This post is about the K-movie, “Ode to My Father”.
“Ode to My Father” (Korean: 국제시장, literally “International Market”) is a South Korean drama film directed by Yoon Je-kyoon, released in 2014. The film provides a poignant look into the modern history of South Korea through the life of an ordinary man, Deok-soo, played by Hwang Jung-min. It spans several decades, beginning in the aftermath of the Korean War in the 1950s, and follows Deok-soo’s journey through major historical events that shaped Korea, including the Hungnam Evacuation of 1950, the Vietnam War, and the government’s migrant worker scheme to West Germany.
Deok-soo becomes the breadwinner of his family at a young age after being separated from his father and sister during the chaotic Hungnam Evacuation. The story unfolds as he makes sacrifices to provide for his family, showcasing the resilience, love, and dedication of an ordinary man facing the tides of history. The title “Ode to My Father” reflects the film’s tribute to a generation of Koreans who lived through the country’s turbulent times, working tirelessly with the hope of providing a better life for their families.
The film was both a commercial success and a cultural phenomenon in South Korea, resonating deeply with audiences and sparking conversations about the sacrifices made by the older generation. It highlights themes of family, sacrifice, and the relentless spirit of the Korean people. “Ode to My Father” is celebrated for its emotional depth, historical authenticity, and Hwang Jung-min’s powerful performance, making it one of the most significant Korean films of its time.
“Ode to My Father” Plot
The Korean movie, “Ode to My Father” is a heartwarming South Korean drama directed by Yoon Je-kyoon, released in 2014. The film spans several decades, taking us through the life of an ordinary man named Deok-soo, played by Hwang Jung-min, against the backdrop of major historical events in South Korea.
The story kicks off in December 1950 during the Korean War. Deok-soo and his family find themselves separated while trying to escape to the Busan harbor. In a moment of desperation to board a ship, Deok-soo makes a heartfelt promise to his younger sister, Yeon-soo, played by Kim Yun-jin. This promise becomes the driving force behind Deok-soo’s life, shaping his choices and actions in the years to come.
From this starting point, we follow Deok-soo’s journey as he navigates the challenges of the post-war era, dealing with the aftermath of the Korean War. He works tirelessly to provide for his family, taking on a variety of jobs that lead him to places like Germany for coal mining and war-torn Vietnam.
The film skillfully weaves through significant historical events, showcasing the impact on both the nation and Deok-soo’s personal life. From the struggles of post-war reconstruction to the dynamic economic development of South Korea, the story encapsulates pivotal moments such as the Vietnam War, the mining boom in Germany, the 1988 Seoul Olympics, and the Gulf War.
“Ode to My Father” is a poignant exploration of themes like sacrifice, resilience, and the profound influence of historical events on individual lives. Deok-soo’s character embodies the spirit of a generation that faced adversity with unwavering determination and love for family.
The title itself, “Ode to My Father,” encapsulates the film’s essence. It’s a heartfelt tribute to the often overlooked heroes of everyday life, celebrating the strength and perseverance of a generation that weathered challenges. The movie has garnered widespread acclaim for its compelling storytelling, emotional depth, and the way it seamlessly integrates personal narratives into the broader historical context. It invites viewers to reflect on the interconnections of personal and national histories.
“Ode to My Father” Review
Today, I want to review about the Korean movie “Ode to My Father”, which is set during the Korean War and is also known as “International Market.”
The movie tells its story by going back and forth between the years around 1950 and the present. We follow the main character, played by Hwang Jung-min, as he remembers events from the past. The story revolves around his family’s struggles during the 6.25 War. We see a crucial moment where Hwang Jung-min, faced with a tough decision, chooses money over his own safety to secure a better future for his youngest sibling, who went missing during their escape to Busan.
In the early 70s, we meet Yoon Deok-soo, now in his seventies, leading a simple life as a market vendor in the International Market. Through conversations with his wife, Oh Young-ja, he shares his life story, touching on experiences from his childhood to participating in special broadcasts aimed at reuniting separated families.
