Presented by CJ Entertainment Inc.
A KiWheckShiDae Production
This film is based on actual events.
With PARK Jung-hee's dictatorship coming to a halt following his assassination on October 26, 1979,
the people envisioned democracy to take over military rule. But with the coup d'etat of December 12,
Jeon Doo-hwan took over with a new military regime. In spring of 1980, the government declared
martial law to suppress student demonstrations around the country, thus beginning to arrest university students and manifestants.
Airborne and army troops were sent out to defeat the civil militias.
MAY18
Hurry up! Run! Faster!
You survived the tough training, men.
Now, it's time to put it to use.
Avenge the commies! I want their blood!
Understood?
Yes, sir!
Private YOO Tae-woong speaking, sir.
Are we invading the North, sir?
The location's top secret. You'll know when we get there.
Dismissed!
It's the south.
What?
The sun's coming up on the left.
We're headed south.
Let's go to there.
No, let's go to the Comics Shop!
The comic book is book, too. I hate books.
I gotta go to church choir practice.
- See ya. - Aw, man.
- Don't be late. - Bye.
Good evening, sir.
Where to?
St. Paul's Catholic Church, please.
Must be a rich kid to go around in cabs like this.
Mind your own business and drive.
What did you say?
Didn't you learn any manners?
This cab must run on a motor mouth.
So noisy...
Why, you little...
Man, I got a little brother your age!
Don't know who, but I feel really sorry for him.
Pretty slick.
Come here!
You ran from the dishes this morning!
You can't hit the customer!
I was late 'cuz of you again!
Jin-woo!
Hi, Shin-ae.
Late again, huh?
Looks like you're late, too.
Hello.
You look a lot prettier...
- I mean pretty taller. - Pardon?
Are you wearing high heels?
What the...
Why don't you come to church, too?
I would... but I'm very busy...
Come on, let's go in.
- Not now, hon. - Relax.
Not here, hon...
- Please... - Ah, man.
Mister, you mind not looking in the rearview mirror?
Safety's my middle name, sir. A car's tailgating me.
There's no car behind us.
- Yong-dae? - What?
Do you smell something?
Now you notice?
I put somethin' on to meet ya tonight.
Not that. It stinks pretty bad.
Smells like somethin' that comes out the rear end!
You stepped on shit!
- What! - It's all over you.
I don't believe this!
Don't wipe that there!
Stop that right now!
- How disgusting! - Ms. Lee! Ms. Lee!
Ms. Lee! Ms. Lee!
You can't leave like this!
What! I paid you.
You can't put shit all over my cab and walk away!
Seeing you coming out of the fields I knew I shouldn't have taken you in!
The hell you care where I come out from!
I don't but you'd better lick all that shit off my seats!
What if I won't!
Then you'll be getting a taste of this!
Go ahead and try!
You're really asking for it!
Ms. Lee!
Hey.
Are you listening to me?
Of course.
So you tried talking to her but...
Please turn that off. I can't think.
I need to think.
So, you're not getting anywhere, is that it?
You're in love like a high school kid.
What are you talking about?
You think of her the moment you wake up, don't you?
Yeah.
Your heart pounds, you're happy,
and the whole world looks beautiful?
Yeah.
When you see her, you smile big and start to drool?
If you happen to touch shoulders you get dizzy and tingly all over?
You said it.
You're in high school man.
Wanna know how to get to college level?
How?
We're out of drinks.
More drinks, please!
Hey, Seoul Law schooler, taste this for me.
It's probably hot and salty as usual.
Hey bro, how do I look?
Playing dress up at night? You're crazy.
Watch this.
- Oh, please. - Don't I look good?
The church is going on a picnic tomorrow.
A picnic?
'Legends' is boring these days.
Then why are you watching it?
- I don't want to be alone. - I hope it's scary tonight.
- Look it's 'Tasty Treats' - 'Tasty Treats'
Aw, man!
Soon you'll be watching the popular KBS TV show 'Legends'.
We'll start by collecting the fees for watching.
Thank you.
Start collecting Byung-jo.
It's going to start.
If we miss it, give us a discount.
Fine, you cheapskate...
Legends
Run! Run!
Let's put the other plan on hold.
- A picnic, huh... - Come on.
Don't push me. I'm thinking.
White candy cane.
Here.
What a surprise.
What brings you here, father?
Our church is having a picnic here.
That's great!
The two of us were getting bored here.
Hello.
Thought you said you're going fishing.
They're closed today.
Time for the best couple game,
the three legged race!
A reminder, the partners will stay the same for all 29 games today.
