The Weinstein Company (TWC) hasacquired all North American rights to Korean action film The City Of Violence, directed by Ryoo Seung-wan.

Known for martial artsfantasy Arahan and last year'sDirector's Fortnight entry Crying Fist,Ryoo also stars in The City Of Violence,alongside martial arts choreographer Jung Doo-hong.

Jung plays Tae-soo, a Seoul police detective who visits his hometown for thefirst time in 10 years, upon hearing the news that his old friend Wang-jae wasmurdered by a gang of teenagers. He attempts to uncover the hidden connectionsin the death of his former gang boss friend, and reluctantly teams up withhot-tempered Seok-hwan, played by Ryoo.

The City Of Violence will be distributed in North America under The Weinstein Company's newly formed DragonDynasty label.

The film was produced byR&K Production and Seoul Action School. TWC purchased the rights from CJ Entertainment, which executiveproduced the film and is handling international sales.

Michelle Krumm, executivevice president of acquisitions and co-productions for TWC stated: "We are sohappy to be in business with CJ Entertainment again with this great film."

CJ Entertainment has alsosold The City Of Violence to about 20other territories in Asia, Europe, and South America.

The film had a strong debutin local theatres at the end of May, opening third at the box office after Hollywood behemoths The Da Vinci Codeand Mission: Impossible III.