Watched a lot of South Korea cinema, even been there a few times. Had no idea off the events in 1980 depicted in this film. Incredible and inspiring the lengths people will go to for freedom and fairness. As ever, it all worked out quite well - it usually does, keep fighting for what you believe in: democratically diverse and open societies where you can fearlessly voice your views without consequence, they're worth fighting for.
111 Reviews
Definitely worthy to watch
olverney13 August 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Not a native English speaker, please forgive me some errors in English.
I was a 5th grade living in Cheonju, Korea which is north about 50 miles from Gwangju when the massacre took place in May 1980. I still remember that full loaded paratroopers holding an M-16 rifle dispatched every corner of the streets in my home city, guarding during the period of the Gwangju outbreak, because Choneju was the major big city right next to Gwangju. They looked physically tired and gruesomely cold to the eyes of a 5th grade kid. My mother asked me and my younger brother not to go out of the house. My uncle who had business trip to a local office in Gwangju came by us briefly and went back to Seoul. He was so frightened telling us to prepare for some food and necessities for possible war situation. As a person who used to live in Cheola province in 1980, I can hardly see the photos of 80's in Gwangju without coming to tears. My review of the movie may be biased in some extent.
Not long before Gwangju's uprising, president Park Chung-hee was assassinated at the dinner table by one of his close cabinet staffs, the head of the Korea central Intelligent agency. In this political turmoil a military general, Chun, Doo-hwan led a cop d' Etat to seize the political power and imposed martial law throughout Korea to prevent from the democratic movements. People especially college students protested against Chun, Doo-hwan asking democracy for Korea. Gwangju was one the cities where the student's demonstrations took places in May 1980.
This movie does not really go into the details of the civilian killings and the whole facts of the atrocities done by the military troops which have been known later. Some people criticized that the lack of the realities and facts is the limit of this movie, which is the same limit that has been shown from other Korean films on Gwangju democratizing movement. However, I think that it was director's (Jang Hun) intention to show that way. Since the phone and all the communication methods were all disconnected, even people living in Gwangju who was so isolated may not have had full view of what I was happening. It must have been so confusing and disturbing to believe that broad ranges of the ordinary people living in Gwangju were brutally abused and became the targets to be killed by highly trained the military troops whose job is actually to protect its very own people. Wishfully magic and miracles should have taken places for the sake of the people in Gwangju. However, it is always too painful to acknowledge the fact that the bullets left the lethal rifles exactly follow the physics penetrating thin late spring clothes they wore and tearing the flesh and bones.
The movie shows that the paratroopers in the front line firing the bullets in the kneeling posture. Many witnesses for Gwangju say the same thing that paratroopers aimed the civilians on the streets and shot at them. It is so outrageous and disgusting to hear the statements of Chun, Doo-hwan that he was not responsible for ordering to fire and simply denied it, even he said that he is a victim of Gwangju as well. Who would have ordered it then?
The movie successfully shows that even politically indifferent Man-seob is voluntarily involved in coming back to the chaos because it is not a matter of the political viewpoints anymore, but it is matter of following his conscience or not. It may be his way to response to the sacrifice of the college kid, You J-Y. After the commotion in Gwanju, Man-seob was finally set to be free leaving Gwangju with helps from other local taxi drivers. As soon as arrived in Suncheon which is 32 mile from Gwangju, Man-seob orders a noodle while his car is being fixed. He overhears from people saying about what is going on in Gwangju and realizes how they are deceived by media completely controlled by the government. Furthermore he is given a Ju-muk-bob for free which tastes the same of it that tossed to him by a woman on the streets in Gwangju. Driving back to Seoul alone, he is singing a song and at same time slowly sheds tears. He decides to follow his conscience to go back Gwangju however it could cost of his life. His only family member, his daughter would become an orphan by his choice. This movie with Song Kang-ho's excellent acting makes it perfect to feel his agony and hesitations as an ordinary might have in his shoes.
This move was made in the period of Park's administration. Artists, actors, writers, performers etc. who lobbed a wrong way against the government were secretively chosen to be listed so called the black lists. In spite of the atmosphere, the movie was made by brave people that I really appreciate those Korean actors, director, staffs and those who participated in the movies, as well as the role of German reporter, Thomas Kretschmann.
I was a 5th grade living in Cheonju, Korea which is north about 50 miles from Gwangju when the massacre took place in May 1980. I still remember that full loaded paratroopers holding an M-16 rifle dispatched every corner of the streets in my home city, guarding during the period of the Gwangju outbreak, because Choneju was the major big city right next to Gwangju. They looked physically tired and gruesomely cold to the eyes of a 5th grade kid. My mother asked me and my younger brother not to go out of the house. My uncle who had business trip to a local office in Gwangju came by us briefly and went back to Seoul. He was so frightened telling us to prepare for some food and necessities for possible war situation. As a person who used to live in Cheola province in 1980, I can hardly see the photos of 80's in Gwangju without coming to tears. My review of the movie may be biased in some extent.
