how people survived the prolonged winter, but the temperature seems reasonable. Greenhouse effects, maybe?) The very rare, like once-in-a-decade rare, days when the sky is actually visible are called “wonderful days.”
As most of humanity died out, a secret plan is developed for the survival of a chosen few. The project involves the building, or rather growing, of Ecoban, an organic plant city that feeds off, and would cleanse, the heavy pollution. The city is built on Bikini Island, which is renamed to Sisil(”timeless” in Korean). Only a limited number, doctors, scientists, scholars, etc. are invited to live there.
A group of refugees sail to the island and ask to live at the Ecoban as well, but are refused entrance because they were polluted with radiation. The refugees settle at Sisil away from the Ecoban, calling their settlements Mar A through E after one of the ships they’d sailed in, La Mar Azul(Sea of Light).
Decades pass, and the gradually the pollution is cleared away by natural processes and by the Ecoban’s metabolism. The problem is, the city’s very existence is threatened by the lessening of the pollution that it used to thrive on.
The leaders of the Ecoban, who have long forgotten their original mission, decide to deliberately pollute the areas around Ecoban–including the Mar settlements–so the Ecoban may continue. That’s the basic premise. Yeah, yeah, it’s yet another conspiracy-driven story of the elitist few and the poor persecuted masses. It’s not the setting that’s important, it’s how creatively the story is told that matters.
The three main characters:
Jay(girl with short red hair) - twenty years old, and a member of the Ecoban’s security. Childhood friends with Suha. Is reunited with Suha when he infiltrates the Ecoban, and (surprise!) finds herself falling for him. Is the most popular so far, especially with guys.
Simon(guy with silver hair he wears in a ponytail) - twenty-five years old, ranks high in Ecoban’s security forces. In love with Jay, really hates Suha. Pursues Suha, whom he sees as the originator of all troubles, with grim determination. Fiercely dedicated to Ecoban and to Jay, he has no qualms about doing whatever it takes to protect both. Everyone’s least favorate, poor guy.
Suha(guy with longish, dark-greenish hair) - The official English spelling is Shua, but I prefer Suha(soo-ha). Twenty-year-old resident of Mar A. Seems he actually lived in Ecoban once, but left after he witnessed a “Wonderful Day,” when he could see the sun and the sky. Is working on a glider called Gibraltar to be closer to the sky he dreams of, and rides a bike he made from spare parts(modeled after the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy). Probably the most important main character, and my favorite.
Sorry for the humongous post. I personally bellieve that the publicity generated so far bodes well for the future of Korean animated movies. Now, if only Wonderful Days scores at the box office as well… *keeps fingers crossed*
ConceptVBS said,
July 15, 2003 at 5:26 pm
D-Day: 01.
Here it comes.
Troy said,
July 16, 2003 at 12:19 am
http://wonderfuldays.co.kr/download/wd_mv_300.wmv
Music Video Address Link
Kim, Jeongwu said,
July 16, 2003 at 5:20 pm
Nice to meet you~!
I’m a Korean boy. I go to Korea Animation Highschool. I live in Seoul.
Today, movie Wonderful days open!
So I’m expecting very much.
Please love Korean animation. Thank you. Bye~
Troy said,
July 16, 2003 at 5:59 pm
Wonderful Days open in Korea! Selling out!
I just read some posts from Wonderful days community site. And some people are saying that they went to see this animation 8 o’clock in the moring and it was sold out up to last show of the day….
Unbelievable…..
Trevor said,
July 17, 2003 at 6:25 pm
Stop the presses ! Holy Crap ! Just saw it yesterday. It was awesome. Went to the opening screening at the only theatre that has English subtitles in Seoul. What an amazing sight. A treat for the eyes.
Typical animation storyline/theme: fantastical, future, separated lovers, sci-fi - which is the only weakness, but that comes with the genre. The above synopsis posted by Mukou really helped me to fit the whole thing in my mind. However, I missed the very first 1-2 minutes - so there might have been an opening note on the screen that gave some info to the audience about the setting. A few choice translations in the subtitles were worthy of a chuckle.
Most of all, I was so happy for my friend - who has headed up the entire Wonderful Days project for the past number of years - it has been such a huge part of his life and unfortunately, (or fortunately, if the fruits of his efforts come to bear) now it will only get bigger. The selling, marketing and promotion of a film is just as big as the filmmaking itself, if not bigger.
