The Korean film "Thirst” by Park Chan-wook opened with a bang at the Cannes Film Festival on Friday.

The screening began at 10:40 p.m. French time. At the end of the two hour film, audiences stood and applauded director Park and his cast for eight minutes.

Film distributor CJ Entertainment said it was the longest standing ovation for a Korean film it has ever seen.

Before the screening, Park and cast members Song Kang-ho, Shin Ha-gyun, Kim Ok-bin and Kim Hae-suk posed on the red carpet.