Park Chan-wook: "My Last Wish Is to One Day Make a Film in France" .. Visit to France's Legion of Honour Ceremony [Full Text]

*This content was translated by AI.

Director Park Chan-wook, who received the Legion of Honour's highest cultural and artistic distinction, the Commandeur, shared his reflections, stating, "My last wish is to one day make a film in France."

On the 17th (local time), Director Park Chan-wook received the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French government. The rank of the award received by Director Park Chan-wook is Commandeur.

The Ordre des Arts et des Lettres is an award bestowed by the French government upon individuals who have achieved outstanding accomplishments in the fields of culture and arts. It is divided into three ranks: Commandeur, Officier, and Chevalier, with Commandeur being the highest rank among them.

Following the award ceremony, Director Park Chan-wook shared his thoughts through his remarks. Director Park said, "First, I think of my parents. They are now elderly and both are unwell, but I am certain that this news today will be a wonderful gift to them. Thinking back, I believe they made France feel close to me. This is because they made me a Catholic. Although I no longer visit the church, the impressions I received from attending church as a child left a deep mark on me. Above all, images of many martyrs being brutally tortured and executed left a profound impression on me."

Director Park continued, "So when people ask me why my films are so violent, I always answer, 'Because of France.' And while the minister mentioned James Bond films, Westerns, and British films, in fact, the films that had the greatest influence on me when I was young were French films. I never mentioned this before because I was afraid people would mock me for it, as it seemed too incongruous with my own films. But in truth, watching Julien Duvivier's 'Marianne of My Youth' when I was young left a truly deep impression on me. I have kept this hidden until now, fearing that someone who was influenced by such a beautiful film would ask why I make films like this, but I am finally confessing it."

He went on to say, "The pinnacle of my connection with France was probably the 2004 Cannes Film Festival," recalling the moment he received the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival for his film 'Oldboy'. Director Park stated, "That event was truly the biggest turning point in my life. In simpler terms, it completely changed my life. That connection continued for a long time until I was able to return to Cannes as Shim Sa-wi (Director) today." He added, "Just as I have been greatly influenced by France and continue to be so, I feel that I am also having some influence on young directors in France. The reality of this mutual exchange of cultural and artistic inspiration, where we give and receive from one another, feels incredibly moving and gratifying to me."

Director Park concluded, "Now, my last remaining wish is to one day make a film in France, to make a film with French actors. It seems that is all that remains."

Meanwhile, Director Park Chan-wook made his directorial debut in 1992 with 'The Moon Is... the Sun's Dream' and gained recognition in 2000 with 'Joint Security Area'. Thereafter, Director Park depicted human stories centered on revenge, including 'Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance', 'Oldboy', and 'Lady Vengeance'. 'Oldboy' earned the Grand Prix at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival, elevating him to the ranks of a master filmmaker. He is now loved for his films such as 'The Handmaiden', 'Decision to Leave', and 'No Other Choice', which showcase his signature meticulous direction. Director Park became the fourth Korean to receive the Commandeur, following conductor Jung Myung-hoon (2011) and soprano Cho Su-mi (2025).

The following is the full text of Director Park Chan-wook's remarks upon receiving the award

Thank you all for coming. As you mentioned, since we have already become friends meeting in Seoul, I feel it is okay to address you by your names. Thank you. Catherine, thank you. I am not sure if my life has been worthy enough to have such distinguished individuals stand and listen to me for so long.

First, I think of my parents. They are now elderly and both are unwell, but I am certain that this news today will be a wonderful gift to them. Thinking back, I believe they made France feel close to me. This is because they made me a Catholic. Although I no longer visit the church, the impressions I received from attending church as a child left a deep mark on me. Above all, images of many martyrs being brutally tortured and executed left a profound impression on me. So when people ask me why my films are so violent, I always answer, 'Because of France.' And while the minister mentioned James Bond films, Westerns, and British films, in fact, the films that had the greatest influence on me when I was young were French films. I never mentioned this before because I was afraid people would mock me for it, as it seemed too incongruous with my own films. But in truth, watching Julien Duvivier's 'Marianne of My Youth' when I was young left a truly deep impression on me. I have kept this hidden until now, fearing that someone who was influenced by such a beautiful film would ask why I make films like this, but I am finally confessing it.

And when I went to university, it was a period when student movements were intense, so I read and learned a lot about the French Revolution of 1968. I was also greatly influenced by French existentialism, including Sartre. So I think French people would be surprised to know how many copies of Camus' 'The Stranger' are read by young Koreans and how popular it is. It was only around the time of my university graduation that I late discovered Émile Zola and 'Thérèse Raquin'. Watching that film when I was young and absorbing its romanticism and critical perspective on revolution seemed to synthesize all those influences. Reading Zola and 'Thérèse Raquin' gave me a feeling that all the influences I received from France were comprehensively gathered in my understanding of human beings and society through extremely cold observation and analysis.

And above all, the pinnacle of my connection with France was probably the 2004 Cannes Film Festival. That event was truly the biggest turning point in my life. In simpler terms, it completely changed my life. It was an unimaginable choice by Thierry (Frémaux), which gave me a great shock, and that connection continued for a long time until I was able to return to Cannes as Shim Sa-wi (Director) today.

Just as I have been greatly influenced by France and continue to be so, I feel that I am also having some influence on young directors in France. The reality of this mutual exchange of cultural and artistic inspiration, where we give and receive from one another, feels incredibly moving and gratifying to me.

Now, my last remaining wish is to one day make a film in France, to make a film with French actors. It seems that is all that remains. Thank you.

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*This content was translated by AI.