I really hope that they stick to their strengths when plugging this movie - the animation. If they do - then the millions of fanatics for animated productions will flock and will pay. If they try to compete against the stories and the production machines of Disney or Pixelar and try to place the film in that general audience light - then they will get cut to pieces. If they play their cards right, they’ll have another Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon success story on their hands - a niche film intended for die-hards and which ends up spilling over into the main stream and bringing in many more audiences, mainly because the main stream “sheep” will hear the raves from the press and will not want to miss out.
So, for all those in Korea - drop your mouse. Turn off the flatscreens. Get out of the PC bangs. Get to a theatre and watch it. For all those outside of Korea - be patient - your blue sky is coming - whether by DVD or via some smart distributor in your country.
It is wonderful.
kenzi said,
July 17, 2003 at 7:34 pm
i liv in korea and i saw it yesterday, the first day it was out..on the first tyme at 10:30
the graphicz kiLL and itz completely diff from the matrix
i dunno if itz gonna cum out in da statez
the story ending was kinda weak
but over all it was an ok movie
and i hope korean animations will improve as much as it just did in the future
jackie pipes said,
July 22, 2003 at 8:44 am
WHAT CAN I SAY,
YES, IT’S NOT THE BEST STORY…BUT!!!
IT’S DEFINITELY A MILESTONE FOR KOREAN ANIME,
HELL….. WE’RE GROWING!!!…. HYUNDAI WAS THAT
CHEAP CAR, BUT NOW…. YOU SEE ONE EVERYWHERE,
SAMSUNG…. WHO THE HELL WAS THAT A DECADE AGO…
BUT HAS ONE OF THE BEST CELL PHONES ON THE MARKET…
WE ARE COMING OUT!!!…. JUST LIKE THE WORLDCUP.WHEN EVERYONE THOUGHT KOREA DIDN’T HAVE A CHANCE AT EVEN THE 16TH ELIMINATION MATCH…WE PULLED THROUGH…
I AM DAMN…. PROUD OF MY COUNTRY, MY HERITAGE…
AND SO PROUD WE AS A COUNTRY ARE GROWING ECONOMICALLY AND ALSO SOCIALLY…
I AM PROUD TO BE A KOREAN…..
DAE HAN MIN GOOK MAN SAE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-JACKIE PIPES
Norman H. said,
July 23, 2003 at 1:34 am
Before this I never even knew Korean anime even existed. From what I’ve seen of the trailers and music video Wonderful Days is a visual masterpiece! It’s inspired me to work even harder on my own artistic skillz. I CAN’T WAIT FOR THE FILM TO HIT THE US!!! I found the trailer while at work. My co-workers gathered around my PC as I played it. The only thing we could say about it was “Oh my God!” This will be a MUST BUY title as far as I’m concerned. More than happy to help support great artwork!
MR. OH said,
July 23, 2003 at 10:32 pm
I’ve been waiting for ihis movie
but I haven’t seen this movie yet.
because I’m a AP(Army. kinda police)
I really wanna see it.
I saw many scenes, it was totally cool~~!!!!
perfect CG and good characters. even fantastic
pictures………..
If you’ve a chance to see this~~~do not
hesitate~~~~!!!!!! trust me
(frankly.I heard that it doesn’t have a good story. but everyone says “It’s cool”)
Mike Keesling said,
July 24, 2003 at 11:58 am
I worked on this movie. It is a combination of actual models, cell animated characters, and rendered vehicles.
The background scenes were shot with motion control equipment, then converted to look “drawn”
Mike K
JT said,
July 27, 2003 at 7:20 pm
I got to see this back in April at the Waterloo Festival for Animated Cinema in Waterloo, Ontario. Fantastic, beautiful, surprising, whatever word you want to use, it was wonderful. I’m dying to see it again, and hope that we’ll hear about North American release information sooner rather than later.
In case you want to read my review written just after I saw it:
http://www.acm.wwu.edu/~sothis/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=36965
I was quite surprised to find out that a Korean forum site (jjangwarez.com) had translated it!
Artemslore said,
July 28, 2003 at 9:21 am
As an international student in Seoul I have become use to watching movies in Korean (understanding very little). I loved Wonderful Days, I only wish I could see it subbed or in English. This movie has a chance of being shown in the States, because it has a plot with global appeal. Unlike “My Beautiful Girl Marie” with had a very Korean plot, to Korean to play anywhere else (I loved this movie to, the art was very “beautiful”).
