Reworked by Baechu Squad
This film is based on real events.
♪ That girl who once gave me a bouquet of flowers... ♪
♪ Why do I miss her so much today? ♪
♪ Her neatly bobbed hair, like a rain-soaked blade of grass... ♪
♪ Her sparkling eyes still shine in my heart. ♪
♪ At times, when I feel lonely... I remember that day... ♪
♪ At times, when I miss her... I begin to dream... ♪
♪ That longing I can't forget... ♪
♪ How cruel that time has taken her away. ♪
A TAXI DRIVER
(PRIVATE TAXI)
- Lift the state of emergency! - Lift it! Lift it!
No more martial law!
No more! No more!
What, an accident?
Disperse, or we will act with force!
I repeat.
Disperse,
or we will act with force!
I wondered why today was so quiet.
Did they go to university to protest?
Enough is enough...
Spoiled bastards need to be shipped off to Saudi Arabia.
Work themselves to death in the burning desert,
then they'll realise, "Wow, my country is great!"
How could you dash at my car?
If you jump out like that...
Run! Hurry!
Hey, wh-wh-where...
Hey, where are you going?!
Get back here, you!
Stop!
Taxi!
Oh, that...
Th-that...
To the hospital, sir. Quickly!
Mister, please go faster.
The first baby takes a long time, even after the water breaks.
My wife spent 12 hours in the delivery room.
The first baby's always like that.
Hey, hey, hey...
No more martial law!
Don't tell me you're that close!
Oh, whatever.
(OUT WITH DICTATORSHIP, IN WITH DEMOCRACY!)
We're here, honey.
That was some beautiful driving!
This way.
Other taxi drivers won't take pregnant women.
But I did, remembering my daughter's birth.
Thanks... Honey, where's my wallet?
You packed the damn bag!
Take another look, it must be there.
I'm sorry, but I left my wallet behind. Tomorrow, I promise...
Do you know how many times I've heard that?
I could've bought a house with all that fare!
No, I really...
There she goes again!
It's coming!
Hold on! Hold on!
Sir, here's my business card.
Call me tomorrow, I'll pay double! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!
You'll pay me double instead?
Best of luck in there, okay?
Best of luck!
This is no place to play soccer. Go play over there!
Did she go out?
Sweetie, sleeping already?
You should eat dinner.
Hmm?
Who did this to you?
I fell down.
I've had enough. Sanggu, that brat!
It wasn't Sanggu! I really fell.
Are you going to keep lying to your dad?
Eunjung! Should I hit you instead?
Ma'am! Sanggu!!
Eunjung's dad. Just who I wanted to see.
What do you say about this?
How could she do this to our precious son's face?
No, she also has...
Really, I've never seen a girl as wild as Eunjung!
You're too soft on her because her mother died!
Ma'am, that's a bit...
And since you're here, one more thing!
I've held my tongue because I know about your situation, but...
you owe me $100 in rent! $100!
I'm sorry. Ma'am, I'll...
You're 4 months late, at least tell us when you'll pay!
$100 is a lot of money for us too.
I guess you're sleepy, Sanggu! Must've eaten too much.
I don't care what my husband says, I've had it this time.
And discipline your daughter, will you?
What is this? It's so upsetting!
Oh, I'm hungry!
Bean sprout soup?
Hey, Eunjung. I told you not to fold the backs of your shoes, right?
No answer, yet again.
Those shoes are too small. Dinner's ready.
Then ask me to buy you new ones!
Wow, how refreshing!
Sweetie, you could get married tomorrow!
Sanggu's mom brought that over.
Right, I thought it was too salty.
Lift your head.
Dad, do we have to move?
Yeah, we're going to buy Sanggu's house. After I get rich.
So don't worry and study hard.
Okay?
Ouch, it stings.
Then why don't you listen?
What did I say? Play nice with him, don't fight.
But Sanggu started it!
Just ignore him.
Learn to bear it. Life is never going to be fair.
Eunjung. Shall we go on a picnic this Wednesday?
There's no school on Buddha's Birthday, right?
You should work. There are more customers on holidays.
You're even worse than your mother.
Aigo. Sweetie, who do you take after, to be so adorable?!
Under the emergency decree, as of May 18...
martial law is in force, all political activity is banned,
the nation's universities are temporarily closed,
and labour strikes are strictly forbidden.
The recent demonstrations by students...
Does this mean I'll lose passengers again?
For a guy so paranoid about his car,
how did you break a mirror?
A worthless punk. He ran off after breaking my car.
