Today, I am going to talk about the K-movie, “Miracle in Cell No.7”, A K-movie like a Gift.
“Miracle in Cell No. 7” (7번방의 선물), a South Korean comedy-drama film directed by Lee Hwan-kyung, was released in 2013. The film is a heartwarming story that centers around a mentally challenged man named Yong-goo, played by Ryu Seung-ryong, who is wrongfully imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. While in prison, he becomes friends with his cellmates in Cell No. 7, who decide to help him see his young daughter Ye-seung, portrayed by Kal So-won, again by smuggling her into the prison.
The film explores themes of friendship, family, innocence, and the power of human kindness under the most challenging circumstances. Despite the grim setting of a prison, “Miracle in Cell No. 7” is filled with humorous and touching moments that highlight the humanity of the inmates. It showcases how they come together to support Yong-goo and his daughter, creating a makeshift family within the walls of their cell.
This movie quickly became a box office hit in South Korea and received widespread acclaim for its emotional depth, storytelling, and the performances of the cast, particularly that of Ryu Seung-ryong and Kal So-won. It is considered one of the most moving and uplifting films in Korean cinema, capable of eliciting both laughter and tears from its audience.
“Miracle in Cell No.7″ Cast
- Ryu Seung-ryong (Lee Yong-gu): Portrays the main character, Lee Yong-gu, a mentally challenged man with the intellectual capacity of a child. Despite his limitations, Yong-gu is a devoted and loving father who faces the challenges of prison after being wrongfully convicted of a crime.
- Kal So-won (Lee Ye-sung – young): Plays the role of Lee Ye-sung in her younger years, the daughter of Lee Yong-gu. The film revolves around the heartwarming relationship between Yong-gu and Ye-sung, which forms the emotional core of the story.
- Park Shin-hye (Lee Ye-sung – adult): Takes on the role of Lee Ye-sung as an adult. Her character plays a crucial part in the film’s narrative as she works to uncover the truth behind her father’s wrongful conviction and strives to reunite with him.
- Oh Dal-su (Choi Choon-ho): Portrays one of the inmates in Cell No. 7, forming a close bond with Yong-gu. The inmates, moved by Yong-gu’s innocence, collaborate to help him see his daughter again.
- Park Won-sang (So Yang-ho): Another inmate in Cell No. 7 who becomes a friend to Yong-gu. The camaraderie and support among the inmates contribute to the emotional depth of the film.
- Jung Jin-young (Jang Min-hwan): Yet another inmate in Cell No. 7, forming part of the group that supports Yong-gu and contributes to the film’s themes of friendship and resilience.
- Kim Jung-tae (Man-bok): Portrays an inmate in the same cell, adding to the ensemble cast that helps bring both humor and heart to the story.
- Kim Ki-chun (Sam-sung): Plays another character within the group of inmates in Cell No. 7, contributing to the film’s exploration of camaraderie in unexpected places.
Movie Plot
In 1997, in Gyeonggi Province, Yong-gu, though not wealthy, lives happily with his daughter Ye-seung. Working as a parking agent, he saves money to buy a Sailor Moon bag for Ye-seung. Unable to purchase the bag, as the police chief’s daughter, Ji-young, buys the last one, Yong-gu faces a series of misunderstandings when Ji-young gets involved in an accident while trying to guide him to another store.
During an accident, bricks from a rain-prevention tent fall on Ji-young’s head. Yong-gu, thinking Ji-young fainted, attempts artificial respiration. Unfortunately, a passerby misinterprets the situation and reports Yong-gu for attempted rape. As Ji-young is the daughter of a police commissioner, and with no concrete evidence, the case becomes entangled with high-ranking officials. Intentionally, Yong-gu is charged with mental problems. Despite his pleas to meet Ye-seung during the police investigation, the police exploit his situation, promising a meeting if he admits to the charges. Eventually, Yong-gu is wrongly sentenced to death on charges of infant intoxication, inducement, rape, and murder, leading him to Cell No. 1007.
Initially treating Yong-gu as subhuman, the inmates of Room 1007 gradually realize his innocence. They attempt to prove Yong-gu’s innocence by submitting petitions and preparing model answers for the trial. However, due to the indifference of a public defender and pressure from the National Police Agency Commissioner, Yong-gu is wrongly sentenced to death after falsely admitting to killing the commissioner’s daughter to protect his daughter.
Prisoners, devastated by the impending execution, create a large hot air balloon upon seeing a drawing by Ye-seung. An escape attempt ensues, but the rope securing the balloon to the ground gets entangled in the prison wall’s barbed wire, resulting in failure. On December 23, Yong-gu’s execution takes place, coinciding with his daughter’s birthday.
Fifteen years later, Ye-seung, now a judicial trainee, serves as a lawyer in a mock trial of the Judicial Research and Training Institute. The trial addresses Yong-gu’s case, leading to the symbolic acquittal of defendant Lee Yong-gu. Despite being a mock trial, it brings a sense of justice to relieve the injustice suffered by Ye-seung’s father.
Review: “Miracle in Cell No.7″
As an individual viewer, “Miracle in Cell No. 7” left a lasting impression on me, delivering a poignant and emotionally charged narrative. Ryu Seung-ryong’s portrayal of Yong-gu is nothing short of brilliant, drawing me into the character’s world with authenticity and depth. The chemistry between him and Kal So-won, who plays his daughter Ye-sung, is the heartbeat of the film, evoking a range of emotions.
The film’s exploration of injustice within the legal system struck a chord, and I found myself deeply invested in Yong-gu’s struggle for justice. The camaraderie formed with his fellow inmates brought unexpected moments of humor and warmth, creating a well-rounded and engaging story.
Having learned that Ryu Seung-ryong recently took on a role in a Disney Plus drama called “Moving” adds to my appreciation for his versatility as an actor. It’s fascinating to see him navigate different genres and platforms, showcasing his talent in diverse storytelling.
“Miracle in Cell No. 7” is more than just a movie; it’s an emotional journey that resonates on a personal level. The blend of laughter and tears, coupled with the exploration of love and sacrifice, left me reflecting on the profound impact of familial bonds. This film has earned its place as a memorable and heartwarming cinematic experience in my view.
Backstories
- Kal So-won, who played young Ye-sung in “Miracle in Cell No. 7,” was cast despite ranking last in auditions. The director appreciated her authentic acting style for a child. In a radio interview, the director mentioned her 2012 debut in “Take Care of Us, Captain,” indicating limited experience.
- The text hints at similarities with the Chuncheon rape-murder case, where a high-ranking official’s daughter was involved, leading to the accused being cleared years later.
- It notes that, due to Yong-gu’s developmental disabilities, he shouldn’t have received a death sentence as per the Korean Constitution. The film’s popularity sparked criticism toward the police.
- The article suggests Yong-gu may have made a false confession under law enforcement pressure but emphasizes it can’t be the sole evidence for conviction in South Korea.