Artemslore said,
July 28, 2003 at 9:23 am
Where does one buy a movie poster in Seoul?
Kentor said,
August 5, 2003 at 4:28 pm
I would just like to comment that Wonderful Days was visually stunning. I saw it at the World Premiere in the Waterloo Festival for Animated Cinema (http://www.wfac.ca/), and it was shown on a prototype Christie DLP which Christie brought it specifically for this one showing from it’s HD24p media. It was an even greater treat to have Mr. Youn Cheol Jeong (art director, Tin House), and Mr. Seung Youl Hyun (unit director, Tin House) introduce the film as well as entertaining questions afterwards.
For those of you who don’t know — this is not Tin House’s first project. Korea actually produces a very large amount of annimation along with special effects for a wide variety of projects. Tin House themselves have worked on such projects as Hwasango (Volcano High), 2009: Lost Memories, Macross Zero, with literally hundreds of other projects to their credit, which suprises quite a few considering Tin House has done quite a great deal of the annimation that ends up in high profile Japanese titles). There work has encompassed everything from commercials, annimation, all the way to special effects for live action. Wonderful Days is their first feature length film produced entirely in house over a period of approximately 7 years, and I believe it will be the title which brings Korea international recognition in field of annimation.
The cinematography and story exhibits a certain simple elegance which is not at all as brazen, or brute force, as the descriptions on their website might lead you to believe: this is not at all an allegory, nor was it meant to be. The story is told as much with what is shown, as with what is implied, and I find that attribute rather appealing. I’m certain there are more length and eloquent reviews availible, so I’ll leave it at that.
Justin said,
August 12, 2003 at 6:03 pm
How do I buy the DVD here in the US.
Awesome Art!!! please email me the link if you find it available in the US.
I would love to see the making of.
Thanks!
Leopoldo said,
August 13, 2003 at 8:44 am
You can’t buy the DVD yet because the movie just released. Look around in about eight months or so, we all hope it will release on DVD eventually.
Justin said,
August 13, 2003 at 5:33 pm
8 months… I’ve already been waiting for a year!
Well, Thanks Leopoldo! I’d pay over $40 for the U.S. version DVD (with the making of, the movie, bonus, etc.)!
I have a friend working at Pixar, and he said that the company let everyone watch it… He loved it! He would buy one too!
missrain said,
September 6, 2003 at 5:41 pm
the movie is available on a 2 disc dvd with english subtitles. it’s region 3, however, korean dvds seem to work fine on region 1 players, such as the ps2. you can find the dvd here at:
www.infogate.com/shop/movie/MDetail.asp?seq=2069
Rhett said,
September 15, 2003 at 10:17 am
Let’s stop confusing Korean Animation with “Anime.”
Anime means Animation from Japan. Not Korea, Not America
This is not putting any kind of value judgement. This is pointing out a fact.
So, let’s avoid confusing people. The Koreans deserve credit for the work done on this movie and for making it distinctive from many of the visual characteristics found in Anime. It is therefor a disservice to call it Anime.
I am still really looking forward to seeing this movie, even though it tanked in Korea earning 1.9 Million when it cost 11 Million to produce. Hopefully some of the distributions to foreign countries will make up for it.
http://news.awn.com/index.php3?ltype=date&newsitem_no=9080
Dave said,
October 16, 2003 at 11:35 pm
I purchased the movie (in region3) off eBay. Fortunately, it was only 14 bucks, thats including shipping, and I must say, definately worth it. The first 10 minutes of the movie, I repeated it four times. It’s shockingly seamless. The graphics are truly wonderful, while the stories a little weak. I think this is due to the fact that, while it has been in devolopement for so long, it was never a final idea. If you go back and watch the trailers that have been released (first being 1999) you can see that they feature a very deep english voice, and that the story of the movie is entirely different. None of the footage from that trailer was even in the movie. So, in case your wondering, the girl does NOT have wings, she doesnt even kill anybody, theres no nude dancing, and yes, no diseased space wolves. Shucks. Otherwise, “Wonderful Days” makes for wonderous enjoyment.
conchita said,
October 29, 2003 at 7:43 am
I’ve seen the film and it was sooooooo beautifull!! The story is more like a romeo and juliet story. But the animation is perfect it is great!!
A MUST SEE!!
ghina said,
November 19, 2003 at 8:49 pm
ahh! must watch it now! i didn’t know korea released such a animation till today
i hope they have it at korean video stores >u
Double G said,
December 7, 2003 at 9:43 am
does anyone know what peice of music was used for the trailer? and how can I get a hold of it? Thanks.