If you have any problem, just pray.
Father, you're looking a little glum.
Don't you like the lovely sister?
Smile for us, father?
Amen.
Let's give them a big hand!
One two, one two...
Shin-ae!
Would you like a ride?
No, that's okay.
But ah...
You must...
Excuse me?
I mean, you look like you could use a stroll around the park.
No, I'm okay, really.
Come on.
But...
Hold on tight. Here we go.
Ah... Shin-ae... You're moving a little too...
I love you Min-woo.
What the?
What are you doing here...
Why did you get on?
Why didn't you watch the road?
Why you little... Come here!
See you tomorrow.
- Good job today. - Bye.
Gwang-ju Hospital
Hello.
Getting off work?
I was just passing through.
Really.
Hop in.
What a nice breeze.
Isn't it nice here?
There are even carps in there as big as my arm.
There must be around 10 of 'em.
You said you had something to say?
Ah, yes...
I wanted to discuss about Jin-woo.
I'm really worried about him these days.
Is something the matter with him?
The kid studies way too much.
Being smart is in the family but...
He's taking it a little too far.
There're people who study like crazy then suddenly kill themselves.
Jin-woo's fine. He's in the choir and has other interests.
But you should see him studying.
It's totally freaky.
What should I do?
So, I was thinking.
Will you do me a favor?
What favor...
- Let's go to the movies. - Pardon?
Strictly for Jin-woo's sake.
I want him get in some culture even if I have to force him.
I see.
Look, it's a carp.
Forget it. You're going.
No, I'm not.
Come on, man.
I said, I can't.
I have exams next week.
You already studied for it. I saw you.
That'll be more than enough.
If you're always first, you'll lose all your friends.
You're the one hounding me to go to Seoul law school.
Why you little... Fine.
Deal?
A student doesn't need much money.
Here.
But a Segovia guitar costs over $10.
Fine. I'll buy you the guitar. Deal?
- OK. - Hey!
- Thanks, bro. - Hey!
Come here you!
It's mine now!
- Hey! - Try to take it back!
I practically raised you, kid!
- But still... - You thief!
Here we are.
I should come home late more often.
Then you'll just get soup every night.
Your soup's the best, daddy.
Your mom acknowledged that, too.
Really?
Then why'd she always say that you couldn't cook?
By the way, have you started dating anyone?
Well... you said you'd find the right man for me.
Did I?
But I'm busy looking for your new mom.
What?
Who is it?
Allegiance!
What brings you here?
How's business, sir?
After a whole lifetime in the army, it's not easy.
Is there a spot left for me, sir?
What are you talking about?
I failed as a soldier but you should do better.
You're not a failed soldier, sir.
The selfish ones only after more power are.
If you're talking about General CHOI Soon-ki...
It's not right to have ill feelings for a higher ranked officer.
So what brings you to Gwang-ju?
I'm sure you didn't come to see me on your vacation.
Actually, we're on an operation.
What operation?
What brings the special air troops to Gwang-ju?
We're stationing troops in major universities throughout the country.
General Jeon...
He's set on getting into the Blue House.
Gwang-ju theater?
Let's leave that as a possibility...
Well, there's 'The Last Concert' at Mood Theatre.
The tearjerking unforgettable epic love story.
Love, that sound's good.
Think before you speak, lad.
'Last' you know what that means?
Wanna end your chances from the start?
That's a good point. How about Rocky 2?
It's a boxing film about Rocky's hardship's and triumph.
Rocky's fast moving fist was all the rage, man.
Going in left and right.
See me punch just like Rocky.
I'm not making any sounds, man.
It's the quick moves.
- I'm getting off topic. - Rocky it is.
Anyway, don't watch sequels. Drop that off the list.
Not this one either?
What's all the fuss about?
He's asking me to help him win a girl from start to finish, boss.
Did you ever take a customer on free?
Well... ah...
The granny from Na-ju?
The poor granny didn't have any money.
I'm sorry, sir.
I mean, why'd you put your money in to cover it?
You did the right thing. Why should you lose money?
Her son dropped by earlier.
Just let me know next time.
Yes, sir.
So, I hear you have a date?
- Here. - I'm okay, sir.
Take it. The boss is giving you a bonus.
Thank you, sir.
So what movie?
Look! It's a Segovia!
- When are you buying this? - Soon.
You gotta teach me how to play, man.
Try studying first, punk.
I only wanna play. Segovia.
- Oh, yeah! Segovia. - Oh, yeah! Segovia.
Are you going somewhere?
I have to meet someone.