Why be a student if you can't be a decent human being?
Okay, okay. I'll only charge you $5, okay?
Why is it so expensive? Just take $4. I've had a rough day.
Ah, people are so greedy! You're too much.
And get an inspection sometime. The engine doesn't sound right.
An inspection? I inspect my car every day.
After 600,000 km, this car is past retirement.
Easy on my car!
Try fixing it after it breaks, it'll cost you more.
Don't jinx me! I'm already pissed enough.
$3, then.
That's ridiculous! Do you know how much parts cost?
Should I throw this out?
Why would you? I'll use it later.
Leave it.
Ah, that fucker...
Hey, what are you doing?
God, you're pathetic.
Pathetic?
So, the kids fought again?
I gave Sanggu a good scolding.
Ma'am! Ma'am!
- What? - Another portion!
No, I'm fine. Ma'am, it's okay!
Why not? I said I'd pay.
Don't be silly, I'll pay.
What's the occasion?
Instead, lend me some money.
I figured. How much?
$100. From your private stash.
Hey! I gave it all to my sister. As a surprise wedding gift.
But why so much? You paid off all your debts.
It's not the rent, is it?
Bingo!
My god.
Only you would borrow from your landlord to pay the rent.
Lend it to me before you start talking.
Ma'am! Give me anything quick!
What's the rush?
We need to play cards after lunch.
You guys play all you like. I'm going to Kukdo Theatre.
- I have a long drive. - Where to?
Gwangju. We'll go now, and be back before curfew.
Wow, you hit the jackpot. For how much?
$100.
$100?
What kind of idiot would pay $100 for one day?
A foreign idiot.
Oh, you speak English?
Of course. I grew up near the U.S. army base.
Damn, and foreigners pay tips! If you add the tip...
Ah, you spent time abroad. Couldn't you handle that?
I'm sorry! Enjoy your lunch.
Ma'am, discipline Sanggu, will you? Who does he take after?
He eats too much as well. Does he take after his mom?
Wait until I get that money! I'll teach that kid some manners!
You called for a taxi?
Yes, but... isn't this a private taxi? I called a taxi company.
Ah, yes, but the company's cars are all busy.
So I volunteered...
You were told everything?
Yes, to Gwangju and back before curfew. For $100.
Is your English good?
Of course, I spent 5 years in Saudi Arabia, so my English is very good.
Ah, with me... us two...
Please get in.
Take another taxi. This one's reserved.
Reserved? For where?
Why?
This car is going to Gwangju.
What's the word for that? Uh, this...
He went to mine coal.
I was in Saudi, you know?
Driving in that desert, shit!
People here don't have a damned clue!
Why is he talking so fast?
You, fast. Huh? Slow...
So that...
What's the hurry?
Gwangju is really far. Get some sleep.
You darling, you!
My recent luck has been shit all for this day.
What's this? Can we go?
What's he shooting?
Why so rude? If I ask you something, you should answer.
And what's with this road? Can I pass, or not?
What's this now?
Huh? What did you say?
I said to speak slowly!
Are they training?
Stop!
Is this a training exercise?
What division?
I served in the 7th division.
This is a real operation. Please turn back.
Didn't you see the sign?
My passenger's going to Gwangju.
You idiot, are you trying to die?
Who is this person?
What did he just say?
He said we should go back. He made a mistake.
Salute!
That's what you think, and it's not that I'm refusing...
Ah, what is he saying?
Are you joking? You know how much gas we used?
So we can't go to Gwangju!
So you go to Gwangju?
Shit, am I just going to waste gas money?
Sir!
Let me ask you something.
Is there a back road to Gwangju around here?
Nope.
Then, is there anyone who'd know...
What do you want there?
Didn't you see the soldiers?
You'd be better off heading back home.
Sir, if I can't get to Gwangju...
Sir, I really need to go there!
Our village foreman told us to stay clear of Gwangju.
Over that there hill, there is one back road...
Where is it?
Over there...
Over that side...
This road's going to ruin my shocks.
You know, you're lucky to have met me, huh?
Any other driver would be back in Seoul by now.
What on earth is going on, for them to block even this road?
Stop! Stop! Who the hell...
Back! Back!
I'm just trying to earn some money...
You said you were a businessman, right?
Dollars, contract. Contract...
Something like this.
You forgot this, okay? In Gwangju.
Good day, sir! Salute!
Yes.
I'm coming from Gimpo Airport.
That guy is a really important businessman.
He had to miss his plane to U.S. and return for important papers.
No. Turn back!
Please listen.
