The Louis Vuitton Hawaii International Film Festival launches with the American premiere of the South Korean epic "The Divine Weapon," 8 p.m. Thursday at the Dole Cannery theaters.

"Divine," starring Jung Jae-Young, Ahn Sung-Ki, Heo Joon-Ho and Han Eun-Jung, was at the top of the box office when it was released last month. The 15th-century drama focuses on the intrigue surrounding plans for a superweapon that would repel China's Ming dynasty forces.

The festival continues through Oct. 19, featuring 150 films from 36 countries, at the Dole Cannery complex.

Opening- and closing-night tickets are $15. Tickets for other films are $10 general, $9 students, seniors, children and military; discounts for HIFF members and sponsors. www.hiff.org.