Watch Asphalt

Asphalt is a South Korean film from 1964 that is considered to be one of the classics of Korean cinema. Directed by Kim Ki-young, the film stars Jin Kyu Kim, Dong-hwi Jang, and Jeung-nyeo Ju. It tells the story of a young couple struggling to make a life for themselves in an urban environment that is harsh and unforgiving. The film opens with a stunning sequence that shows the city waking up to the sound of a siren. We see a street sweeper at work, a man washing his face in a public fountain, and a woman preparing food in a tiny kitchen. From these images, we get a sense of the bleakness of urban life, and the film sets the tone for what is to come.

Our main characters are a young man named Dong-ho and his wife, Suni. Dong-ho works as a construction worker, but he dreams of something better. He wants to start his own business, and he spends his free time devising plans for how he can make it happen. Suni, meanwhile, struggles to keep their tiny apartment clean and tidy, even as the walls seem to be closing in around her.

The central conflict of the film arises when Dong-ho becomes involved in a dispute with his boss. The boss, Mr. Kim, is a corrupt and ruthless man who takes advantage of his workers and seems to delight in their suffering. Dong-ho, however, is not willing to take it lying down. He gathers his fellow workers and urges them to stand up against Mr. Kim and demand better treatment. This sets off a chain of events that will change the lives of everyone involved.

Asphalt is a film that explores themes of class, power, and corruption. It shows us how people can be ground down by the systems that are supposed to protect them, and how those with money and influence can exploit and manipulate those who are less fortunate. It also shows us how love and determination can help people rise above their circumstances and strive for something better.

The film is beautifully shot, with stark black-and-white images that capture the gritty reality of urban life. The performances are excellent, with Jin Kyu Kim and Jeung-nyeo Ju in particular giving nuanced and powerful performances as Dong-ho and Suni. The direction is assured and confident, with Kim Ki-young making bold choices that keep the audience engaged and on the edge of their seats.

One of the most striking elements of Asphalt is its use of sound. The film is filled with the sounds of the city - the blaring horns of cars, the clanking of construction equipment, the hum of neon lights. The sound design is expertly crafted, and it adds an immersive and visceral quality to the film.

Asphalt is a film that is both timeless and timely. It speaks to the struggles of working-class people everywhere, and it shows us the power of community and solidarity in the face of oppression. It is a film that is not afraid to tackle big issues and ask difficult questions, and its message is one that is just as important now as it was when the film was first released in 1964.