We can't export to the U.S. without those papers!
I came speeding here from the airport out of patriotism!
We need to export to... bring in money! Yeah?
To become a developed country...
Wait a second.
What did he say?
You said a hugely important...
Hey, let them through.
Come right back.
It's dangerous there, because of the rioters.
- Rioters? - Yes.
Yes, we'll be back in a flash.
Salute!
Good job, good job.
My fare.
So pay in advance.
No, it's "Ladies first", so...
Go ahead and glare at me, you jerk.
What a fox. Are you copying me?
Still, $50 is nice.
Alrighty!
What a miser.
Glare at me like that, and I'll rip your eyes out.
You don't know what I'm saying, do you?
Let's go, you punk.
(TO THE CITIZENS OF DEMOCRATIC GWANGJU...)
(DEFEND DEMOCRACY TO THE DEATH!)
What's going on here?
(RESCIND MARTIAL LAW!)
Huh? What?
(TO THE 1980'S, A DECADE OF HOPE!)
Ah, it says...
In the 1980s...
Oh, it's just some crap. Forget about it.
What's that?
Look! It's a Seoul taxi.
Whoa, it's a foreigner.
What's he saying?
Isn't that a camera?
Even my English is better than those university students'.
Hey, Jaesik! You speak some English, right?
Oh, Jaesik.
He's a reporter from Germany, he came to shoot us.
We'll be on the news. Great!
What? Businessman, my ass.
If you're a reporter, you should've told me!
He rode here in a taxi from Seoul!
Let's give a hand to the taxi driver who drove so far!
Ah, well, from Seoul to here...
is pretty far.
He wants to interview you.
Wow, you're a star now!
Ah, if I had known, I would've at least washed my face.
You come up too, Mister.
What do you mean?
He needs to drive his taxi.
I'll be right behind you, so go!
Follow us then!
Let's go!
We fight for justice, hoorah hoorah!
Live and die together, hoorah hoorah!
We'd rather die standing than live on our knees!
We fight for justice!
I should've known $100 was too good to be true.
Citizens of Gwangju, unite!
Citizens of Gwangju, citizens of Gwangju,
citizens of Gwangju, unite!
Who'll take responsibility if my car gets damaged in a protest again?
Oh my, taxi!
Give me a lift, mister!
Take a Gwangju taxi, granny. This is a Seoul taxi.
Oh jeez.
Granny, can you even pay the fare?
Who's in the hospital?
They said someone who looks like my son
was taken there after a soldier smashed his head.
Is he a university student? Does he protest?
No. He didn't even go to high school.
Didn't come home last night.
Then he must have been out drinking with his friends!
He doesn't drink.
And those soldiers, they've gone berserk,
beating and stabbing anyone who passes by.
Granny, I was an army sergeant. No soldier would ever do that.
Those are all just rumours, right?
Of course...
Then where the heck did he go?
No, I won't take you!
Go see if they need help.
Please drive. I have to rush.
What's your hurry?
You don't write a single line in the newspaper!
You reporters have more time than anyone now!
If reporters don't report, why should drivers drive?
Gwangju taxi drivers must be rich, turning down fares like that.
Ma'am.
Sir. Please give me a ride.
No way.
Damn it!
Taxi, taxi!
No, this is a Seoul taxi. Take a Gwangju taxi.
Go to the other side!
Oh my.
What a mess.
A high school student?
Careful!
Go call a doctor!
Doctor!
Please find my son. I beg you, please...
Where are you, Yongpyo?
Oh, Yongpyo! My son...
It's not him...
Are you okay?
Mom?
Mom!
Yongpyo!
What are you doin' here?
Oh, you wicked boy!
I thought something awful happened to you.
Are you okay?
This ain't nothin' at all. Just three stitches.
Are you hurt anywhere else?
I'm totally fine.
- Sir, thank you so much! - Oh...
Thank you, really.
Mom, wear this.
I don't know what I'd have done without this taxi driver.
Thank you so much.
You got some money?
I ain't got money.
Never mind, you don't need to pay me.
See, I told you he'd be fine!
Wait! Are you that Seoul taxi...
You know me?
It's you!
Yongpyo, you know him?
- A while back, this guy... - Hey mister!
What's he doing here?
We've been driving all over trying to find you!
Who is he to yell at my driver!
He ran off with this reporter's expensive equipment.
What are you talking about?
How dare you!
I took what? I didn't take anything!
What's going on?
His...
Look here!
What's this doing here?
I really didn't know.
You said to follow, and then you sped off.
I don't know the roads here. You know how hard I searched?
