Action Boys (2008 Film)

Action Boys (Korean: 우린 액션배우다; RR: Woorin Aekseonbaewooda) is a 2008 South Korean documentary film directed by Jung Byung-Gil. The film provides an intimate look at the rigorous training and personal aspirations of individuals training to become professional stunt performers.

Promotional poster for the documentary Action Boys

Background and Production

The documentary centers on the Seoul Action School, a prominent institution for stunt training in South Korea. In 2004, the school held auditions that attracted over sixty applicants. Following an initial selection process, thirty-six individuals began an intensive six-month training program. By the end of the course, only eight participants successfully graduated, including the director, Jung Byung-Gil.

A scene from the documentary Action Boys featuring the stunt trainees

Content

Action Boys documents the physical and psychological challenges faced by the trainees as they pursue their goal of becoming action performers. The film explores the diverse backgrounds of the participants and their shared ambition to succeed in the film industry. Featured individuals include Kwon Kwi-Deok, Shin Seong-Il, Kwak Jin-Seok, and Jeon Se-Jin.

Release

The film was released in South Korea on August 28, 2008, with a runtime of 110 minutes. It received an international premiere at the 7th New York Asian Film Festival in 2008.