Next entertainment world presents
A sanai pictures production
executive producer Kim woo-taek
Choi min-sik
jung man-sik Kim sang-ho
sung yu-binren osugi jeong seok-won
producer han jae-duk
A park hoon-jung film
Winter 1915 mt. Jirisan
Ready?
Hold your breath.
Don't blink.
One, two...
Three! Pull the trigger!
Bang!
That's it!
Dad?
Did I hit it?
You hit it dead on!
Hurry.
Let's go.
- What should we hunt next? - A boar.
A boar?
Think we can catch that?
Okay. We'll catch it next time.
See the house over there? That's our house.
Keep it.
Chil-go and go-kyung will bring food.
Just give me the canteen.
Food must be scarce for them too.
Take it.
What about you?
Will you just eat grass while I'm gone?
Keep it and eat it with seok.
But...
I'll be going.
I promise.
I'll catch something for sure this time.
Bear with me.
Dear!
It's cold! Go inside.
The tiger
Year 1925 governor's office of southern Korea
Your excellency!
Your welcoming presents have arrived from the north.
Open it.
They're all petty tigers.
The governor-general in Seoul can have them.
As you command, sir.
Major ryu.
Yes, your excellency!
Do you know what this report says?
We sent artillery troops to catch rebels hiding in mt. Jirisan.
One squad got lost.
And a month later...
They were discovered by forest thinning workers.
Want to read on their state when found?
No, your excellency. How dare I?
It says it was horrendous.
All the corpses were slashed up.
Who would do such a thing?
I'm sorry, sir.
Fine.
Tell me.
You can't catch the mountain lord of mt. Jirisan?
Or you won't catch it?
Your excellency?
Tiger hunts in other areas have long been over.
What's taking this place solong?
The Koreans here are defiant because of you.
This goes against our plans to kill off Korean tigers...
Once and for all.
Does it not?
Forgive me, sir!
We are doing our best, sir. We will catch it soon!
You'd better.
If not, you'll be held responsible.
I'll investigate whether you had other intentions.
What other intentions, sir?
You are a native Korean, are you not?
If you don't want to arouse suspicion...
Bring me the tiger!
You volunteered to catch it. You know how much I want it!
Don't you?
Of course, sir!
Here's another one.
The deforesters were on the right trail.
Right?
Gu-kyung! We found it!
By the size of the footprints...
It must weigh at least 200kg.
And these are cub prints.
Two cubs and a mother.
But no trace of that bastard.
He must be around somewhere.
Can't be far from his family.
They barely leave traces. We're lucky we found their trail!
- There's a stream nearby? - Yes.
This is their path to water.
They'll go through here tomorrow too.
- Let's set up here. - Okay.
Set the nets and traps!
Yes.
Feel that?
Tiger in the wind.
Looks like it'll show this time.
No word from the mountains?
Not yet, sir.
I'm sick of waiting!
What about chun man-duk?
We brought him, but...
Why you!
Hey! Get up!
Get up now!
You're already drunk at this time of day?
I just had a drink over lunch.
Is there a set time to drink?
Chun man-duk...
You ignored my orders again?
To go hunting?
You want to get me killed?
How many times must I tell you?
I stopped hunting years ago.
And look.
What good is this lame hand?
You don't have to hunt it down.
Just find its trail for us!
Listen.
We should not dare...
Enrage the mountain lords.
Look.
You're a Korean.
You should know what that means.
What nonsense!
Who are you calling a Korean?
Look, old man.
You'd better watch it.
I can't be patient with you forever.
Dad!
Why are you out here in the cold?
I was worried about you.
For what? I'm no independence activist.
You always say no to what the japs tell you.
Wouldn't I be?
Such a devoted son.
You don't know, but I hear that all the time.
Crazy? Just hurry on home.
Calling your only son crazy...
Say what?
I said you're great.
Why you!
You never listen do you!
- Go home now! - What did I do?
Gu-kyung! Put it out of its misery.
Isn't it heavy?
Sure is!
My feet feel light as a feather today!
Mountain god...
Why you! I told you to pee in the outhouse!
Why bother.
It's not 2km away! It's right here!
I'm giving fertilizer.
You fool! You're no farmer!
You just loaf around and eat.
Stop it.
What are you doing? It'll splatter.
Why so much?
I take after you, dad.
Whatever.
I warmed up some water. Wash up.
Okay, dad.
Damn.
Mine's pretty big, you know.
Dad! Wait up!
Hurry up!
Why are you so damn slow?