Not long before Gwangju's uprising, president Park Chung-hee was assassinated at the dinner table by one of his close cabinet staffs, the head of the Korea central Intelligent agency. In this political turmoil a military general, Chun, Doo-hwan led a cop d' Etat to seize the political power and imposed martial law throughout Korea to prevent from the democratic movements. People especially college students protested against Chun, Doo-hwan asking democracy for Korea. Gwangju was one the cities where the student's demonstrations took places in May 1980.
This movie does not really go into the details of the civilian killings and the whole facts of the atrocities done by the military troops which have been known later. Some people criticized that the lack of the realities and facts is the limit of this movie, which is the same limit that has been shown from other Korean films on Gwangju democratizing movement. However, I think that it was director's (Jang Hun) intention to show that way. Since the phone and all the communication methods were all disconnected, even people living in Gwangju who was so isolated may not have had full view of what I was happening. It must have been so confusing and disturbing to believe that broad ranges of the ordinary people living in Gwangju were brutally abused and became the targets to be killed by highly trained the military troops whose job is actually to protect its very own people. Wishfully magic and miracles should have taken places for the sake of the people in Gwangju. However, it is always too painful to acknowledge the fact that the bullets left the lethal rifles exactly follow the physics penetrating thin late spring clothes they wore and tearing the flesh and bones.
The movie shows that the paratroopers in the front line firing the bullets in the kneeling posture. Many witnesses for Gwangju say the same thing that paratroopers aimed the civilians on the streets and shot at them. It is so outrageous and disgusting to hear the statements of Chun, Doo-hwan that he was not responsible for ordering to fire and simply denied it, even he said that he is a victim of Gwangju as well. Who would have ordered it then?
The movie successfully shows that even politically indifferent Man-seob is voluntarily involved in coming back to the chaos because it is not a matter of the political viewpoints anymore, but it is matter of following his conscience or not. It may be his way to response to the sacrifice of the college kid, You J-Y. After the commotion in Gwanju, Man-seob was finally set to be free leaving Gwangju with helps from other local taxi drivers. As soon as arrived in Suncheon which is 32 mile from Gwangju, Man-seob orders a noodle while his car is being fixed. He overhears from people saying about what is going on in Gwangju and realizes how they are deceived by media completely controlled by the government. Furthermore he is given a Ju-muk-bob for free which tastes the same of it that tossed to him by a woman on the streets in Gwangju. Driving back to Seoul alone, he is singing a song and at same time slowly sheds tears. He decides to follow his conscience to go back Gwangju however it could cost of his life. His only family member, his daughter would become an orphan by his choice. This movie with Song Kang-ho's excellent acting makes it perfect to feel his agony and hesitations as an ordinary might have in his shoes.
This move was made in the period of Park's administration. Artists, actors, writers, performers etc. who lobbed a wrong way against the government were secretively chosen to be listed so called the black lists. In spite of the atmosphere, the movie was made by brave people that I really appreciate those Korean actors, director, staffs and those who participated in the movies, as well as the role of German reporter, Thomas Kretschmann.
A Korean classic
Leofwine_draca10 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
A TAXI DRIVER is an excellent depiction of a notorious event in South Korean history, namely the Gwangju massacre of 1980. What makes this production so special is the direction, which is exemplary, and the scripting, which brings to life realistic characters in a way that's really encouraging and true-to-life. Song Kang-ho is one of those stars who's never delivered a poor performance and this is the best I've seen him; he adopts a masterful, multi-layered and intensely likeable role of an impoverished taxi driver drawn into a bizarre and uniquely dangerous situation. Thomas Kretschmann is decent too, but make no mistake, this is Kang-ho's film and he's a marvel. The movie itself is lengthy and often slowly-paced, but it keeps you engaged just as much in the quieter and more reflective character scenes as well as through the drama and more explicit and horrific moments. It's just a great film all round.
You know that a movie is good when you leave it asking yourself "Why haven't I heard of this before?"
Kevin-4212 November 2017
1980. The movie starts harmless. A widowed taxi driver in Seoul struggling to make ends meet for himself and his little daughter. He more or less wants to do the right thing in a country where circumstances aren't all that well but you can live your life. The movie pulls a few heartstrings here and there but never too much. It is surprisingly tactful and the director wisely steps back from the story and lets good actors paint a picture of everyday life.
