Memoir of War
Memoir of War

Movie spotlight

Memoir of War

2017
Movie
126 min
French

In the last days of the Nazi-occupied France, writer Marguerite Duras awaits the return of her husband, Robert Antelme, arrested for being a Resistance fighter and then deported, while she maintains a tense relationship with her ambiguous lover and a dangerous game with a French collaborationist. Even when the Liberation arrives, she must still endure the unbearable pain of waiting.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes95%
Metacritic80/100
Google Users92%
Director: Kim Seong-hunGenres: Drama, War

Plot Summary

In 1980, amidst the Gwangju Uprising, a principled taxi driver named Man-seop agrees to take a foreign journalist to the city's center for a large sum of money. Unaware of the true danger and political turmoil, Man-seop finds himself in the heart of a brutal crackdown, desperately trying to get himself and his passenger out of the escalating violence.

Critical Reception

The film received widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its compelling storytelling, powerful performances, and unflinching portrayal of a significant historical event in South Korea. It was lauded for balancing its dramatic narrative with the gravity of the subject matter, resonating with both domestic and international audiences.

What Reviewers Say

  • A gripping and emotionally resonant portrayal of a pivotal historical moment.

  • Hwang Jung-min delivers a standout performance as the reluctant hero.

  • Effectively balances human drama with the horrors of political conflict.

Google audience: Audiences praised the film for its authentic depiction of the Gwangju Uprising and the emotional journey of the main character. Many found it to be a powerful and moving cinematic experience that shed light on an important part of Korean history.

Awards & Accolades

Won Best Film at the 38th Blue Dragon Film Awards; Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 71st British Academy Film Awards.

Fun Fact

The film's original Korean title, 'A Taxi Driver,' directly references the protagonist's profession and his pivotal role in transporting the foreign journalist.

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