Watch Peppermint Candy

Peppermint Candy is a 1999 South Korean drama film directed by Lee Chang-dong and starred by Sol Kyung-gu, Kim Yeo-jin, and Moon So-ri. The movie tells the story of a man named Yong-ho, a former factory worker who reunites with his former classmates after 20 years. The movie begins with Yong-ho standing at a railway bridge contemplating suicide. He looks back on his life and the events that led him to this point. The film then unfolds in a non-linear style, jumping between different periods in Yong-ho's life, starting from when he was a young private in the Korean army in the Bodo League massacre, where he witnessed firsthand the brutality of the military dictatorship.

As the story flashes back to his past, we see him as a carefree young man, his childhood, his teenage years, his awkward experiences with love, and finally, his first love, Sun-im (Moon So-ri). Sunny, pure, and trying to be independent, Sun-im dazzles Yong-ho with his brightness, and their love seems to promise a bright future for both. However, their romance is short-lived as Yong-ho prioritizes securing a stable life for himself which prompts him to abandon Sun-im, fuelling her lifelong resentment towards him.

As the story proceeds, we encounter Yong-ho at different points in his life, who has become a callous and ruthless businessman. His insatiable hunger for success leads to his participation in the corruption at the expense of the people he claims he would serve, his family's destruction, and his friends turning their backs on him.

As the movie reaches its climax, the 1990s roll in, and Yong-ho's marriage crumbles following his failed business ventures, and his hopes and dreams are shattered. He transforms into a bitter, cruel, and violent man, alienating everyone close to him. The film jumps back to where it started; Yong-ho at the railway tracks, contemplating his life and imminent end.

Peppermint Candy is a powerful and thought-provoking film that deals with issues such as the cyclical nature of life, the choices we make in life, how they shape who we become, and how traumatic events can assist in causing the mental and spiritual breakdown of individuals. It is a story of the darkness and harsh reality of the human experience, often leaving the audience with emotions ranging from empathy to despair.

Sol Kyung-gu delivers a stunning portrayal of a man's descent into despair and violence, showcasing the character's transformation from an innocent young man to a callous, corrupted self. The cinematography in Peppermint Candy is also a testament to the director's artistic vision.

The use of colors to indicate different periods, such as the past being full of warmth, and the present is cold and harsh, enables the audience to follow the story with ease. The camera angles and framing of scenes also draw out the feelings of the characters beyond the spoken words, making for an immersive experience.

One of the fascinating aspects of Peppermint Candy is that it portrays significant moments in South Korea's history. The Bodo League massacre, the Gwangju Uprising, and IMF Crisis demonstrate, South Korea's struggle for democracy, its climb towards economic progress, and the inherent dangers that come with it.

In conclusion, Peppermint Candy, a movie loved for its raw emotion and powerful performances, is a captivating masterpiece that tells a singular story that is difficult to forget. It is the type of motion picture that provides insight into the human experience while moving viewers to empathize with people who have experienced the pain and sorrow of living in this world. It is truly a remarkable film that is a must-watch for anyone who wants to be moved and moved again.

Peppermint Candy is a 2000 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 10 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.