Enter a German reporter who smells a good story after being tipped off by a BBC colleague who tells him that the generally tense situation in South Korea somehow got worse recently. He needs a driver and the taxi driver needs the money. It is a relation out of necessity and neither of them actually seem to take a liking to each other.
Both soon have to come to terms with the fact that they put themselves into a situation which has great relevance to their country and their professions. Turning away just isn't possible. "Doing the right thing" means that an average person has to find extraordinary courage.
I have to commend the director and his actors for this eyewitness feeling. It is almost like you're another passenger sitting in that little taxi. You don't watch a movie but you are actually there as it happens. The fact that I was largely ignorant of those events in history makes this movie even more significant.
The end result is a movie which is well-directed, with competent acting and impressive camera work. I had very little to criticize but a lot to think about when I left the show and that -to me- often is the sign of a truly good movie. Go see it!
Enter a German reporter who smells a good story after being tipped off by a BBC colleague who tells him that the generally tense situation in South Korea somehow got worse recently. He needs a driver and the taxi driver needs the money. It is a relation out of necessity and neither of them actually seem to take a liking to each other.
Both soon have to come to terms with the fact that they put themselves into a situation which has great relevance to their country and their professions. Turning away just isn't possible. "Doing the right thing" means that an average person has to find extraordinary courage.
I have to commend the director and his actors for this eyewitness feeling. It is almost like you're another passenger sitting in that little taxi. You don't watch a movie but you are actually there as it happens. The fact that I was largely ignorant of those events in history makes this movie even more significant.
The end result is a movie which is well-directed, with competent acting and impressive camera work. I had very little to criticize but a lot to think about when I left the show and that -to me- often is the sign of a truly good movie. Go see it!
A Taxi Driver Review: South Korean Cinema at its best & in its finest form.
Achyut_Prashast_Singh30 September 2017
Movie: A Taxi Driver (15)
Rating: 5/5
I've been highly impressed long time by Song Kang-ho, and I've been watching many of his movies since later few months. I was highly excited to watch his new historical action drama A TAXI DRIVER, because the trailer was highly impressive. It showed how the film would turn out to be. I just wanted to see it as soon as possible and I finally got the opportunity.
A TAXI DRIVER, without a second thought, is the best South Korean film I've seen till date. From narration to execution to performances to presentation: it's perfect in each and every aspect. The change in the tone of the film has been brought up extremely well, thanks to its director Jang Hoon. The screenplay is never disappointing throughout, and the film comes out as both a refreshing as well as a memorable experience.
The film's editing is top notch as it doesn't take much of time to introduce and set up the characters as well as the storyline. As the film progresses, you find yourself connected to the characters, especially the ones of Song Kang-ho and Thomas Kretschmann. Both actors have delivered extremely excellent performances, and rather so excellent that I ended up rooting for them completely. When they smiled, I smiled. When they cried, I cried too. Rest of the supporting cast, especially Ryu Jun-yeol and Yu Hae-jin deserve a lot of praise.
The film's technical aspects are top notch. The visuals are breathtaking and the story is well captured by a first-rate cinematography. The film's action sequences are another major highlight, as they induce a lot of excitement along with tension as to what would happen next. The film's not extremely violent, and thus I recommend you to watch it with your family. There's no vulgarity or obscenity in this film.
There are plenty of emotional sequences which make the film a totally unforgettable experience. Watch the film and you won't find it difficult to guess which scenes I'm talking about. Various emotional, thrilling as well as action packed sequences have been elevated by the brilliant music.
A TAXI DRIVER is a hard-hitting film which must be seen not just for its overall excellence but also for the message it delivers to its viewers. It's hard and almost impossible to forget the film, as you're left highly emotional & impressed by the time the credits start to roll. In short, a perfect masterpiece from South Korea!
Rating: 5/5
I've been highly impressed long time by Song Kang-ho, and I've been watching many of his movies since later few months. I was highly excited to watch his new historical action drama A TAXI DRIVER, because the trailer was highly impressive. It showed how the film would turn out to be. I just wanted to see it as soon as possible and I finally got the opportunity.
A TAXI DRIVER, without a second thought, is the best South Korean film I've seen till date. From narration to execution to performances to presentation: it's perfect in each and every aspect. The change in the tone of the film has been brought up extremely well, thanks to its director Jang Hoon. The screenplay is never disappointing throughout, and the film comes out as both a refreshing as well as a memorable experience.
The film's editing is top notch as it doesn't take much of time to introduce and set up the characters as well as the storyline. As the film progresses, you find yourself connected to the characters, especially the ones of Song Kang-ho and Thomas Kretschmann. Both actors have delivered extremely excellent performances, and rather so excellent that I ended up rooting for them completely. When they smiled, I smiled. When they cried, I cried too. Rest of the supporting cast, especially Ryu Jun-yeol and Yu Hae-jin deserve a lot of praise.
