Watch May 18
- PG-13
- 2007
- 2 hr
-
6.9 (1,378)
May 18 is a South Korean historical drama film that was released in 2007. The movie is directed by Kim Ji-hoon, and it stars Kim Sang-kyung, Lee Yo-won, and Ahn Sung-ki in the lead roles. The story of the movie revolves around the Gwangju Uprising, which happened on May 18, 1980. The Gwangju Uprising was a historical event in South Korea, where a protest by students and citizens against the military regime turned violent as the army opened fire on protesters resulting in numerous casualties.
The movie follows the lives of three main characters who are caught up in the Gwangju Uprising. The first character is Kang Suk-Dae portrayed by Kim Sang-kyung, who works as a taxi driver. Kang Suk-Dae is a single father who is trying to make ends meet and support his family. He is struggling to keep his taxi business going as he is faced with constant financial problems.
The second main character is a high school student named Jin-Woo played by Lee Joon-gi. Jin-Woo is a student who lives with his brother and sister in a low-income family. He is passionate about music and dreams of becoming a rockstar one day. Jin-woo's life becomes intertwined with Kang Suk-Dae when he hires him as his taxi driver for the day.
The third main character is a local journalist named Lee Joo-Hee portrayed by Lee Yo-won. Lee Joo-Hee is a journalist who works for a local newspaper. She is always looking for a good story to write and is committed to uncovering the truth.
The movie begins on May 17, 1980, and the three main characters are introduced. The next day, on May 18, 1980, the Gwangju Uprising breaks out, and the city is plunged into chaos. The government declares martial law, and the army is sent in to quell the protests.
The movie shows the brutal violence and the chaos that ensued during the Gwangju Uprising. The three characters find themselves in the middle of the violence, and they are forced to make difficult choices. Kang Suk-Dae decides to help the protesters by driving wounded individuals to the hospital. Lee Joo-Hee focuses on breaking the news to the entire world about the events happening in Gwangju. Jin-Woo picks up a camera and starts filming the protests, and his footage becomes a critical part of uncovering the truth about the violence.
The movie's narrative is not only about the violence but also the human emotions that are involved in such a situation. It portrays the humanity of the characters and how they struggle to maintain their moral values in the face of adversity.
The film's cinematography is exceptional, and it captures the chaos and violence of the Gwangju Uprising in a dark and realistic manner. The performances by the lead actors are also exceptional, and they bring a sense of reality to their characters. The movie is emotionally charged and is guaranteed to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
In conclusion, May 18 is a must-watch movie for anyone who is interested in historical dramas. It offers a glimpse into a pivotal moment in South Korean history and portrays the emotions and values of the people involved. The movie is exceptional, and it is a testament to the quality of South Korean cinema.
May 18 is a 2007 drama with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.