Madmedia Entertainment has announced Academy Award-winning screenwriter, Frank Pierson (Dog Day Afternoon, Cool Hand Luke, Presumed Innocent) will write the Korean War drama, 17 Days of Winter, and it'll be directed by Eric Brevig (Journey to the Center of the Earth). According to the press release:
17 Days of Winter is a story of personal triumph, courage and universal humanity set against the backdrop of the brutal, 17 day battle where 12,000 U.S. Marines and soldiers, known today as "The Chosin Few," faced overwhelming odds and deadly sub-zero temperatures, while outnumbered by 120,000 Chinese troops behind enemy lines in a battle for the soul of a nation.
The film is set for a 2012 release date. The movie has support from the Korean Minister of Culture and the Korean Veterans Association and will be filmed on location in Korea. No word if they're shooting in 3D, but with the huge surge in 3D movies, it'll be interesting to see if this is the first war movie done in the format. Hit the jump for some quotes from Pierson and Brevig.
Update - We have been informed the movie will be shot in 3D!
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"War is such a part of a nation's experience," said Pierson. "With each generation that passes, people need to be reminded of the sacrifices made both abroad and at home. This particular battle was unique because it was fought by an unlikely combination of seasoned WWII vets and callow teenage boys...and then largely forgotten."
"We're honored to have Frank on our team," said Brevig. "As both a gifted writer and an Army veteran who knows all too well the realities of war, Frank's unique sensibility and perspective is perfectly suited to bring this important, epic drama to life with all the gravity, honesty and humanity it so richly deserves."
Jayson Won, executive producer and founder of MADMEDIA Entertainment adds, "The state of technology, the unprecedented popularity of the 3-D medium and the 60th anniversary of the Korean War have aligned to make this the perfect time to tell this incredible story of salvation."
In an unprecedented move, the Minister of Culture, In Chon Yu, and the Chairman of the Korean Veterans Association, Se Hwan Park, have committed fully to the project. "We pledge our unconditional support, including making use of equipment, weapons, shooting sites and military assistants in Korea," said Se Hwan Park. "It is our wish to be part of the process to educate and raise awareness throughout the world on the noble achievements and honorable sacrifice made by all Korean War veterans."
Brian Iglesias, 14-year combat-decorated Marine Captain, documentary filmmaker (Chosin) and honorary member of "The Chosin Few," has signed on as executive producer and military advisor to the project. "Given the integrity of this project, I feel privileged to be able to provide the personal stories of the heroic few who lived to tell the tale of this historic and iconic battle," stated Iglesias.
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