When it was announced there’d be an American remake of “My Sassy Girl,” fans of the 2001 South Korean romantic comedy were skeptical, to say the least. Would the Hollywood version have the same charm as the original? How would U.S. actors Elisha Cuthbert and Jesse Bradford stack up to Korea’s beloved on-screen duo Jeon Ji-hyun and Cha Tae-hyun? And how would the humor translate in English? 

Well, fans don’t have much to worry about because Fox Home Entertainment recently announced that the “My Sassy Girl” remake will go straight to DVD on Aug. 19, skipping a wide theatrical release. Rent it for comparison’s sake, but your best bet is probably to stick with the original. 

 

Look Familiar?

To make up for losses from piracy, the South Korean film industry is selling Hollywood the remake rights to some of its best movies. Here’s what’s been or being remade.

Original: “Siworae (Il Mare)” (2000)
Stars: Jeon Ji-hyun and Jung-Jae Lee
Synopsis: A letterbox is the portal that connects two individuals living two years apart.
Remake: “The Lake House” (2006), Warner Bros.Stars: Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves

Original: “My Wife Is a Gangster” (2001)
Stars: Shin Eun-kyung and Park Sang-myeon
Synopsis: A crime boss needs to get married to fulfill her dying sister’s wishes.
Remake: “My Wife Is a Gangster” (TBA), Miramax
Star: Queen Latifah

Original: “A Tale of Two Sisters” (2003)
Stars: Mun Geun-yeong and Lim Su-jeong
Synopsis: Two sisters return home after spending time in a mental institution, but a ghost affects their recovery.
Remake: “The Uninvited” (2009), DreamWorks
Stars: Elizabeth Banks and Arielle Kebbel

Original: “The Chaser” (2008)
Stars: Ha Jung-Woo and Kim Yoon-suk
Synopsis: A thriller about a serial killer, prostitutes and their pimp.
Remake: “The Chaser” (TBA), Warner Bros.
Star: Leonardo DiCaprio

Hollywood has purchased the rights for the following South Korean films, but there’s been no word on production. Stay tuned. 

“Hi, Dharma” (2001). Rights purchased by MGM. • “Marrying the Mafia” (2002). Rights purchased by Warner Bros. • “Jail Breakers” (2002). Rights purchased by Miramax. • “Old Boy” (2003). Rights purchased by Universal. • “My Teacher, Mr. Kim” (2003). Rights purchased by Miramax. • “Seven Days” (2007). Rights purchased by Summit Entertainment.