The film's technical aspects are top notch. The visuals are breathtaking and the story is well captured by a first-rate cinematography. The film's action sequences are another major highlight, as they induce a lot of excitement along with tension as to what would happen next. The film's not extremely violent, and thus I recommend you to watch it with your family. There's no vulgarity or obscenity in this film.
There are plenty of emotional sequences which make the film a totally unforgettable experience. Watch the film and you won't find it difficult to guess which scenes I'm talking about. Various emotional, thrilling as well as action packed sequences have been elevated by the brilliant music.
A TAXI DRIVER is a hard-hitting film which must be seen not just for its overall excellence but also for the message it delivers to its viewers. It's hard and almost impossible to forget the film, as you're left highly emotional & impressed by the time the credits start to roll. In short, a perfect masterpiece from South Korea!
A masterpiece
joaosantos2026 December 2017
I've been watching Korean movies for a long time now, and this is just another amazing work of art from Korea.
Great acting, Song is one of my favorite actors, he is amazing in this movie, but all the cast is to be praised. The story is very well told, it grips you to the screen from start to finish and it is not a small movie.
I knew part of the troubled history of Korea by i had no idea this massacred ever existed. The way the director gets us there is no short of an amazing accomplishment, you never feel the movie is too long or just going trough the motions, it involves you in the story, you really feel like you are there.
They got a new world
user-840-40437830 December 2018
Never I've cried that much
AliceSvankmajer17 November 2020
The Ethical Dictates of Taxi-Driving
boblipton12 August 2017
Kang-ho Song is a widowed driver with a young daughter, just scraping by. When an opportunity comes up to drive a foreign reporter to a small city under martial law for 100,000 won, he takes it. On the way, he discovers that South Korea is a dictatorship that people are being killed for no good reason, and that ordinary people have standards of ethical behavior, even taxi drivers.
It's a beautifully made combination of staged and stock footage. Thomas Kretschmann, playing the German reporter, looks a lot like the man his character is based on, although handsomer in a Liam-Neeson way. The way it portrays ordinary people rising to the moment is well done. If, like many a South Korean movie I have seen, it seems more violent than other national cinemas, then perhaps that is a salient feature of the national industry.
It's a beautifully made combination of staged and stock footage. Thomas Kretschmann, playing the German reporter, looks a lot like the man his character is based on, although handsomer in a Liam-Neeson way. The way it portrays ordinary people rising to the moment is well done. If, like many a South Korean movie I have seen, it seems more violent than other national cinemas, then perhaps that is a salient feature of the national industry.
Some things can't be wiped out
illiyamiao9 October 2017
On May 18, 1980, the Gwangju incident in South Korea hoped to cover the truth through a news blackout, however, October 7, 2017 It's ironic that a region wants to block the film to prevent a memory of the 80s.
The truth of history can not be verified, just as we can not feel the emotions of the parties or their families, because the facts we now know may not be fully aware of the truth of the year, but what happened can not be forgotten It is now in what form is presented.
The truth of history can not be verified, just as we can not feel the emotions of the parties or their families, because the facts we now know may not be fully aware of the truth of the year, but what happened can not be forgotten It is now in what form is presented.
Riddled with cliches, but too much talent to be unenjoyable.
niels276528 March 2020
Jang Hun studies the dynamic of Kim Man-Seob (Kang-ho Song) and Jürgen Hinzpeter (Thomas Kretschmann) in his film A Taxi Driver (2017) which unfolds in a neglected and unkempt Gwangju in the 1980s. A hefty and charismatic performance from Kang-ho Song is profoundly important in this film, a film in which, despite its many flaws, thrives on its character development and technical triumphs to create a conclusively delectable watch.
We are in South Korea in the 1980s, as an uprising takes place in Gwangju, which the general population of South Korea is oblivious to and uninformed about. We are introduced to a taxi driver by the name of Kim Man-Seob, living in Seoul, who juggles his problems one at a time, struggling to pay his rent and to keep his daughter pleased. When eating lunch at a canteen, he overhears a topic of conversation between two other taxi drivers, about a German willing to pay 100,000 won to drive him to Gwangju, deaf to the mutiny taking place in Gwangju, Kim strikes up a plan to steal this client. The German, is a journalist by the name of Jürgen Hinzpeter, due to the restrictions implemented by the government, Jürgen pretends to be a Christian missionary. After being picked up by Kim, they leave for Gwangju. After an altercation with government troops, Kim and Jürgen get into Gwangju, rampage ensues, as we follow these two characters in the Gwangju uprising, and their struggle to document, escape and help Gwangju.