Hey mister, that ain't so.
People saw you take a U-turn.
Hey, kid! Watch it.
Would he really take off without collecting his fare?
What? He charged $50 just to come here?
Actually, they agreed on $100, and he already received half.
$100?
What? So he got paid and tried to run off?
Take this and go!
Why are you giving this guy money?
He's giving us all a bad name.
Taxi drivers like this need to be taught a lesson!
Whose side are you guys on, anyway?
How dare you start shouting!
Bro, am I wrong?
Why don't you say something?
What would I say?
If he received his fare...
would he really just ditch his passenger?
Man, you're so wishy-washy.
I'm not wishy-washy.
I'm firm when I need to be. Don't you know me?
Hey, Seoul Driver! You'll pay for doing that.
As a driver it's wrong, and as a human being it's wrong!
How dare you talk to me that way!
I guess everything they said about you was true!
Let me take a look at your license number.
What the hell are you doing?
Here!
I'm not receiving anything, alright?
Let's go.
College boy! Are you gonna ride around in my car all day?
He asked me to translate...
Do your parents know what you're doing?
Why are you chewing me out?
Chewing you out... Didn't you see back there?
Your mother must be worried sick.
Paying that expensive tuition, did you go to university to protest?
You went to study, right? Then you should study, dammit!
I didn't go to university to study.
I went to compete in the university song contest.
In that case, why not spend this time practising your singing?
Mister, you don't know what you're talking about.
You students think other countries are as nice as ours?
Go to Saudi Arabia! In that hot, burning...
What's so great about a country where soldiers assault you?
Then why do you keep protesting?
They keep telling you to stop, but you won't listen!
Aigo. How is it that this foreigner understands better than you?
Forget it.
Okay.
Oh my god!
Mister, you missed the right turn!
I'm going to fill the gas tank!
Goddammit!
Stop, stop.
$3 worth, but like a full tank.
Who do you think I am?
I'm not that kind of person!
What did I just say?
You're not that kind of person.
No, I said $3.
- Right? - Yes.
Stop pumping! What, are you crazy?
- What are you doing? - What's wrong?
I asked for $3's worth. Only $3!
What?
You think I'm gonna pay more?
I may be an out-of-towner, but this is outrageous!
No, I'm only paying $3. That's what I asked for.
Wow, look at this guy.
What are you so angry about,
me giving you a bit more gas when it's all free anyway.
If I filled it up, you'd have me by the throat. Come on.
Free?
Did you think everyone in Gwangju was just like you?
Why didn't you say it was free? I'd have filled the tank.
Then fill it before you head back to Seoul.
Of course! It takes so much gas to get to Seoul.
But why is it free?
You saw that taxi at the hospital?
Taxi drivers have one helluva of a job these days.
Some were arrested for transporting wounded people.
What's wrong about that? You can't choose who you take.
That's my point.
We didn't do anything wrong to be suffering like this.
(GWANGJU CITIZENS, TO THE PROVINCIAL OFFICE!)
(DRIVE OUT THE MARTIAL LAW SOLDIERS!)
That way, mister. Over there.
Citizens of Gwangju! We're all in this together!
Drive out the soldiers!
Drive them out and protect our city!
Citizens of Gwangju! Let's all take action!
Coming through! News reporter here!
All the way from Seoul to report, so please make way.
Thank you, thanks!
That's a reporter!
A foreigner?
Thank you!
Flew all the way here?
Make way, people!
Best to set out on a full stomach. Have some.
What's this? Thank you.
Hungry? Try one.
- Is it okay to take this? - We already ate!
Thanks so much!
Thanks to you, too!
Mister, we'll be back in no time. Why bother?
If my car gets scratched, are you gonna pay for it?
Live and die together, hoorah hoorah!
We'd rather die standing than live on our knees!
We fight for justice!
Citizens of Gwangju, unite!
Citizens of Gwangju, citizens of Gwangju,
citizens of Gwangju, unite!
What a rude jerk.
Wow, Jeolla Province really does have the best food.
Doesn't look like much, but tastes great.
The seasoning is perfect!
What, you want one?
Have a bite. Nothing happening there.
Why so serious all of a sudden?
It's nothing.
I have to join them.
Don't get involved, stay here.
How can I just watch?
What difference will it make?
Where? There? Now?
There danger.
That guy's just shooting from up here, too.
Where are you going?
What's going on?
(The President)
Drive out Chun Doohwan!
Danger, danger.
If you're gonna shoot, do it from there.
It's too dangerous here.