In December 1950, during the Hwangnam Battle, Deok-soo’s father and younger sister, Yoon Mak-soon, part ways. Settling in Busan’s International Market at his aunt’s place, Deok-soo steps up as the head of the family, taking on the responsibility with a strong sense of duty. He supports his younger brother through college and ensures his sister’s wedding expenses are covered. All this while, he voluntarily joins the front lines, diving into the chaos of the Korean War. As a result, he secures a house, fulfills his role as the head of the family, and stays committed to his responsibilities.
The movie underlines the idea that individuals, through their voluntary actions, sincerity, and endurance, actively contribute to and shape history. It paints a picture of personal history that, while seeming ordinary, plays a significant role in the larger flow of historical events. The narrative, using a perspective similar to “Forrest Gump,” weaves together individual roles, responsibilities, and the context of the times. This provides a sincere portrayal of the war generation’s history, showing how they became key players in shaping modern Korean history.
“Ode to My Father” unfolds in a relaxed, accessible manner, making it easy for viewers to engage with it comfortably. It doesn’t rely on complex devices or intellectual challenges, offering an opportunity to simply feel and reflect on modern Korean history with a light heart.
“Ode to My Father” Backstories
The Operation Heungnam Evacuation Scene: A Cinematic Triumph
The Operation Heungnam Evacuation scene in “Ode to My Father” stands out as a well-crafted segment, contributing significantly to the overall cinematic excellence. From Dr. Hyun Bong-hak’s persuasive efforts to convince Captain Leonard P. LaRue to General Edward Almond’s inquiry about additional passengers, and the pivotal moment when the Meredith Victory sets sail, the attention to detail is commendable. However, it’s essential to acknowledge certain deviations from historical accuracy.
Contrary to the film’s portrayal, the Meredith Victory was not the command ship for Operation Heungnam. Dr. Hyun Bong-hak and General Edward Almond were not on board. Dr. Hyun Bong-hak had already left Heungnam a day before the Meredith Victory’s departure on December 22, traveling on a different ship. The scene depicting leaving refugees behind before departure is a creative choice; historically, the ship waited until all refugees were on board before setting sail. Additionally, the refugees disembarked on Geoje Island, not Busan.
It is a historical fact that the Operation Heungnam Evacuation, executed from December 15 to December 26, 1950, involved the evacuation of the US 10th Corps, the South Korean 1st Corps, and over 100,000 refugees from Heungnam during the Korean War.
Hwang Jung-min’s Artistic Aging Journey
Hwang Jung-min’s portrayal of a character aging from his 20s to his mid-70s is a testament to his acting versatility. His meticulous study of videos featuring elderly individuals in a park in Jongno, capturing details such as gestures, smoking habits, daily attire changes (including undergarments, socks, shoes), and meal patterns, adds depth to his performance. However, some may argue that the makeup falls short of achieving complete realism. Co-stars Kim Yoon-jin and Jang Young-nam also convincingly transform into elderly characters, creating a believable depiction of characters aging 30 years into the future.
Love Amidst Adversity: Coal Miners and Nurses in Germany
The film introduces a fictional dance competition between coal miners and nurses, adding a touch of romance. In reality, such competitions didn’t occur, and relationships developed more discreetly. While there wasn’t a literal dance competition, dances did take place in Germany, where the scarcity of young men post-war led to organized events with local widows.
Mining Realism: Depicting German Miners’ Work Conditions
The film accurately showcases the challenging working conditions of German miners, earning praise from former miners. The emotional moment featuring the phrase “Glück auf (Good Luck)” resonated deeply with these miners.
Linguistic Transformations: Dialects in Flux
As the characters’ stories unfold, their dialects evolve, subtly adding layers to the narrative. Young Yoon Deok-soo initially faces discrimination due to his speech but gradually adopts the Busan dialect. Similarly, Oh Young-ja, initially speaking with a Seoul accent, eventually adopts the Busan dialect in her old age. These nuanced details contribute to the film’s authenticity, providing viewers with a profound understanding of the characters’ struggles and developments throughout the narrative.