Jang Hun manipulates the audience into instantly sympathizing with Kim Man-Seob when developing his background, Jang Hun inserts exposition explaining why we should commiserate with Kim. Kang-Ho Song delivers an impeccable performance that eclipses the other performances. Kang-Ho Song, who has already established himself as a luminous, grade-A actor, has once again proven the degree wherein his acting can go to.
Despite the film being based on the Gwangju uprising, the Director took it upon himself to change the story, most likely to make the story more cinematic and commercial. Jang Hun over exaggerates certain character motives and actions. Irrational behaviour and the consistency of a character's persona throughout the film shapes a supposition that it was lazily written. Riddled with discernable cliches and glaring plot holes, the writing seems to focus only on developing Kim, and doesn't develop Jürgen. Often this wouldn't be an issue, but given the amount of screen time the character receives, it is unfair for the audience to be unable to relate and sympathize with him. Side characters such as Gu Jae-sik and Hwang Tae-sul are better developed than Jürgen.
The film has outstanding production design by Yi-jin Jeong, who creates monumental period cityscape images of Gwangju and encapsulates the feeling of 1980 Gwangju faultlessly. The film is well-paced, thanks to the quick-cut editing from Jae-beom Kim and Sang-beom Kim. The tonal shifts throughout could've come across as jarring, but due to the skilful editing, the tonal shifts are smooth. The quick pacing fit the story well, as the story was anxiety-inducing. The music score, composed by Young-wook Jo accentuates this anxious feeling throughout the film, and it is extremely commendable what a sensational job he has done. He has created built up instrumentals that offer an everlasting apprehensive experience for the audience.
The cinematography throughout is noticeably innovative, beautifully constructed camera movements, inventive dialogue shots, and brilliantly justified hand-held shots. The cinematography compliments the lighting, as they come hand in hand. The lighting subconsciously brings out angst. The film is often gorgeously lit and utilizes natural light flawlessly. The niche colour palette is bright and vibrant which clashes in contrast to the harsh subject matter emphasizes the hope and faith of the character's we are following. The frame composition is expertly done and occasionally helps carry the story on visually.
Jang Hun has dealt with the subject matter competently, where it is safe and inoffensive, he's directed a technically-innovative film, in specific regards to the impeccably shot action sequences. The film fails on a story-telling front, often melodramatic and riddled with painstaking cliches, as well as has multiple plot devices to give an excuse to some of the ridiculous plotlines. It is easy to overlook these issues due to the sheer effort and talent behind this film. Predominantly enjoyable, A Taxi Driver is often unrealistic in what we see on screen but does just enough for a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
We are in South Korea in the 1980s, as an uprising takes place in Gwangju, which the general population of South Korea is oblivious to and uninformed about. We are introduced to a taxi driver by the name of Kim Man-Seob, living in Seoul, who juggles his problems one at a time, struggling to pay his rent and to keep his daughter pleased. When eating lunch at a canteen, he overhears a topic of conversation between two other taxi drivers, about a German willing to pay 100,000 won to drive him to Gwangju, deaf to the mutiny taking place in Gwangju, Kim strikes up a plan to steal this client. The German, is a journalist by the name of Jürgen Hinzpeter, due to the restrictions implemented by the government, Jürgen pretends to be a Christian missionary. After being picked up by Kim, they leave for Gwangju. After an altercation with government troops, Kim and Jürgen get into Gwangju, rampage ensues, as we follow these two characters in the Gwangju uprising, and their struggle to document, escape and help Gwangju.
Jang Hun manipulates the audience into instantly sympathizing with Kim Man-Seob when developing his background, Jang Hun inserts exposition explaining why we should commiserate with Kim. Kang-Ho Song delivers an impeccable performance that eclipses the other performances. Kang-Ho Song, who has already established himself as a luminous, grade-A actor, has once again proven the degree wherein his acting can go to.
Despite the film being based on the Gwangju uprising, the Director took it upon himself to change the story, most likely to make the story more cinematic and commercial. Jang Hun over exaggerates certain character motives and actions. Irrational behaviour and the consistency of a character's persona throughout the film shapes a supposition that it was lazily written. Riddled with discernable cliches and glaring plot holes, the writing seems to focus only on developing Kim, and doesn't develop Jürgen. Often this wouldn't be an issue, but given the amount of screen time the character receives, it is unfair for the audience to be unable to relate and sympathize with him. Side characters such as Gu Jae-sik and Hwang Tae-sul are better developed than Jürgen.