Going on a date?
No, daddy.
Step down, Jeon Doo-hwan!
May 18th, Jeon-nam University
Step down, Jeon Doo-hwan!
Withdraw the troops!
Away with military regime!
Show of my Life
This movie's sold out?
Why did he choose this one?
I don't know but he says it has to be this.
Hey, how about watching 'Rocky 2? '
I wanted to see 'The Last Concert'.
Yeah, that sounds good, too.
Where did he go...
Hey! Jin-woo!
Ta-da!
They wanted triple the price but I talked 'em down.
Let's go in Shin-ae. Let's go.
He looks so funny.
Let's go.
This'll never break.
Look at this.
Ow! Watch it!
Isn't this funny?
That's so funny.
Isn't it hilarious?
What? You left home?
I want to be with you.
No! You can't
Why not?
We promised. Did you forget?
No, but I still don't have any money to support you.
I'll work, too.
I'll support your dream of becoming a comedian.
Help me!
Stop right there!
Catch that fool!
Who the hell are they!
Get them all, now!
Out of my way!
Shin-ae! Shin-ae!
Shin-ae!
Help me! Please!
Shit.
Help me! Help!
Come here, bitch.
Come here!
No! Min-woo!
Jin-woo!
- Where were you? - Are you okay?
Let's get out of here.
I'm not a college student.
I'm in high school, mister.
- I'm sorry, sir. - You should be punished if you're sorry!
Isn't that right?
Father, what are the soldiers doing?
We didn't do anything wrong. What did we do?
It's to get vindication.
If rebels have no vindication they end up being just conspirators.
Conspirators?
I think the soldiers are out to take the whole country.
It's like kicking a sleeping dog.
They plan to beat it when it starts to bark.
And since it knows it can be silenced it learns to stay quiet.
This is absolutely crazy.
Are you saying this is just the beginning?
Shin-ae!
What brings you here?
Soldiers are all over town from early morning.
I came because I was worried.
I'll give you ride to work.
You get off at the same time, right?
I'll take you to and from work for now.
I'll wait at the hospital gates. Okay?
- No, it's... - Don't worry.
I won't charge you any cab fare.
Hop in.
What happened? Huh?
We were on our way back from studying...
Sang-pil...
Withdraw the troops!
- Step down, Jeon Doo-hwan! - Step down, Jeon Doo-hwan!
- Withdraw the troops! - Withdraw the troops!
- Step down, Jeon Doo-hwan! - Step down, Jeon Doo-hwan!
- Withdraw the troops! - Withdraw the troops!
Get back inside. You shouldn't be doing this.
Please step aside, sir!
Sang-pil's dead.
But there's nothing you can do about that.
We'll go fight them.
Don't be stupid, get back inside.
Fight with us.
If you won't, step out of our way.
Why you!
You'll only end up dead if you go out!
- No, Byung-jo! - Yes, sir!
It's dangerous here. Excuse us misters.
Let's go!
Take these.
What? You wanna drink at a time like this?
Hey! What are you doing?
Shit!
Awesome!
Now that's a beer bottle!
Here.
Hey, you look familiar.
Yeah you, too.
Where did we meet?
- I swear I've seen you before. - Me, too.
Yes!
Awesome!
At 10:40 squads 62 and 63 were sent in and took control of Choong Rd.
But things didn't go well on Geum Rd.
Weren't there any reserve troops?
Yes, but they had to be sent out to the bus terminal.
- Go on. - Yes, sir!
There is a shift in protestors from student groups to common citizens.
So, what are you saying?
The problem is...
Attacking without discern between the rebels and innocent people.
- And so... - Stop!
Come here.
Lt. KIM Sang-won, sir.
You fool!
They dare defy the special forces! What innocent people!
Are you out of your minds!
What the...
I don't believe this.
- Help us! Please... - What's that?
Please help us.
Why you!
You bastards!
Get on.
Stop crying, fool.
Hey!
You bastards.
Are you crying? You have any problem?
Get the son of bitch!
You fuckers!
Who's there?
Is it you, Chang-su?
Chang-su!
Is it you, son?
Chang-su!
What's wrong with you?
Are you okay, ma'am?
Who are you?
Let me help you up.
My son's clothes...
Do they fit?
Yes, thank you ma'am.
Here...
It's Chang-su's picture.
Will you let me know if you happen to find him?
He left to go to school.
But it's been days since he left.
I heard they're killing all the college students.
Oh dear, god.
When we get more blood, start with this man.
Yes, sir.
Min-woo!
I'm sorry for being so late Shin-ae.
