When asked why he chose ŌĆśJeong Yak JeonŌĆÖ as a historical figure to highlight in his movie, director Lee Joon Ik said, ŌĆ£I captured what kind of decisions and direction in life Chang DaeŌĆÖs character would take upon in midst of the discord between Jeong Yak Jeon and Jeong Yak YongŌĆÖs values.ŌĆØ Regarding the inclusion of Hansi (traditional Chinese poetry), he added, ŌĆ£All the poems in the movie were written by Jeong Yak Yong. Because poetry was used as a tool to reveal the speakerŌĆÖs worldview in Joseon Dynasty, the Hansi included in The Book of Fish carries the sentiments of suffering from the times, much like Yun Dong JuŌĆÖs poetry in Dongju: The Portrait of a Poet. Whilst The Book of Fish is the first historical drama for Sol Kyung Gu, he says, ŌĆ£I worked on it as the director gave me courage telling me that it suits me well. We were able to work with the best teamwork since we filmed, unlike other historical dramas. It was a fun and enjoyable process, so I think itŌĆÖd be nice to give historical dramas another go.ŌĆØ As for his harmony with Byun Yo Han, he explained their special friendship saying that they got along well regardless of whether they were in or out of the shoot. Byun Yo Han also said, ŌĆ£Sol Kyung Gu is a senior I really love and have become to adore him even more through this work. There were many moments I learned and felt a lot of things.ŌĆØ Regarding the character of Chang Dae, he said that ŌĆ£it was homework till the end of the shoot to know how he looked at Jeong Yak Jeon, the village people, and to express their relationships.ŌĆØ ŌĆ£Though lacking, I tried to act truthfully for the black and white film,ŌĆØ he added, expressing his feelings for the movie. Playing the role of Gageo Daek, a resident of Heuksan Island, Lee Jung Eun introduced the character as a ŌĆ£bridge that delivers the way of life on the island to the exiled Jeong Yak Jeon on behalf of its residents, and establishes ties with Chang Dae.ŌĆØ She then went on to say, ŌĆ£I paid a lot of attention to my facial expressions because itŌĆÖs a black-and-white film, and the story may seem too much if I overdo it even a little bit.ŌĆØ She also revealed her reaction to the premiere saying, ŌĆ£IŌĆÖm losing my mind crying to the friendship of Jeong Yak Jeon and Chang Dae which transcends age.ŌĆØ The film has been receiving favorable reviews from major Korean media outlets since its release. Here are some reactions from the press: ŌĆ£The time and its people captured in a black-and-white filmŌĆØ (SpoTV News), ŌĆ£The resonance which transcends age, status, and eraŌĆØ (The Celeb), ŌĆ£A gift in black and white with the masterŌĆÖs confidence and comfortŌĆØ (iMBC), ŌĆ£A refined ink wash painting by Lee Joon IkŌĆØ (Media Pen), ŌĆ£The warmth created by the masters of acting and directingŌĆØ (Hankyung Dotcom), ŌĆ£A black and white film that is more powerful than colors, and a heavy messageŌĆØ (Sports Today).