The film has outstanding production design by Yi-jin Jeong, who creates monumental period cityscape images of Gwangju and encapsulates the feeling of 1980 Gwangju faultlessly. The film is well-paced, thanks to the quick-cut editing from Jae-beom Kim and Sang-beom Kim. The tonal shifts throughout could've come across as jarring, but due to the skilful editing, the tonal shifts are smooth. The quick pacing fit the story well, as the story was anxiety-inducing. The music score, composed by Young-wook Jo accentuates this anxious feeling throughout the film, and it is extremely commendable what a sensational job he has done. He has created built up instrumentals that offer an everlasting apprehensive experience for the audience.
The cinematography throughout is noticeably innovative, beautifully constructed camera movements, inventive dialogue shots, and brilliantly justified hand-held shots. The cinematography compliments the lighting, as they come hand in hand. The lighting subconsciously brings out angst. The film is often gorgeously lit and utilizes natural light flawlessly. The niche colour palette is bright and vibrant which clashes in contrast to the harsh subject matter emphasizes the hope and faith of the character's we are following. The frame composition is expertly done and occasionally helps carry the story on visually.
Jang Hun has dealt with the subject matter competently, where it is safe and inoffensive, he's directed a technically-innovative film, in specific regards to the impeccably shot action sequences. The film fails on a story-telling front, often melodramatic and riddled with painstaking cliches, as well as has multiple plot devices to give an excuse to some of the ridiculous plotlines. It is easy to overlook these issues due to the sheer effort and talent behind this film. Predominantly enjoyable, A Taxi Driver is often unrealistic in what we see on screen but does just enough for a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Powerful
Lugo198916 March 2018
A Taxi Driver is a film you should not miss. It is based on real events and it is impossible to stay indifferent when watching it. To be perfectly honest, I was not aware of the tragic events at the protests in South Korea in 1980. The complete disregard for human life will send shivers down your spine. It is impossible to understand why humanity never learns anything from its darkest mistakes. Throughout the history, similar things have happened and will unfortunately continue to happen in the future for sure. The story of the two main characters is inspiring. They risked their lives to bring truth to the world. You really get to care and root for them until the end. The acting is top-notch; wonderful, natural performances from everyone. And if you are an emotional person, the ending will definitely bring tears to your eyes. Strongly recommended.
The Taxi Driver: Democracy Dies in Darkness
Mijm954 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
When governments are tyrannical, the first thing they do is limit or eradicate the free press so no one can hold them accountable and replace it with their own "real" news. The Taxi Driver is a drama based on such a clandestine event that marked South Korea in 1980– the Gwangju Uprising, also known as the May 18 Democratic Uprising, and/or, the Gwangju Democratization Movement. The regime not only banned reporting and barred reporters, it actively shut down media and hunted them so that no news of the event would reach outside the seized city limits. But, any way you slice it, it did happened, and only one reporter was able to document it and show it to the world. Director Jang Hoon tells a story based on German reporter Jürgen Hinzpeter, known as Peter, as he infiltrated the massacre that took place in the days of May 18-20 in Gwangju, South Korea, with the help of Kim Man-seob, a taxi driver from Seoul.
Peter is played by Thomas Kretschmann who, interestingly, cites his experience escaping East Germany in his early 20s as a giving him a crucial understanding to be able to deliver on his interpretation of Peter. The title character of Mr. Kim is played by Kang-ho Song who has a robust career in both theater and film. The role of the taxi driver is not only moving but also demanding since his character is the focus of the film and serves as the vehicle for the dramatization of the historical event. The character of Kim is symbolic of the everyday person living at the time who has a choice to look away or risk his or safety and bear witness to the massacre.
Jang Hoon's vision is focused and his delivery is compelling. While the story praises the courage of Peter to tell the story of a massacre that would have otherwise been swept under the rug, the heart of the story is in Mr. Kim's personal transformation. In Spanish the phrase, "hacer conciencia" is often translated into English as "to raise awareness" but conceptually it is very different than to simply make someone aware, or give them information they lacked. The phrase in Spanish is far more active and intentional. It may rest on the Shakespearean idea that humans are the paragon of animals, but animals nevertheless; to "hacer conciencia" is to make or create a conscience, thus implying an intellectual and emotional growth that comes with experience and compassion and from which there is no turning back. Mr. Kim's transformation is the active transformation of a people as each of them "make conscience" and sacrifice their lives for the hope of democracy.
