Watch The President's Barber

In the 1960s, South Korea was in the midst of significant political turmoil. The government, under the leadership of President Park Chung-hee, was cracking down on dissent and consolidating its power. Against this backdrop, The President's Barber tells the story of a humble barber, Mr. Seong Han-mo (Song Kang-ho), who finds himself thrust into the heart of the country's political elite by virtue of his profession.

As the title suggests, Mr. Seong is the personal barber to President Park (Jae-eung Lee). He runs a small barbershop in the bustling city of Seoul, where he provides haircuts and shaves to all manner of customers. One day, he receives a summons to the Presidential Palace and is soon offering his services to the country's leader. From this point on, his life is inexorably tied to the fate of the president and the country itself.

The President's Barber is a charming and evocative film that captures the zeitgeist of its era. The story is recounted from Mr. Seong's perspective, and we see firsthand the impact that the political turmoil has on him and his family. Despite his privileged position, he remains a simple and honest man, steadfastly committed to his principles and his trade.

One of the film's great strengths is its cast. Song Kang-ho (of Parasite fame) is a national treasure in South Korea and delivers a nuanced and compelling performance. He imbues Mr. Seong with a quiet dignity and a sense of integrity that is rare in films today. Moon So-ri, who plays Mr. Seong's wife, is also excellent. She brings warmth and humanity to a character who could easily have been relegated to the sidelines.

The President's Barber is not just a character study, however. It also provides a valuable window into South Korea's recent past. The film captures the feeling of a society in flux, as modernity and tradition collide in often unexpected ways. It also depicts the raw exercise of power, as the government employs increasingly brutal tactics to maintain control.

Despite the weighty subject matter, The President's Barber is not a heavy-handed film. It is infused with humor, compassion, and a sense of hope. This is especially true in the interactions between Mr. Seong and President Park. Though they come from vastly different worlds, they share a certain camaraderie that is genuinely touching. Indeed, the film suggests that even in the most fraught political situations, there is still the possibility for human connection.

The film's title is somewhat misleading, as it implies that the story is primarily about the president himself. While President Park is certainly a major figure in the film, he is not the central protagonist. Rather, it is Mr. Seong who drives the narrative forward. His experiences provide a lens through which we can view the wider political landscape, and it is through his eyes that we see the impact of events on ordinary citizens.

Director Im Chan-sang does an excellent job of balancing the various elements of the story. He maintains a steady pace, which allows the characters and themes to breathe, while also building tension as events spiral out of control. The film's cinematography is also noteworthy, capturing the look and feel of Seoul in the 1960s with precision and skill.

The President's Barber was a critical and commercial success in South Korea upon its release in 2004, winning several awards and garnering positive reviews. It is not as well-known outside of the country, however, which is a shame. This is a film that deserves a wider audience, not just for its historical significance, but for its humor, heart, and humanity.

In summary, The President's Barber is a must-watch for anyone interested in Korean cinema, politics, or history. It is a rich and rewarding film that rewards multiple viewings. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of political oppression, and a celebration of the connections that bind us all together.