Got hidden treasure or something? What's the rush?
I said a thousand times...
If you want something up here...
You must work harder than the animals.
And I told you a thousand times...
Times have changed. Use your head more than body!
And your head is useful?
- Fool. - Dad!
Stop calling me! I'm not dead!
We should stop picking medicinal herbs.
Let's set up traps and collect from them.
Working hard like this is no use.
That won't do. Traps don't have eyes.
Respect the mountain and only catch what's allowed.
You must not get greedy.
- It'll get you in trouble! - Mountain?
What respect for the mountain?
The japs are rampaging through and killing off mountain animals.
But they are living just fine!
Shut your mouth and come along.
Always so stubborn...
Wait up!
Didn't you hurt your leg?
- Is our mountain lord next? - Don't say that!
This is terrible!
Go away! Stay back!
Look at the camera!
I'll take the picture.
You called?
The Koreans are so interested in us today.
It's because of today's catch.
They're the mountain lord's mate and cubs.
Did you find any trace of him?
He's not easy to find.
He's as clever as a fox.
You call yourself a hunter?
There's no time left.
Governor maejono is set on taking it back home this time.
So use any means you must to catch that tiger.
If you want to keep being fed by hunting, bring it to me!
About chun man-duk...
Isn't it time you drag him in?
He's not one to be forced.
If you're reluctant to shoot, it'll blow up in the wrong place.
I have a plan. Leave it up to me.
It's getting so cold.
Why?
Damn.
Caught a cold again?
My throat hurts.
You're such a weak boy.
You have a cold all year.
I must take after mom.
You said she was always sick.
Silly.
She got weak after giving birth to you.
She wasn't always weak.
We'll go get some medicine for you tomorrow.
We're going down to the market?
That's what I said.
Why are you excited?
No, I'm not.
I didn't get excited.
Got a hidden treasure in town?
What treasure? That's silly!
Good night.
What?
What did you say?
What?
Don't make me say it twice.
Why do such a thing?
We picked up his trail.
Why do that?
Let's just chase it a bit more.
There's no time.
Why chase it when there's a way to lure it.
Still, that is wrong.
It's a low thing to do.
Who cares if it's low!
Since when did we hunt at our will?
We have to hunt to eat!
You don't have to yell.
How did you walk like this?
Let me see.
Does it hurt?
Give me that.
You feel it!
I should've use this side.
Not this.
Your cup is empty. Why didn't you say so?
Enough!
That wretched jerk.
Stop eating! That's medicine!
I didn't eat it.
Your mouth is full!
Stupid!
Here.
I'll buy everything you brought.
This will warm up your body?
Brew and drink 10 packs of that and you'll be fine all winter.
Why?
It's for seok again?
He has a cold.
He's always sick.
Damn.
Here.
Forget money.
Instead, give me a few more packs?
Sure. Why not?
Here.
Why so many?
They're for seok and you.
You're not young. It's good for yourjoints.
Brew it and drink it.
I almost forgot!
Heard about the mountain lord?
The hunters brought down his cubs and mate.
I couldn't bear to see it, but everyone else went to see.
How could they do that?
If they catch all the tigers, wolves and boars will wreak havoc!
They're going way too far.
He'll have to die someday...
But the mountain lord deserves to die by a master shooter like you.
Cut the nonsense.
Already?
Have some more liquor with me.
Seok is waiting.
Come by often, pal!
Where'd he go off to?
He must be looking for you.
It's okay. He'll go up first like always.
Right.
But...
What?
Will you keep living in the mountain?
Yes. Dad has no plans to move.
I see.
Why do you ask?
Because my mom...
Forget it.
What is it?
She's trying to marry me off to someone else.
What?
What do you mean?
Your dad and my dad promised to have us married.
I overheard the rice store owner wants me to marry his son.
What's with your mom! She knows we like each other.
I don't know.
What do we do now?
What can I do? I'll do anything!
How would I know?
Mom says you're hopeless.
No means to make a living.
I'll come down from the mountain.
I'll do anything! I won't let you go hungry.
I don't know what to do.
Tell me.
How do you feel?
Do you want to marry me or not?
Of course I do! You're the only one.
That's why I'm telling you this.
Then don't worry.
Just trust me and wait.
Wait a bit longer. I got a plan.
It's not that.
I can't breathe. Let go!
Oh my.
You're so strong.
Mt. Jirisan...
It's a vast, majestic mountain as expected.
You say he's one-eyed?
Yes, your excellency!
People say he was born blind in one eye.