Through the character of Mr. Kim, Hoon balances a lighter side of existence with the stress and suffering that lives just under the surface. The balance is nicely bookended by small details that surface throughout like the memory of a food or the bow tied y Mr. Kim, first in his daughter's hair, and later on a box of cookies. The balance between Peter and the event is also well proportioned, with Peter often being the character in the background, thus keeping the focus on the people of South Korea. Mr. Hoon's inclusion of footage of the real Jürgen Hinzpeter in the end is both a loving gesture, and a note of gratitude because in the end, The Washington Post is right, "Democracy Dies in Darkness" when atrocities happen because no one is watching.
Peter is played by Thomas Kretschmann who, interestingly, cites his experience escaping East Germany in his early 20s as a giving him a crucial understanding to be able to deliver on his interpretation of Peter. The title character of Mr. Kim is played by Kang-ho Song who has a robust career in both theater and film. The role of the taxi driver is not only moving but also demanding since his character is the focus of the film and serves as the vehicle for the dramatization of the historical event. The character of Kim is symbolic of the everyday person living at the time who has a choice to look away or risk his or safety and bear witness to the massacre.
Jang Hoon's vision is focused and his delivery is compelling. While the story praises the courage of Peter to tell the story of a massacre that would have otherwise been swept under the rug, the heart of the story is in Mr. Kim's personal transformation. In Spanish the phrase, "hacer conciencia" is often translated into English as "to raise awareness" but conceptually it is very different than to simply make someone aware, or give them information they lacked. The phrase in Spanish is far more active and intentional. It may rest on the Shakespearean idea that humans are the paragon of animals, but animals nevertheless; to "hacer conciencia" is to make or create a conscience, thus implying an intellectual and emotional growth that comes with experience and compassion and from which there is no turning back. Mr. Kim's transformation is the active transformation of a people as each of them "make conscience" and sacrifice their lives for the hope of democracy.
Through the character of Mr. Kim, Hoon balances a lighter side of existence with the stress and suffering that lives just under the surface. The balance is nicely bookended by small details that surface throughout like the memory of a food or the bow tied y Mr. Kim, first in his daughter's hair, and later on a box of cookies. The balance between Peter and the event is also well proportioned, with Peter often being the character in the background, thus keeping the focus on the people of South Korea. Mr. Hoon's inclusion of footage of the real Jürgen Hinzpeter in the end is both a loving gesture, and a note of gratitude because in the end, The Washington Post is right, "Democracy Dies in Darkness" when atrocities happen because no one is watching.
Emotional effect
th-kyhn17 June 2018
A very good film
Gordon-1123 October 2017
This film tells the story of a widowed taxi driver who picks up a well paid job without knowing what it is about. He travels to a region in riot, witnessing horrors and tragedies he could not have imagined.
"A Taxi Driver" starts off comedic, as the taxi driver uses every way to make ends meet. As the scenes of riot unfolds, the film intensely engages my attention. The senseless massacre of civilians is very sad. It is a very powerful story that will drive anyone to tears.
This is a story of a man with little heroic virtues unleashes his true self, and become a nameless hero. The fact that the journalist was unable to track the taxi driver down was particularly powerful. This film is as good as people say it is, and more.
"A Taxi Driver" starts off comedic, as the taxi driver uses every way to make ends meet. As the scenes of riot unfolds, the film intensely engages my attention. The senseless massacre of civilians is very sad. It is a very powerful story that will drive anyone to tears.
This is a story of a man with little heroic virtues unleashes his true self, and become a nameless hero. The fact that the journalist was unable to track the taxi driver down was particularly powerful. This film is as good as people say it is, and more.
Banned in "People's" Republic of China, 10 points!
googleistheboogieman3 April 2023
Watched it in a net cafe, from pirate site, cause this movie is not allowed in China for some obvious reasons. Korean fought for freedom, never gave up, they got it. Chinese fought for freedom, easily gave up, look at us now, what a crony capitalist dystopian place. The few rob the people, move all ill gotten gains and family offshore, majority remains slaves. If you dare to complain, jail time for you. Maybe Chinese had thousands of years of totalitarian history, easier to be tamed. Or compared with Korean gov, CCP gov is more violent, evil-er, had no basic moral standards: CCP officials used heavy mechanical army to crush protesters. Thousands of death during 1989 protest, big didly deal, the glorious CCP killed tens of millions before that.
Our "beloved" government just used Covid to wipe out old people, to solve pension crisis in the end of 2022. Things are getting worse day after day, year after year, bad stuff seems like will never end. Good job, Mr pooh.
Maybe we, the Chinese people, should learn something from Korean.
Our "beloved" government just used Covid to wipe out old people, to solve pension crisis in the end of 2022. Things are getting worse day after day, year after year, bad stuff seems like will never end. Good job, Mr pooh.
Maybe we, the Chinese people, should learn something from Korean.
