R2B: Return to Base
R2B: Return to Base (Korean: R2B: 리턴투베이스) is a 2012 South Korean action film directed by Kim Dong-won. The film, which centers on the lives and missions of elite combat pilots, was produced with the support of the Republic of Korea Air Force to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Korean War. It is a remake of the 1964 film Red Scarf.
Plot
The story follows Tae-hoon, a talented but reckless pilot and member of the elite "Black Eagles" flight team. After an incident during an air show, he is transferred to the 21st Combat Flight Unit. There, he forms a bond with his commander, Dae-seo, and faces professional rivalry with the unit's top pilot, Cheol-hee. When an unidentified fighter plane appears over Yeouido, the unit is scrambled for a high-stakes sortie.
Production
The film underwent several title changes during development, including Haneulye Sanda and Soar: Close to the Sun, before settling on R2B: Return to Base. Principal photography commenced on March 15, 2011, and concluded on September 23, 2011. The production budget was approximately 10 billion won. The film served as the final project for actor Rain before he began his mandatory military service.
Release
R2B: Return to Base was released in South Korea on August 15, 2012. It received a limited release in the United States and Canada starting August 24, 2012, with screenings in cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Vancouver. The film was also screened at the 2012 Busan International Film Festival under the English title Soar Into The Sun. International distribution rights were sold to 30 countries, including Germany, France, Singapore, and India.
Cast
- Rain as Jung Tae-hoon
- Shin Se-kyung as Yoo Se-young
- Yu Jun-sang as Lee Cheol-hee
- Lee Ha-na as Oh Yoo-jin
- Kim Sung-su as Park Dae-seo
- Lee Jong-suk as Ji Seok-hyun
- Oh Dal-su as Min Dong-pil
- Jung Kyung-ho as Jo Tae-bong
- Cho Seong-ha as Choi Byung-kil
- Jung Suk-won as Choi Min-ho