Let's go, come on!
Are you okay?
Didn't I tell you, it's too dangerous here!
Let's go.
Mister, the soldiers have gone crazy.
Hurry up and run!
Damned commie needs to be taught a lesson!
Get rid of him!
Hey, who's that bastard?
Get him.
Do you have a death wish? We need to go! Now!
Mister, this way! This way!
Over here!
Hurry!
Huh? Isn't she...?
Mister!
Mister, hurry up!
That's why I kept saying danger!
Is that thing expensive?
I've never seen one before. Should I... ask him?
No, don't ask. Sit still.
What? It wasn't my fault.
But why were those bastards acting that way?
Beating and chasing people who weren't doing anything.
I don't know either. We just don't know why.
Oh god, look at the time.
Then, what about you? We're going to Seoul.
Yes, you should. Then let me off up there.
- Okay. - Thanks.
Sir, have a safe trip back.
Wait, kid!
What's your name?
Jaesik. Gu Jaesik.
Gu Jaesik... Practice hard, okay?
I'll watch your song contest on TV.
Okay.
Have a safe trip.
Come on, not again.
Did it... break down?
Isn't that...?
I told you it was him! The Seoul driver.
Oh? You were right.
Car's broken?
Oh, that's bad.
The repair shop's closed.
- Sure is. - Yeah.
I'm sure they'll fix it soon.
Is this your daughter?
Whoa, she's so cute!
You've got hidden talents! Your wife is pretty too.
What a relief she took after her mother instead of...
You ready?
- Yeah, just a sec. - Okay.
Ready. Try starting it!
Give it a go.
This car already ran over 600,000 km!
How'd you drive all the way here?
- The transmission is too old. - Need to change the starter?
That's a bummer.
I heard the repair shop's all out of parts.
In that case... What about parts from another car? He can have mine.
I changed my starter recently, so better switch with mine.
Then, leave it here for now.
I'll find a way to make it run a short distance.
How long will it take?
I need to be in Seoul before the curfew.
Well...
- It'll take at least 2 hours. - Yeah.
Better leave for Seoul tomorrow.
Curfew here is 9 o'clock.
You don't want to be out past curfew.
- Is there a phone somewhere? - What for?
Those bastards have cut all the phone lines.
What?
Isn't there any way? I need to call home.
Come on. What're you so worried about?
If a man's out working, he can stay out a night or two.
My daughter's home alone. And she's only 11.
Then where's her mom?
What?
That poor thing.
Too young to be alone...
Oh jeez.
You bastard, did I ask you for money?
You knew everything, right?
Danger, you knew it!
What's this prick saying?
Mister, calm down! He says you knew the danger.
Bullshit! Like hell I did!
And why do you keep taking this foreigner's side, huh?
What?
Why?
Get that away from me!
Get it away!
Oh, come on...
Jürgen Hinzpeter, Asia Correspondent for Germany's public broadcaster.
He came in from Japan.
What are those assholes in the security service doing?
He entered without registering as a reporter, so they missed him.
He declared himself a missionary.
He seems to have planned the whole thing.
He's using a Seoul taxi, so we'll find him soon.
So that's where you live... the corner house?
Yes, next to it.
We're almost here.
Come on, hurry.
Honey? I'm home!
Dad!
Goodness, why are you back so late?
There was a lot going on.
Did you stay up waiting for Daddy?
Who are they?
It's a long story. Can you make us dinner?
- Yeah, but not much to eat. - Just kimchi is fine.
Come on, let's go in. Please...
It's okay if we have kimchi...
Get in!
Aigo!
Is this all we've got for such important guests?
Don't worry. Your neighbour will look after your daughter.
You can call her on the way tomorrow morning.
Yes.
Dad, I'm hungry.
Oh, go ahead and eat. You're hungry?
Try this first. My wife made it.
It's crisp, slightly bitter, but with a real kick...
Not sure if it's your style, but please try.
Give it a try.
That's hot!
He eats well.
Too spicy for him!
No wonder. He ate it too easy.
What are you laughing for?
You come to a foreign country, break a camera, eat kimchi.
You've been through a lot, too.
Why'd you come here?
Was that English?
Seoul drivers speak English?
Then try translating what he just said.
Well, I'm a reporter here for the news, something like that...
Is that right?
Yes.
You're amazing. I never would've guessed!
What's that, a playing card? I used to play, too...
Not that, money. He means money.
He means he did it because of the money?
Yes.
But... where do you spend your money?
A hole in your sock.
He acts like such a big shot, but I guess he's not.
