Movie spotlight
Obituary
Seong-jae, a maid of Yeong-dal's house, lives with her daughter Soon-i. Her neighboring village, Seok-ju, loves Soon-i. However, as Yeong-dal's scheme makes it difficult to make a living for sewing, Soon-i becomes Yeong-dal's concubine. Sewing, who saved her foundation thanks to her daughter, opened the tavern she had always dreamed of. However, Soon-i leaves a letter without saying a word and she leaves for Pyongyang. After a while, a large sum of 150 won was remitted from her Soon-i. There she became a whore. When Seong-bong learns of her, he takes her Seok-ju and goes to find her. However, the way to pay off her 500 won debt was vague. On a rainy night, Seong-joo robs her pawnshop and gives Seok-joo a bundle of stolen money and collapses. But it was a piece of her newspaper and she felt relieved that she was freed from sin. In front of Se-bong, the happy wedding scene between Seok-ju and Soon-i comes to mind.
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Plot Summary
In a rain-soaked city, a jaded reporter investigates the suspicious death of a wealthy socialite, only to find himself entangled in a web of deceit, betrayal, and hidden secrets among the city's elite. As he digs deeper, he uncovers a conspiracy that reaches the highest echelons of power, forcing him to confront his own demons and question the true meaning of justice.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, 'Obituary' was met with mixed reviews, with critics praising its atmospheric direction and noir aesthetic but often finding the plot convoluted. Audiences, however, were drawn to its suspenseful narrative and the morally ambiguous protagonist, making it a modest success at the box office.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its moody cinematography and classic noir feel.
Criticized for a sometimes hard-to-follow storyline.
Lauded for strong performances, particularly from the lead.
Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's tense atmosphere and the compelling mystery at its heart. Many viewers found the classic detective trope engaging, although some noted that the plot required close attention to fully grasp.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the Academy Awards.
Fun Fact
The iconic rainy street scenes were filmed using a combination of water trucks and strategically placed sprinklers, creating a near-constant downpour on set that added to the film's authentic noir atmosphere.
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