Watch A Melody to Remember

A Melody to Remember is a 2016 South Korean drama film directed by Lee Han, with a stellar cast that includes Si-wan Yim, Ko Asung, Lee Hee-joon, and Lee Joon-hyuk. The movie is based on the true story of a teacher who uses music therapy to help a group of young students heal from the psychological trauma caused by the Korean War. The film takes place in 1951, in a remote rural school where the students have been evacuated to avoid the fighting taking place near the frontlines of the war. The students, who come from different parts of Korea, are traumatized by the violence they have witnessed and are struggling to cope with the fear and anxiety that the war has brought into their lives.

Enter Kang In-sung (played by Si-wan Yim), a young soldier who is wounded in battle and sent to the school to recover. In-sung is a talented musician who plays the accordion, and he quickly becomes a beloved figure for the students, who are fascinated by his music and his gentle demeanor.

One day, In-sung overhears the students singing a song called "Spring Comes," which is a tune they learned while under the tutelage of their former music teacher, who died during the war. The song triggers memories of happier times for the students, and In-sung decides to use music as a form of therapy to help them cope with their trauma.

Despite the initial skepticism of the school's principal and In-sung's own lack of training in music therapy, he sets out to inspire the students to create a school choir and to help them find their own voices through song. As the students begin to open up and share their feelings with each other, they also start to heal from the psychological wounds caused by the war.

The movie is a heartwarming tale of resilience and the power of music to uplift the human spirit. It's also a poignant reminder of the toll that war takes on innocent civilians, especially children, who are often the most vulnerable to its effects.

Si-wan Yim delivers a standout performance as In-sung, bringing a quiet intensity to the role that is both sensitive and inspiring. Ko Asung also shines as the school's principal, who is initially skeptical of In-sung's unconventional methods but comes to appreciate the transformative power of music therapy.

Lee Hee-joon and Lee Joon-hyuk round out the cast with strong supporting performances, adding depth and nuance to their roles as the school's music teacher and In-sung's fellow soldier, respectively.

The film's cinematography is stunning, capturing the beauty of the rural Korean countryside with breathtaking panoramic shots and intimate close-ups that convey both the grandeur and the intimacy of the story.

A Melody to Remember is an emotionally resonant film that will touch the hearts of viewers of all ages. It's a testament to the human spirit and the enduring power of music to heal, inspire, and connect us all, even in the darkest of times.

A Melody to Remember is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 4 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.