Watch Chronicle of a Blood Merchant

Chronicle of a Blood Merchant is a 2015 South Korean movie based on the novel by Yu Hua. The movie is directed by Ha Jung-woo, who also plays the lead role. The movie stars Ha Jung-woo as Xu Sanguan, Ha Ji-Won as Xu Yulan, and Hwang Bo-ra as Xu Jiazhen. The movie is set in a rural village in China during the 1950s. Xu Sanguan is a poor man who makes a living by selling blood. He dreams of becoming rich one day and buys a concubine named Xu Yulan. However, she is barren, and they cannot have a child. Desperate for a son, Xu Sanguan has an affair with a widow named Chunhua, who wants a husband to support her and her son.

As expected, Chunhua becomes pregnant, and Xu Sanguan is delighted. He believes that this child will change his fortunes and bring him wealth and prosperity. However, things do not go as planned. The child is born a girl, and Xu Sanguan is devastated. He believes that he is cursed and that his blood-selling business is failing because he does not have a son.

Despite this setback, Xu Sanguan continues to hope for a son. He even goes to the extent of marrying a third wife, Xu Jiazhen. However, he soon realizes that having a son does not guarantee happiness or success. His obsession with having a son leads to a tragic end that affects everyone around him.

The movie is a poignant reflection of the cultural and social conditions of China during that time. It portrays the struggles of ordinary people who lived in poverty and had to make difficult choices to survive. The movie also highlights the gender biases prevalent in the society, where having a son was considered key to a family's success and happiness.

The movie's director, Ha Jung-woo, masterfully portrays the complexities of human nature and relationships. He skillfully navigates the fine line between drama and comedy, bringing depth and nuance to the characters' emotions and motivations.

Ha Jung-woo's performance is outstanding as Xu Sanguan. He conveys the character's desperation, hope, and eventual despair with aplomb. His chemistry with Ha Ji-Won as Xu Yulan is palpable, and their scenes together are some of the movie's most memorable moments.

Ha Ji-Won gives a solid performance as Xu Yulan. She portrays the character's complexities and vulnerabilities with subtlety and grace. Hwang Bo-ra's portrayal of Xu Jiazhen is also noteworthy, portraying the character's strength and resilience despite her circumstances.

The movie's cinematography and music are also noteworthy. The breathtaking landscapes of rural China are captured with stunning visuals, and the music adds to the movie's emotional impact.

In conclusion, Chronicle of a Blood Merchant is a must-watch movie for anyone looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally charged drama. The movie's exploration of human desires, hopes, and the consequences of our actions is relevant even today. The movie stays with you long after the credits roll and is an excellent example of South Korean cinema at its best.

Chronicle of a Blood Merchant is a 2015 romance movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.