How can you be worse off than a widower like me?
(MARTIAL LAW SOLDIERS MASSACRE CIVILIANS IN GWANGJU)
Now that's a real newspaper!
There's no turning back after this. So if anyone...
Are you the only reporter here?
We've all made up our minds.
Open the door!
Are you trying to close us down?
But Chief! We're reporters, aren't we?
Shouldn't we at least try to tell the people
what's happening here and why? Isn't that our job?
If you do, what would it change?
They'll just shut us down, and drag us all off!
Come on, get them out!
Let go! Chief! Chief!
Will this stop bullets?
Of course not. It's to cover the lights.
Right.
It's time for evening news.
What about the news? Why bother watching useless crap?
Who knows, maybe they'll say something today.
I doubt it...
- The disturbance in Gwangju... - It's on.
Is not yet contained...
- Have some fruit. - Hey, quiet!
With student radicals and gangsters gathering in Gwangju
and spreading groundless rumours.
To date, 1 civilian has been killed, and 5 members of the military...
Those... fuckers!
Honey!
How can they say that? So many people died today!
Is the news just allowed to lie like that?
Why did we have to watch that crap?
God that sets me off!
He can broadcast it when he gets to Japan, with Mr. Kim's help.
And Mr. Kim also helped him get pass the soldiers blocking the roads.
You're amazing. Both of you.
Well, a driver has to go where the customer says.
I'll take you right to the airport tomorrow.
By the sound of it, I should plead to both of you...
Please make this work.
I'd beg you on my knees, really!
No, I'm really good at that.
On my knees!
Hey, forget that.
Sing us a song instead. He's entering a song contest.
We'll judge if you deserve a prize, so sing!
- Oh, no way! - Please.
I do guitar, not vocals.
What's the difference?
Give him a hand!
What should I do?
Wow, looking good!
♪ What can I do if you leave me like this? ♪
♪ What can I do to go on living without you? ♪
What? Why ring the gong?
Students might protest,
to stop you from singing. What was that?
I told you, I play guitar! But I'm not that bad!
I shouldn't have asked him to sing.
Is that a new song?
I guess I'm no good.
You're really not a singer.
But, you see... there's something striking about him.
See, I told you!
Oh, I get it. He looks just like your brother.
- That's right! - Yes, they're similar!
- You mean Sangchul? - Yeah.
Who?
Right, why didn't I see it before?
Yeah, I have a younger brother.
You look just like him.
Hey! What do you think? Same-same?
- What do you mean? - He looks like my husband.
I look like Peter, right?
What?
What's that sound?
That's by... the TV station.
Yeah, I think so.
Bro! People are gathering over by the TV station!
The taxi drivers are all heading there, too.
- Really? - I'll see you there.
The foreign reporter! Get the radio!
Jaesik!
Mister, soldiers!
They're plain-clothes soldiers!
What? Plain-clothes?
Damned commies!
Go hide up there. I'll bring it up.
Hurry!
Where is he?
I told you. He didn't come thi-
Hello!
I know you're up there.
Mister.
If you give me the camera and film,
you two...
No...
Including this kid, the three of you,
can go free.
I'll count to ten.
And I'll let you decide
what the wise choice is.
He wants this.
Then we can live, and Jaesik too.
Let's just give it to him.
One.
Two.
Three.
Four.
Five.
Six.
Seven.
Eight.
Nine.
Wait a minute!
The foreign reporter might be close by.
Let me speak in English to him.
I'll beg him to save me.
Where are you going?
We need to give him this.
They're coming up!
Hey!
Damn!
Give me the bag!
Get away!
Over there!
Get him!
There!
Where's the damn reporter?
Where are you running, commie?
Spare me, I'm not a commie!
You prick! Damn commie!
I'm really not a commie!
I'm not even from Gwangju. I'm from Seoul.
#10-8, Hwayang-dong 384, Sungdong-gu, Seoul.
Yeah.
I know.
The Seoul taxi.
You're that commie who brought in the German reporter.
The shit bastard who sold his country for money!
And yet you say, "I'm not a commie!"
How dare you...
My god, I was so worried!
I'm glad you made it back. But where's Jaesik?
Wasn't he with you?
Huh?
You know...
I earned some money in Saudi Arabia.
But my wife got sick, and I spent it all on hospital bills.
At the end, my wife insisted that I buy that taxi.
And the doctor said so too,
so I could look after our daughter.
We could have tried more meds,
but I didn't argue. That's the kind of guy I am.
The rest have to go on living, right?
After my wife died, I got drunk every day.