But it still survived this long?
How much does it weigh?
They assume he weighs more than 400kg.
What a great tiger!
Amazing.
Truly amazing.
Will it snow?
Gu-kyung?
If it snows, we're in trouble.
So we must catch it before it does.
Looks like it'll snow soon.
Think he'll really show up?
I know he'll come for sure.
This is a good spot.
Right?
- Let's set up! - Yes, sir!
Now what?
We go down and come up at dawn?
For what?
At sundown, we'll wait at a nearby hut.
Do we have to?
It'll be really cold.
Damn stubborn!
We're staying up all night!
Okay.
Let's hurry it up!
Here.
I said I was fine.
Dad!
Why hit me?
If you don't like it, don't get sick.
Take it.
Think I want to get sick?
Stop grumbling.
Open up.
Eat it and go to bed!
Dad?
Heard about the mountain lord's cubs and mate?
He'll get caught too, right?
I heard there's a big reward on his head.
Someone will get lucky.
He'll get caught anyway.
Can't you and I catch him?
We know his trails and all.
If we wanted to, we could...
Geeze! Dad...
Don't scare me like that.
It was just a thought.
It's cold. I'd better go in.
Why stare at me like that?
Good night.
Looks like it'll snow.
Gu-kyung!
It may snow by dawn.
What are you doing? Aren't you cold?
Warm up by the fire.
Always acting so tough...
I hope it doesn't snow.
I was wondering...
I heard chief fought with the tiger and lost his brother.
And the scar's from then too.
Is that true?
Yes.
The mountain lord here and we have some bad history.
You know...
Quiet!
It's here.
It's that bastard!
What's all this?
But how?
Damn! He's a genius!
He dodged all of them!
Damn bastard!
Where's the damn tiger!
It's so cold!
Should we cut off wolf hides? It's so cold!
What are you staring at?
His den must be around here. We must be close.
He's the mountain lord!
He rules the mountains. It can't be easy to find him.
Still, he has his domain.
He won't go into other animals' areas.
They're not like humans.
That's true.
It's time we go to man-duk.
What?
Look.
Don't be stupid.
He said no.
Don't bother him.
We have no other choice.
But still! Don't do it, pal!
After what happened to his wife...
Even more reasons to catch him!
Still!
He finally forgot it and moved on.
How can it be forgotten?
We both want to pull his liver out and chew it to pieces!
Before that, we'll never forget.
Hello, sir.
It's been a long time.
Are wolves worth a lot these days?
Why of course!
Anything with fur is worth money.
But a tiger is worth more than 10 of these.
Then how much is our mountain lord worth?
The reward on him is huge.
It's enough to buy a house in town and then some.
Of course it is!
It is the king of all tigers in Korea!
Why?
Wanna catch it and get rich?
Just a thought.
Why you little!
The kid is serious.
Look kid.
Don't even think about it.
Do you even know how to shoot?
Of course I do!
I'm my dad's son! Hunting is in my blood.
Why you!
Not only here in mt. Jirisan...
But the one-eyed tiger is the only one left in Korea.
There's a huge reward on his head.
Sir?
Come with us?
Forget it.
Yes, sir.
Give it up.
It's winter.
It's not suitable to hunt tigers.
That's why we're here.
It's already late.
It'll snow any day now.
Stop it already.
You've killed off enough animals with the japs.
Come on. Why do you think I did that?
We Koreans can't have guns at will anymore.
What can a hunter do but hunt?
We'll just go hungry and die.
If you don't want to hunt, just lead us the way.
You know his trails.
I'm not interested.
He'll die anyway.
If we don't kill it, someone else is bound to.
Then shouldn't he die by our hands?
Sir.
Don't you want to pay him back?
What are you saying?
Don't you boys have to get going?
Sir.
- He didn't mean anything. - Yes, I did.
His wife died because of that bastard!
When he pulled the trigger to...
Gu-kyung! Stop it!
What did I say?
Am I wrong?
It wasn't your fault! It's because of him!
Shut your mouth.
Sir!
I said stop.
Yes, sir. We'll stop.
Stop it! What if seok hears you?
We'll go.
Sir...
Think it over.
Pack up.
- Let's go. - Okay.
Let's go.
You're all leaving?
Yes. Let's go.
It's cold. Go inside. Don't let your dad drink.
Let's hurry along.
Seok? How old are you?
I'm sixteen.
Why?
Nothing.
Take care of your dad.
The chasers lured him wrong.
It went towards town.
It's that bastard.