Lewis said,
December 20, 2003 at 12:36 pm
Yeah, I’d like to get my hands on the soundtrack if possible. I live in the US. If anyone knows where I can get it, throw me an e-mail.
I saw the movie twice. It is very good. The story is soft, not overwhelming, but I don’t think that there is too little either. Watching it the second time there was a much richer quality to the charachers and some of their actions. Its well cut, well animated, well scored, well made.
Thanks!
KIN-san snoib said,
January 29, 2004 at 10:24 pm
first it dose resmebul ANIME becase see Japanenes animaion charaters to name 1 “Cowboy pebob” suha resmebulls a charater from the show but is ok allmost all animaion is inspered by ANIME “NOW” so it is fare to call it Koren anime IT DOSE NOT FULLY MEAN JAPANENES ANIMAION and rent some real anime and you will see a LOT of resmebulenes
Carlos said,
March 9, 2004 at 12:45 pm
I’m in Tx, and i want to find out how do i get my hands on a copy…
Antony said,
June 19, 2004 at 11:20 am
I just saw the trailer and was shocked. I can not say ever sience Final fatasy and Titan A.E. there has ever been anime like this. This is by far the best anime Korean let alone. Lets just say that when it comes out in the U.S. with it dubbed English voices. You can bet a huge sequel. You also have to realize that Anime is more popular over in the Asian Countrys. They like a lot of fighting movies and actions ones. We in the u.s. Like more Comedys, and Romance movies. So making a Anime popular over here is kind of hard. In the past 8 year only 2 animes made it big over here. Titan A.E. and Final fantasy Pokemon does not count lol. More animes have been realsed over in the asian countrys and made it popular. In the last 8 years. Please let me know when the us release date of this move is.
jonathan said,
July 5, 2004 at 11:24 pm
I saw this film at sundance film festival in Utah. There it was called Sky Blue. I loved the film and can’t wait for it to come out in the US. I tell every on I know in animation school but they’ve never heard of it. I want to show it to them but i can’t find and good trailors. If any one knows of the US release date, let me know.
Prudence said,
August 26, 2004 at 5:42 am
I am a writer and have written just under a dozen animation ideas with series.
Who is my suitable contact to work with to sell my ideas and works of animation to?
Prudence
England
Ppetrez@aol.com
oHm said,
September 4, 2004 at 6:17 pm
Just want to say this has become one of my favorite animes ever
Don’t wait for a “Dubbed” version, thats like watching “Terminator” in German haha, the Korean language is so different from most asian languages, so hearing it sound kind of alien haha 
,and common, dont be spoiled & lazy!
I ordered as soon as I’ve seen it, and went for the “Limited Original Version” since this is gonna be one of the big one’s in my movie collection! Sequel? Don’t care, becouse the story can’t be duplicated. Just hope they keep on spawing more Korean anime, since most other Korean movies are more “Soul” than other anime from asia. Peace!
Truth said,
November 28, 2004 at 6:20 pm
This had been started in the making for the past 7 years….matrix had no space, no thought, energy and time within the realms of Wanderful Days, and i’ve just spent 32 pounds on a copy and the main disc out of the three doesn’t bloody work! how gutted and i?! the limited original edition the whole thing was so beautfull and cool in many ways is very nice indeed.still doesn’t make up for the guttedness i went through….but i have a plan to solve this problem
Novak said,
March 17, 2005 at 12:26 am
fantastic
fuizu said,
April 25, 2005 at 11:30 am
This anime is so Good!!!
So Futuristic!!!
It’s theme song is good too..
does anybody have the lyrics for it’s theme song?
i wanna make my own music video…
please mail me…
asd said,
July 10, 2005 at 6:18 am
Does anyone know the english song thats is played using the old record player in wonderful days?
hyo-shin said,
August 27, 2006 at 5:19 am
the song is called “sky” but I don’t know the interpret - found the song on the net where actually a woman is singing it.
saw the anime about a year ago, got it on dvd and it’s a pity that there aren’t any “behind the scenes” extras or something because it would have been very interesting how they managed to create such beauty. now it was hard to me to watch “ordinary” anime because of the high standards of wonderful days. loved simon - as well as shua.
problem is, that the story isn’t that developed and that there’s too little told of the characters and their past. and another thing: i was surprised by the incredibly well done dubbing (saw it in german), that’s a good thing.
-shin