One day... I woke up,
and she... was crying, holding her mom's old clothes.
She must have missed her so much.
That's the day I quit drinking.
I'm the only one... she has left.
What are you doing?
The paratroopers are searching for a Seoul taxi!
Should've said you were going. You don't even know the roads!
Here, take this and...
These are hidden roads out of Gwangju.
And the reporter asked me to give you this.
How can I accept that?
What?
If a driver took a passenger, he should accept the fare!
Just take it.
That... I can't take that money.
The repairs alone will cost you a lot.
Don't argue. Just take it!
On your way, now.
Your daughter must have waited all night. Hurry.
I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.
Why are you sorry?
Bastards out there should be.
It's damn fine weather.
Someday...
Come visit with your daughter.
We'll take my son and go on a picnic. Okay?
Take care of yourself.
Take care.
It'll take an hour to fix it.
Don't stay cramped in here.
There's a Buddha's day celebration or something like that over there.
Go take a walk around.
Can I use the phone?
Hello?
Dongsu, is my daughter there?
Oh, hey. Where have you been?
Is she with you?
She just fell asleep. Wake her up?
No, let her sleep.
Is she okay?
If you're so worried, why did you stay out?
Did you really get that money?
Give me the phone.
Mr. Kim! Where are you?
I'm...
I'm in the countryside and my car broke down.
I left $2 in my drawer. Please give it to Eunjung...
She's been up all night waiting, stop breaking promises!
Hey, give me the phone!
What?
You'll be back soon? Let's talk then. Stop it!
Hello!
How old is your daughter?
11.
In that case, how about these?
These are sturdy and nice. Moms love them.
They're really popular!
If she's 11, she'll need size 200...
Give me size 210.
Size 200 is getting small for her.
What a thoughtful father. You know her shoe size!
Those are a bit expensive...
A bowl of noodles, please.
Okay.
Huh? I thought you went bill collecting?
Ended up wasting my time.
Ma'am, another bottle of soju!
Sure.
What, people wouldn't pay?
I couldn't even get into Gwangju.
I heard people were killed in Gwangju, I guess it's true!
People were killed?
Yeah, soldiers raided the city, and all hell broke loose.
What are you talking about?
I don't know for sure,
but I heard loads of people were killed, and a whole bunch arrested.
That's not it.
A few innocent soldiers were killed in violent college student protests.
No, someone really saw people getting killed there.
It was in the news.
Not just students, but hardcore Communists.
They even brought gangsters from Seoul!
Really? It was in the news?
Yeah!
It's in the newspaper too, a full-page story.
If they want to protest, why not just do it in Seoul?
Keeping me from doing my job.
(5 SOLDIERS DEAD)
(ROGUE GROUPS AND RIOTERS...)
Mister, you must've been really hungry. Have this, too.
It's delicious... Delicious.
Taxi, taxi!
So pretty.
Always bought her sneakers, never a nice pair of shoes...
Eunjung will love these.
♪ The river water flows ♪
♪ under the 3rd Han River Bridge. ♪
♪ Like a bird, like wind, like water ♪
♪ it continues to flow. ♪
♪ Yesterday, I met you again ♪
♪ and we struck a solemn vow. ♪
♪ That in the morning we'd take the first train ♪
♪ and leave together... ♪
Eunjung, what should I do?
What do I do?
One more phone call, please.
Eunjung, are you awake?
Daddy, are we going on a picnic?
Sorry, there's something I need to do.
Let's go next time.
When's next time?
I left... a customer behind.
Someone who really needs to take my taxi.
I'll come home right after.
So, be nice and don't fight with Sanggu.
(The Korean National Anthem)
♪ Until Mt. Baekdu is worn away and the East Sea's waters run dry, ♪
♪ May God protect and preserve our country. ♪
Where has he gone?
To the hospital.
The hospital?
Why are you back?
The paratroopers dragged him off,
and on the way, his eyes closed...
So... they just threw him in a rice field.
There aren't enough coffins in Gwangju.
So some students went to get more...
Why are you sitting there?
You need to record all this.
Right?
You promised, to tell people.
It needs to be broadcast, so people will know.
You're a reporter, shoot this.
Jaesik, and this too.
Here.
Open your eyes!
How can you leave me?
And our unborn baby!
Make way!
Over here, Doctor! Please help over here.
He's been shot.
Bro, what do we do?
They're really trying to wipe us all out!
People were singing the national anthem,
when the paratroopers just started shooting.
It wasn't just one or two people!
We need to get there.
You two go to Seoul, quickly.
