Watch The Surrogate Woman

The Surrogate Woman is a South Korean drama film from 1987 directed by Im Kwon-taek. The movie tells the story of a surrogate mother who agrees to carry a child for a wealthy family, only to find herself at the center of a conflict that reveals the dark underbelly of traditional Korean society. The movie takes place in the 19th century in a small rural village, where a couple is unable to have children of their own. They turn to a local shaman, who suggests that they find a surrogate mother. Enter Ok-nyo (Kang Soo-youn), a young woman from a poor family, who is chosen to carry the couple's child. In exchange for her services, she is promised a substantial sum of money, which she hopes to use to improve her own family's circumstances.

At first, the arrangement seems like a win-win situation. Ok-nyo moves into the couple's home, where she is treated with kindness and respect. She receives good food, comfortable clothing, and medical care throughout her pregnancy. However, as the due date approaches, tensions start to rise. The husband begins to develop feelings for Ok-nyo, causing jealousy and resentment on the part of his wife. Meanwhile, the local villagers start to gossip and spread rumors about Ok-nyo, claiming that she is a loose woman who has slept with both the husband and the shaman.

As Ok-nyo gives birth to a healthy baby boy, the situation becomes even more complicated. The couple is overjoyed with their new child, but they are also worried about what will happen to Ok-nyo. In traditional Korean society, surrogate mothers were often expected to give up their babies and disappear without a trace. The couple's own family members are pressuring them to do just that- to take the child and send Ok-nyo away, never to be seen again.

Ok-nyo, however, has other plans. She has grown attached to the baby and wants to keep him, even if it means breaking with tradition and defying the wishes of the wealthy family who hired her. As the conflict between the two sides escalates, Ok-nyo finds herself at the center of a struggle that highlights the struggles and inequalities of the traditional Korean caste system. She must fight for her own rights as a woman and a mother, while navigating the complex web of power dynamics and social norms that govern her society.

The Surrogate Woman is a powerful and thought-provoking film, which explores themes of class, gender, and tradition in the context of a dramatic story of love and conflict. The performances by Kang Soo-youn, Gu-sun Lee, and Yang-ha Yun are all excellent, bringing depth and nuance to their characters. The movie's stunning visuals and haunting score also contribute to its impact, capturing the beauty and brutality of life in rural Korea in the 19th century.

Overall, The Surrogate Woman is an unforgettable film that resonates with audiences long after the final credits roll. It is a compelling portrait of a woman's struggle for dignity, agency, and family in a world that is stacked against her, and a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit.