March 16, 2016 - 17:24 AMT
Swen acquires “The Bittersweet” Chinese action thriller

Miami-based distributor Swen Group International has acquired multi-territory rights to “The Bittersweet”, a Chinese action thriller, starring Korean singer-actor Lee Min-ho, Variety reports.

Swen acquired rights for North America, Latin America and most of Europe. Sales are handled by Hong Kong-based Fame Universal.

The film sees Lee pitched opposite Zhu Xuan, from Yonfan’s “Prince of Tears.” An international crew including Australian cinematographer Wade Muller and Taiwanese production designer Chen Po-jen were brought on board to elevate the film’s look and feel.

Lee, a former child star who enjoyed a long TV career, broke through into movies with his roles in “Running Man” and “The Howling.” He is one of several Korean actors and musicians eyeing bigger opportunities in the Chinese market. Last year, he spent two months taking an intensive Mandarin Chinese language course and in “The Bittersweet” performs songs in Chinese and Korean.