Korean actor Choi Min Sik is making a successful debut in Hollywood this week, appearing in the sci-fi film "Lucy," which co-stars Morgan Freeman and Scarlett Johannson.
According to the film site Box Office Mojo, The Universal Pictures' film has already earned about $44 million and the site estimates it will likely earn about $100 million during its run.
Although "Lucy" got mixed reviews, it did earn plenty of praise for the 54-year-old actor's performance.
Twitch, an online entertainment outlet, pointed out that the actor's presence in the film is something of a surprise, as he is known for being very picky about the roles he plays.
"Another thing Choi Min-sik is known for, is that he is a very, VERY good actor, who brings an impressive physicality to each performance, despite not looking at all like an action star," said Twitch reviewer Ard Vijn.
ABC 13 Eyewitness News discussed the movies pros and cons, saying, "But moviegoers are most excited to see Min-Sik Choi back in action in an American film after his acclaimed performance in the visionary South Korean thriller "Oldboy."
In the film Choi Min Sik plays a gangster and drug smuggler named Mr. Jang. And he does not just smuggle the usual drugs. He is working with pharmaceutical scientists to develop a chemical to boost brain capacity. Scarlett Johannson plays a not-too-bright student who is forced to become a drug mule. Jang's men sew a pouch of the brain-enhancing drug into her abdomen and it accidentally ruptures. When it is released into her system the drug results in her being able to use 100 percent of her brain. She becomes a superhero and there is nothing that she can't do. Suddenly she's fluent in Mandarin and can move furniture with her mind. One of the things she feels compelled to do is exact revenge on Mr. Jang.
The film's director Luc Bresson described "Lucy" as his first philosophical thriller. He said that he cast Choi Min Sik in the film because he was impressed with his acting skills in Park Chan Wook's 2003 "Oldboy." Luc Bresson plans to visit Korea in August to promote the film.
Choi also has a role in the upcoming action film "Roaring Currents." The film focuses on the 1597 naval battle against Japan led by South Korean war hero Yi Sun-shin.
Choi Min Sik, a Baeksang award winner, has appeared in dozens of Korean films, notably "New World," "I Saw The Devil" and "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance." He also performed in dramas and theater productions.
"Lucy" will premiere in Korea on Sept. 4.