Absolutely Amazing film.
ahelene118 January 2020
Acting is incredible. Story is emotional. I typically shay away from foreign language films as I do not have the attention span go watch and read simultaneously for 2 hours. But this film had me captured the entire time. From beginning to end. I found myself crying and laughing at the same time. It managed to inject humor into a very tragic incident. I would implore people who do not speak Korean to give this film a watch, you will not be disappointed
Very heartwarming
jayceeDope27 March 2018
The lead actor is very good. This is a funny and emotional film at the same time.
The story made me wonder how much of the information we get from the media is accurate and true. It also made me guilty of being passive to national conflicts that does not affect me directly.
Good but long dramatised version of a crucial point in South Korean history
valentinvolland15 May 2018
This South Korean film is a fictionalised view into the experiences of german reporter Jürgen Hinzpeter (who died in 2016) and driver Kim Sa-bok (unkown to the public) at the Gwangju uprising in 1980. The filmmakers tried to identify Kim Sa-bok prior to the production, but only after the films release it has surfaced that the man had died of cancer in 1984, four years after the events in the film. Knowing nearly nothing about the driver, the filmmaker tried their best to create an intruiging character, that fit the movie. The actor Song Kang-ho as well as his german counterpart Thomas Kretschmann both did great jobs and I liked their performances.
The screenplay/plot is not too bad, it does a good job being both entertaining and sometimes even light-hearted, as well as handling the though and serious topic of the gwangju uprising very well. However the pacing of the movie isn't absolutely great, with the rythm of the film sometimes a bit off, so it could have also been a little shorter than 135 min. Another problem was, that although I know about the history, for me personally this tragedy hasn't been translated well enough onto the movie. Objectively they handeled the tragedy well, but I was left a little bit cold. That being said I did enjoy the film and would rate it 7.5 if i could.
Perfectly Made
hansomekim7 August 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This movie had it all: great acting, story telling, emotion, and action.
Though many movies based on real events tend to lack real storyline, this movie has captured that point beautifully. At first a lighthearted movie, both our characters and the viewer are unwittingly drawn into the tragic events that happened in Gwangju.
Our taxi driver is funny and extremely relatable, whether it's when he's being late to pay his rent, cracking jokes with friends, ignoring far-off protests, or prioritizing his only daughter. But as he is forced into situations that violate his basic sense of humanity, it shocks him and all of us to our core.
With powerful acting and character decision making that all can understand, this movie is an emotional tale for all to enjoy.
Though many movies based on real events tend to lack real storyline, this movie has captured that point beautifully. At first a lighthearted movie, both our characters and the viewer are unwittingly drawn into the tragic events that happened in Gwangju.
Our taxi driver is funny and extremely relatable, whether it's when he's being late to pay his rent, cracking jokes with friends, ignoring far-off protests, or prioritizing his only daughter. But as he is forced into situations that violate his basic sense of humanity, it shocks him and all of us to our core.
With powerful acting and character decision making that all can understand, this movie is an emotional tale for all to enjoy.
great film
shashrvacai22 December 2020
I have to say something
tyl-4655224 February 2021
I love this film.Korean film can always reflect the reality of Asian countries. However, this one has been banned in China, the movie-related information was disappeared from Chinese website like never exist.It's pathetic.
Great Korean Thriller Hidden Beneath the Over-dramatic Mush.
redrobin62-321-20731111 February 2020
I enjoyed this movie. It was fairly tight, well-written and photographed. I would've said it was an 8 were it not for the overwhelming Korean trope of super oppressive background strings and buckets of crocodile tears. These distracting aspects weaken an otherwise strong and compelling film. I think by now I must've seen at least 10 films that stars Kong-ho Song, including the Oscar favorite "Parasite". Ne never fails to deliver, that's for sure. I just wish the dang directors wouldn't always go for the tear factor, though. It always look ridiculous, especially in this political film where the German journalist himself gets reduced to tears because it's in the script. Ridiculous.
It disappeared in China
c-9261713 March 2020
Extremely entertaining
phd_travel2 March 2020
This movie is a sharply directed moving and entertaining movie. A struggling In Seoul taxi driver takes a German reporter to Gwangju. The pro democracy riots and massacre unfold and you see things from his point of view. You really feel for the driver played by the great Korean actor from Parasite. The massacre scenes are quite moving and shocking.
By the end you will probably realise that some of the story regarding the escape is made up for dramatic purposes. But it doesn't matter. This is one movie where the dramatic licence is justified. It's a very entertaining touching and meaningful movie.
By the end you will probably realise that some of the story regarding the escape is made up for dramatic purposes. But it doesn't matter. This is one movie where the dramatic licence is justified. It's a very entertaining touching and meaningful movie.
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