Watch Obaltan

Obaltan is a Korean drama film released in 1961, directed by Yu Hyun-mok and written by Lee Byeong-il. This film is considered as one of the greatest Korean movies ever made and is often cited as a classic example of the Golden Age of Korean cinema. The story takes place in the aftermath of the Korean War in the late 1950s, and revolves around a poor family struggling to make ends meet in Seoul. The patriarch of the family, a disabled war veteran named Man-ho (played by Mu-ryong Choi), must rely on his wife (played by Jeong-suk Moon) and three grown-up children to make a living.

The film begins with the family traveling from the countryside to the big city in search of a better life. They settle in an old, dilapidated district called Obaltan, where they rent a small room in a shared house. Over time, the family's situation becomes increasingly dire, as they face a series of setbacks and hardships.

The film primarily focuses on the daily struggles of the family, telling a moving story of poverty, sacrifice, and resilience. Man-ho's wife works tirelessly as a street vendor, while his two sons take on menial jobs to support the family. His daughter, however, is the one who brings home the most money by selling her body to wealthy men.

Despite their hardships, the family members maintain their love and support for each other, which is seen as the film's central theme. For example, the youngest son, who has just returned from the army, secretly saves some money to buy his mother a birthday gift. The family also shares a sense of community with their neighbors in the shared house, who band together in times of crisis.

The film's cinematography is another notable feature, capturing the gritty reality of postwar South Korea. The director makes use of low-key lighting and claustrophobic framing to convey the sense of confinement the family feels in their cramped living quarters. Despite the difficult living conditions, however, the film's characters use what little they have to create a sense of home and warmth, and these moments of tenderness shine through the film's bleakness.

The film's ending is both hopeful and tragic, conveying the hardships of the family's daily life while inspiring a sense of hope and resilience. Throughout the film, we see the family struggling to scrape by, but they remain determined to make a better future for themselves. The film's final scene, which I won't spoil, is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by ordinary people trying to survive in difficult times.

In conclusion, Obaltan is a beautifully crafted film that powerfully captures the struggles of a poor family in postwar South Korea. The film's realistic portrayal of hardship and resilience, compelling performances, and intimate character study make it a must-see for fans of Korean cinema. It remains a powerful reminder not only of Korea's past but also of the universal struggles faced by families living in poverty.