[Culture &] New Action Release: Mom…Milla Jovovich in [Protector] & A Coming-of-Age Love Story…[Love, Milk, and Cheese]

A return to overwhelming catharsis—'Protector'

'Protector' is a gritty action thriller about a relentless manhunt. A mother—former special agent—has just 72 hours to save her kidnapped daughter. Starring 'Niki' ('Milla Jovovich'), the film kicks off the moment her 16-year-old daughter—trying to break free—is abducted by mysterious criminals. At the center are 'Milla Jovovich''s unmatched action sequences, perfectly aligned with her character’s background in an American special forces unit. With no body double, she handles everything from car chases to high-difficulty action featuring firearms and bladed weapons, delivering an immersive, truly gripping experience.

A Korea–U.S. collaboration with 'Milla Jovovich-style Taken' energy

From the start, the urgent setup—a golden 72-hour deadline—evokes the action masterpiece 'Taken', while promising a catharsis that really lands as the so-called 'Milla Jovovich-style Taken'. Beyond pure impact, the story adds emotional resonance through the mother’s heavy regret for not being there for her daughter when the country called—and through her 'maternal love'. In particular, this film stands out as a true global collaboration between Korea and the United States. The screenplay was written by 'Moon Bong-seop', the writer of 'Manhole', and the choreography is by the team behind 'John Wick'. Together with director 'Adrian Grunberg' of 'Rambo: Last Blood', they came together to maximize the film’s overall quality. Opens on the 25th. 93 minutes. Not suitable for teens.

A snapshot of youth blooming in rural France—'Love, Milk, and Cheese'

'Love, Milk, and Cheese' is a beautifully crafted film that spotlights the fresh friendship and dazzling growth of young people as they roam through the countryside of France. 'Toton' ('Clement Favreau'), an 18-year-old boy, used to be reckless and dismissed the family business his father—an artisan cheesemaker—built. But after his father’s untimely death, he suddenly faces the harsh reality of having to support his 7-year-old younger sister. The coming-of-age journey from a reckless dare to a plan to steal milk—while also chasing prize money from a cheese competition—captures the clumsiness and growing pains that are unmistakably part of youth, rendered with both a bright spirit and a sharp eye.

Authenticity that captivated the 77th Cannes Film Festival

Vast blue fields and pastoral scenery bring a warm touch to the story. The Jura region of France—where the film is set—is also director 'Louise Courvoisier''s real hometown, allowing the film’s authenticity to come through on screen with full force. Despite being her feature-length debut, the film earned recognition for its outstanding craft and received an official invitation in a notable category at the 2024 'Cannes Film Festival'. It also marked a major milestone by winning the Youth Award. Opens on the 25th. 92 minutes. Not suitable for teens.