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| Director Cathy Yan, right in front row, talks about the new film "Birds of Prey" at a live video conference held at Yongsan CGV in Seoul, Tuesday. / Courtesy of Warner Bros. Korea |
By Kwak Yeon-soo
"Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn," which is told entirely from Harley's point of view, is an ensemble film where each of the characters has many shining moments, according to director Cathy Yan.
In a video conference held at Yongsan CGV in Seoul, Tuesday, the director and cast discussed adapting characters from DC Extended Universe comics and the theme of sisterhood.
"A big takeaway from the film is that it shows raw, imperfect characters becoming empowered in the end. All characters go on their own, similar journey and later join forces to defend a young girl from a villain," Yan said.
Talking about the film, Yan said that it pays homage to the entire history of the comic book, but has original elements too.
"What's lovely is that although the film is inspired by the entire history of the character in the DC comic, a lot of it is based on an original story," she said.
In the upcoming film, Harley is depicted as an antihero after splitting up with the Joker, with whom she first appeared in 2016's "Suicide Squad."
The film is about Harley trying to push past a painful breakup, joining superheroes Black Canary, Huntress and Renee Montoya to save a young girl, Cassandra Cain, from crime lord Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask.
On returning as Harley Quinn, Margot Robbie said there was so much to explore about the character that is different from what is seen in "Suicide Squad."
"I didn't want to stop playing Harley because such a female ensemble action film is rare, and I love hanging out with the girl gang," Robbie said. "In the beginning of the film, Harley is in a vulnerable state, not coping well after the breakup with the Joker. However, she tries to become independent and finds herself joining forces with other female superheroes."
Jurnee Smollett-Bell, who plays Black Canary, said she loved how her character encompasses duality.
"There is a quality of Black Canary that's grounded, but at the same time she has compassion. As an actor, it was fun to play out both her strength and vulnerability," Smollett-Bell said.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead, who plays Huntress in the film, shared that it was fascinating to learn about her character.
"Physicality is much of Huntress's identity, so I spent months in physical training," Winstead said.
Ella Jay Basco, who plays Cassandra Cain, explained that she tried to express the character's vulnerability until she finds Harley, her new "mother figure."
Director Yan said she tried to cast actors who embody the soul of their characters.
"Mary's personality shines by the end of the film and Jurnee is the moral compass in the story," she said. "It's difficult to separate Margot from Harley as both are unpredictable, willing to take risks and fully committed. Ella brought authenticity to the role."
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| Poster for "Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn" / Courtesy of Warner Bros. Korea |
"The ensemble of all-female cast was unique because it doesn't happen often. That specific environment has allowed us to bond quickly and deeper," Robbie said.
"There were no egos and everyone was so supportive. Giving the world what they haven't seen before is thrilling."
Winstead echoed the opinion by saying "Everyone came in with similar spirit, and that instantly bonded us. We have the same appreciation and similar work ethics."
"Birds of Prey" will make the world premiere in Korea on Feb. 5.
