Bong Joon Ho, the acclaimed South Korean filmmaker known for his unique storytelling and genre-bending films, has finally unveiled the title and details of his highly anticipated animated feature, 'Ally'. This marks a significant departure from his previous live-action works, as he ventures into the world of 3D animation, a medium he has been developing since 2019. The film is set to be a groundbreaking project, with a budget rumored to be as high as $60 million, making it the most expensive Korean film ever produced.
A Unique Collaboration
Bong Joon Ho has joined forces with Jason Yu, a 36-year-old filmmaker and director of the well-received Korean horror film 'Sleep' (2023). This collaboration is not Bong's first with a younger screenwriter; he has previously worked with Han Jin Won, with whom he co-wrote the Oscar-winning 'Parasite'. The film's production is a collaborative effort, with a diverse creative team from 12 countries, including animation supervisor Jae Hyung Kim (known for 'Toy Story 4' and 'Inside Out') and production designer Marcin Jakubowski (who worked on 'Klaus').
The Story and Characters
'Ally' follows the journey of Ally, a curious and endearing piglet squid living in the uncharted depths of the South Pacific Ocean. Ally dreams of becoming the star of a wildlife documentary, but her peaceful existence is disrupted when a mysterious aircraft sinks into the ocean, throwing her and her loyal companions into an extraordinary adventure. The film explores themes of friendship, courage, and the impact of human encounters with deep-sea creatures. With visually stunning underwater worlds and epic action sequences, 'Ally' promises to be a family adventure blending humor and emotion.
A Passion Project
Bong Joon Ho has described 'Ally' as a passion project, inspired by Claire Nouvian's photo book 'The Deep: The Extraordinary Creatures of the Abyss'. He has hand-drawn the entire storyboard, a testament to his dedication and attention to detail. Despite the challenges of working on the film between festival jury duties and press tours for 'Mickey 17', Bong has persevered, showcasing his unwavering commitment to this ambitious undertaking.
Distribution and Release
The film is set for a worldwide theatrical release in the first half of 2027, with financing and distribution handled by CJ ENM, Penture Invest, and Pathé. Pathé will distribute the film in France, Benelux, Switzerland, and West Africa, while CJ ENM and Penture will manage international sales for Japan, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The film's release is highly anticipated, given the director's reputation and the project's massive budget, which has sparked curiosity and excitement within the industry and among fans alike.
