Chronicle of a Blood Merchant

As a man who have read the origin book. The Chronicle of a Blood Merchant is a edited movie which changes a lot. However, what should be admitted is that some of the sections look more suitable for a MOVIE or just a book acted by human. Dislike the edition of the ending though, I have become a fan of Jung-woo Ha, the director, also the star in it. Also, the actor of Heo Sam-gwan's first son is both good-looking and good-acting. As a Chinese, I am certainly looking forward to that such a good book could be made to be a movie and show on the screens, however, in the meantime environment of Chinese mainland movie market, my hope can just be a hope.

What a touching gem. This movie is based on a Chinese novel expertly adapted to the screen and changed to Korea after the war. The production of the shanty town they live in is well done. The rousing emotional score is perfectly suited. The movie starts off hilariously with a look at love and courtship in the 50s. It's so funny when they find out his eldest son was actually fathered by his wife's ex boyfriend. Very meaningful look at the love of a father for his son and whether a blood relation matters.

The cast is so good they move you to tears. Ha Jung Woo is hilarious and then moving as the father. His scenes of giving blood are unforgettable. Child actor Nam Da Reum acts so well - what an acting prodigy. Ha Ji Won just right as the pretty provincial woman. This is on viki. Watch it!

I don't know how true this movie is to the book but I really enjoyed it. Some of the story seems overly dramatic and a bit cheesy but if you imagine this movie is about the 50s then I guess people were more simple and emotionally naive I guess and it all works out. Decent acting by all but as with most Korean child actors the lead's son was really good! Ha Ji won looks gorgeous as always but the son father relationship is the main focus here.

My goodness how much i was moved by the story,, I'm not sure of it was based on a somewhat true events after the Korean war, but i'd say it is probable , i mean now a days we hear of people selling their organs out of poverty .

The script was well written ,, the comedy part was witty and light while injected into a strong emotional drama ,, even though the movie was about two hours , the events felt like skipping so fast and at some point with high level of tension till we reached the end where i was really about to tear up.

The cast was well picked,, before this i watched Jung-woo Ha in Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds which was produced two years after this :D but anyway ,, he was amazing, which what encouraged me find this movie in the first place and watch it.

Final thought ,, It's highly recommended ,, and don't be scared , it won't point out any historical slow boring events whatsoever ,, so watch it now ;)

Basically faithful to the original works, unfortunately, the social atmosphere and history of Korea are always worse. The protagonist is still relatively in place to deduce the situation of small people struggling to live hard. Besides, Yile is really good.