Good, you're still here.
Are you okay?
Why?
What's this?
Nothing. It's just a scratch.
Let me see it.
I'm okay.
- You need stitches. - What?
- Come with me. - Stitches?
Don't move.
Okay.
Is this really from a car accident?
Why? You think I got beaten up by those punks out there?
I was in the marinecorps.
Doesn't it hurt?
No, not with the anesthetics.
You didn't get any.
What?
- Allegiance! - Allegiance!
Allegiance!
This way, sir.
At ease!
Are you planning on killing everyone in Gwang-ju?
They're spies and commies acting up!
If this spreads, you think the North won't step in?
This is a rebellion and we're trying to stop it.
If it is, you're the ones who started the spark.
How long do you think power gained this way, will last?
Heung-su... You're a commie now, aren't you?
Look here, CHOI Seung-ki!
- Lieutenant! - Lt. KIM Sang-won, sir!
Take him back.
He could get hurt from the mob of rebels out there.
Do you know... what's more powerful than guns?
The people.
What! Come here you!
Hello everybody!
Hey, bro.
Did you go out to the riot?
It's nothing.
The punks backed down when the people outnumbered 'em.
Everyone in the town is...
I told you to come home straight from school.
You wanna get yourself killed?
But! You don't understand!
Sang-pil...
Sang-pil is dead.
He was beaten to death by those bastards.
I'm sorry for slapping you.
You're going tomorrow, right?
Go to sleep.
Hey, bro.
If I get done in like Sang-pil...
What would you do?
I don't wanna hear it.
If that ever happened to you, I won't let 'em get away with it.
I'll get revenge!
See this?
I almost died to be with mom and dad today.
- What? The bastards! - Listen to me!
No matter what happens we have to survive.
We're the only family we have!
If you're gone, I'd have no reason to live.
I can't imagine... living without you.
My poor Byung-jo.
No, not my baby...
The military claims there is not one casualty here.
But look, everyone!
Our innocent brothers lay cruelly murdered here.
Sir...
There's no use trying to stop us.
I won't. Come here.
This will keep your eyes from hurting.
KANG Jin-woo... Hold your head up, son.
Mr. Kim...
Now, come here all of you.
Is it true that citizens are flooding the streets downtown?
Yes, sir.
Then shouldn't we withdraw?
Will you take responsibility for that, sir?
Well, if there're that many protestors, it's past the level beyond control.
What level is there in catching rebels, sir?
Everyone's coming out here. May 21st, In front of City Hall
The troops are going to run away!
I can't be back here. I'm going up front!
Be careful, man!
- Away with JEON Doo-hwan! - Away with JEON Doo-hwan!
- Withdraw the martial law! - Withdraw the martial law!
- Away with JEON Doo-hwan! - Away with JEON Doo-hwan!
Withdraw the martial law!
- Jin-woo! - Withdraw the martial law!
- Hey, bro! - What are you doing here?
I told you that the people will rise up against this.
And I told you to stay home.
Who cares, it's all finished.
The people's rep went into city hall and heard the troops are leaving.
Citizens of Gwan-ju. This is your governor.
Please calm down and listen to me.
I'll try to have the troops retreat by noon so please return to your homes.
I told you, bro. We won!
I'll see you back at home.
Be careful!
Let's scare the troops and take ten steps forward.
Yeah!
Let's go!
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten!
What are you still hanging around here for? Huh?
You up front! Got a girlfriend?
By the way you look, my mistake for asking!
Sorry.
Want me to introduce someone nice for 'ya?
Ms. Baek at the coffee shop has an ex-large body.
Especially the chest, man!
If you hug her from behind...
- You mind? - Sure, sure...
You can't put your arms all the way around.
Are you already thinking about going places with her, soldier?
Look at 'em balls. His pants are about to burst!
Are you all packed up, boys?
It's almost time!
- Ten minutes left! - Ten minutes left!
Hey, everyone!
Let's sing the troops a farewell song!
Goodbye Goodbye
That's all I have to say.
Farewell Farewell
There's nothing else to say.
- Five minutes left! - Five minutes!
Until the seas and mountains...
should run dry...
God will protect our...
Fire!
Jin-woo!
- Daddy! Daddy! - I told you to be stay with me.
Daddy! Please!
Open your eyes! Please!
No! Let me go! I'm not leaving him!
- Please don't kill me! - You bastard!
Jin-woo!!
No!
Stay here! You'll die!!
Let me go!
Jin-woo...
It hurts...
Let's go!
Snap out it!
He's still alive.
Hurry up. Now!