You paid me the fare.
I taxi driver,
You taxi customer.
(DEAR CITIZENS OF GWANGJU.)
(ONE, STAY AT HOME. TWO, DON'T BELIEVE RUMOURS.)
He needs hospital, now!
Get a hold of yourself!
Why are they shooting us?
Don't go out.
My god, look at that.
What's going on here?
Over there! She's shot!
Get a hold of yourself!
No...
How can they just...
How can they do this to us?
I can't even count all the people.
They really plan to kill us all!
There are injured people, we can't leave them like that!
That's it. Let's take our taxis...
and drive in.
Wait...
Here.
I'm a good driver. Let's go together.
The taxi drivers!
Thank you.
Youngpyo!
- Youngpyo! - Are you okay?
Hey, duck down.
Let's help them!
Let's save the wounded! Come on! Let's go!
- Don't lose focus. - Come here.
Please help me!
Bro, get in!
Gently!
Here, over here!
Wait a minute.
You need to go now.
Let us take care of this.
Go back, and please, prove all their lies wrong!
Go quickly! Things are getting bad here.
Block all checkpoints.
I'll get you to the airport no matter what.
Good afternoon.
Where are you going?
I'm taking a customer to Seoul.
Is it a Seoul taxi?
No, a Gwangju taxi.
Where's your home?
Why?
Answer, you bastard!
And why don't you have a Gwangju accent?
I moved here not long ago.
Hey, college boy! What's this bastard saying?
He came on business but he's leaving because it's dangerous.
Both of you, out of the car.
Get out now.
Being a foreigner won't save you. Get out.
Open the trunk.
These...
These are his souvenirs.
From Buddha's Birthday.
Let them through.
Sergeant, we have to stop all foreigners.
He's not a reporter, and it's not a Seoul taxi.
Let them through.
I said, let them through.
Yes, sir.
They said to stop taxis with foreigners!
Hey, close it!
A-34, A-34. Car with foreigner on the run.
Plate number 0310.
A-34, A-34. Car with foreigner on the run.
Plate number 0310.
This is awesome.
Run them over.
Bastards!
Shoot them all!
Fuck!
Go faster!
Don't worry about me!
For fuc...
Come on bastards, let's go then!
What's going on back there?
I'm sorry...
Take care of yourself!
Don't worry about us!
Step on it.
Step on it!
Yes, we're searching everywhere. Don't worry, sir.
He called the airport just now and reserved a flight.
Commander, we found him!
He booked the 10AM plane to Japan tomorrow.
Yes, sir!
Huh? This is for me?
What?
I forgot to buy cigarettes.
(SABOK CIGARETTES)
Here.
Why are you being so clingy?
Learn Korean, before you come next time.
Go.
The curfew starts soon.
Did your dad run off? Cause he's so poor?
Sanggu! Stop bothering your friend!
No, but she hit me first!
How'd you end up that way?
Eunjung, come have some fruit. Get in!
Daddy!
Eunjung.
I'm sorry.
You waited so long...
Daddy, why are you crying?
Daddy...
There's still no end in sight to the democratic uprising
in the Korean city of Gwangju.
From looking at the wounded,
we can witness the violence done to protesters in the last two days.
The army has blockaded the city and cut off all telephone and telex.
According to military sources, as of Wednesday,
there have been 9 deaths and about 60 people were injured.
However, students and protesters state much higher figures.
(KIM SABOK)
Hey, kid.
Kid!
Sorry, sir. I only have $10...
That's fine. Go on.
Thank you!
Yeah, watch your step.
Kid, kid!
(He said that without Kim Sabok's help, he could never have made the news report, )
(and he wishes to see him again.)
I'm more grateful to you.
I wanted to see you again, too.
At least I see you like this.
Aigo, you've grown old too.
Hello, where to?
To Gwanghwamun, please.
Gwanghwamun, okay.
With the help of a taxi driver, Kim Sabok, Reporter Hinzpeter could risk his life and spread the truth of the distressed Gwangju to the world.
Hinzpeter searched for Kim Sabok after May of 1980, but he couldn't reunite with him again, ultimately passing away in January of 2016.
(Hinzpeter. November, 2015, Germany.)
I would be very happy, if the recordings that you saw...
I can't.... I just can't...
I can well imagine that based on the seen recordings,
you will be found again, Kim Sabok.
I would be very happy...
if I could meet you again in person,
and then I would probably, to the best of my ability,
rush to Korea, to Seoul, as soon as possible
to ride a taxi with you again, and see the new Korea.