A Taxi Driver
A Taxi Driver

Movie spotlight

A Taxi Driver

2018
Movie
25 min
Mandarin

A “yes-man” taxi driver tries to take revenge and regain control of his fate. However, it is fate who plays a joke on him instead. On this absurd day, a psychological rollercoaster awaits.

Insights

IMDb8.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes96%
Metacritic80/100
Google Users95%
Director: Lee Jung-gooGenres: Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

In 1980s South Korea, a humble taxi driver named Man-seob dreams of earning enough money to buy a new house. He takes on a lucrative but dangerous fare to Gwangju, unaware of the political turmoil and protests brewing there. As he becomes entangled in the events, he forms an unlikely bond with a passenger and must confront the harsh realities of the uprising.

Critical Reception

A Taxi Driver received widespread critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling, strong performances, and historical significance. Critics lauded its ability to balance moments of humor and humanity with the gravity of the Gwangju Uprising, making a complex historical event accessible and emotionally resonant for a global audience. It was a massive commercial success both domestically and internationally.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its emotionally impactful portrayal of a pivotal historical event.

  • Lauded for the compelling performances of its lead actors, particularly Song Kang-ho.

  • Commended for its sensitive and humanistic approach to a politically charged subject.

Google audience: Audiences widely appreciated the film's moving story, strong acting, and its ability to shed light on an important historical moment in South Korea. Many found it to be both educational and deeply emotional, with a particular emphasis on the protagonist's journey.

Awards & Accolades

South Korea's submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, multiple Blue Dragon Film Awards including Best Film and Best Actor for Song Kang-ho, and Grand Bell Awards.

Fun Fact

The character of the German journalist Jürgen Hinzpeter, who plays a crucial role in the film, was based on a real person who risked his life to document the Gwangju Uprising and is credited with bringing international attention to the events.

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