The one-eyed one.
Go shoot him! Hurry!
He's totally vexed!
Go on!
Hurry!
Dear!
Stop looking at me.
If you have something to say, just say it.
About the mountain lord...
I mean...
You'll just ignore their plea for help?
They want to give you a big share.
Are we starving?
This is not just about food.
Enough nonsense!
Dad, if you don't want to...
Since you're not well, what if I join the hunt to...
I said stop talking nonsense!
It's no place for you!
Watch what you say or else!
You never take me seriously!
What?
Why not?
I'm a hunter's son! Why can't I?
Because the hunters work for the japs?
The japs rule here now.
If we don't work with them, how can we survive?
That's not everything!
I'm not finished!
How long will we live like this?
You've had your heydays and may want to live picking herbs!
But why me?
Why do I have to live like this?
I want to live in town like other people!
Not like you, dad!
How dare you!
I get it.
I understand you.
What happened to mom...
You live like this out of guilt.
I understand why.
How...
How do you know?
Everyone in town knows.
I have ears too.
But not anymore.
I can't live like this anymore!
Damn.
Seok is right too.
The poor kid.
Look.
I know it'll be hard without him.
But you can't keep him up there forever.
I hear rumors.
They really like each other.
Let them get married.
I'll lend you the money.
Chil-gu's wife asked around to marry off her youngest girl.
I heard there may be talks of marriage already.
Look, pal
go see her now.
Chil-gu's wife likes fish.
Do as I say.
So it's already set?
They wanted sun. What could we do?
There was nothing to think about.
I talked with chil-go yesterday.
He agreed to it too.
I see.
Isn't it the obvious choice?
Seok will end up just a hunter.
A storeowner's wife is better than a hunter's, right?
You've struggled a lot.
I know that well.
Sun is my youngest child.
I want a better life for her.
Of course.
I understand.
I don't believe this!
Is he crazy?
Hurry up!
Look.
You tell him no way.
If man-duk finds out, he'll die!
Send him back home.
Okay?
What's wrong with a hunter's son hunting?
What?
I've been hunting since I was 10.
Gu-kyung.
Do what's right.
If it wasn't for seok, he'd be long dead!
After what happened, he'd be lost without seok.
You know?
Not everyone dies hunting.
Do what's right!
The hunters here belong to the army.
You know you can't come and go as you please.
Of course I do, sir.
And I know I'll get regular pay.
And a reward for catching something.
Know how to use a gun?
Of course, sir.
I'm my dad's son.
My dad was the best hunter in all of Korea.
It's a 38 rifle for soldiers.
It's a gift.
I won't let you down, sir!
Go on.
Yes, sir.
Thank you, sir!
Thank you!
He says he knows the tiger's trails.
What would he know?
Probably just around the mountain.
It doesn't matter.
I'll escort his excellency. Head out first.
Sure thing.
It's a 38 rifle!
- Like it? - Of course!
It's a good gun.
Let's go!
Gu-kyung!
How can you do this?
Enough nagging!
It's dangerous and he can't do anything.
Think I'm taking seok along and don't know that?
What do you mean?
It's to bring man-duk out to hunt.
Since seok's with us, he'll have to come.
What if something bad happens to seok?
Why you!
If you're so worried, keep him right by your side!
He's out of his mind.
He's totally crazy!
- Seok! Come here. - Yes.
Don't follow us. Go with the chasers there.
But I can't hunt with them.
You're not hunting!
It's not just a tiger.
It's the mountain lord!
If you get hurt, your dad will kill me.
Do as I say.
Yes.
You have no use for a gun.
Stand way at the back.
Don't act up.
Got it?
Yes.
Yes, sir.
Go on.
Didn't you hear me?
Where'd he go?
He'll be caught anyway.
Why don't we catch it, dad?
If I join the hunt instead...
I'm a hunter's son! Why can't I!
I'm my dad's son.
My dad's the best shooter in Korea.
Hold on sun. I'll come for you soon.
Doesn't look like he'll show.
Just keep waiting.
He'll go through here. He'll show.
They're chasing it here, right?
Of course they are.
What's that?
Shit! He caught on!
Where is he?
That sly bastard!
It lured us away from there!
We have to go back!
Mister...
I think I got kicked in the chest.
My dad...
Could you call him?
Mister.
Mister...
I'll go and be right back.
Stay right here, okay?
It's okay.
Don't worry.
Don't go, please.
I'll be right back, okay?
Don't go.
I promise, I'll be right back.
Mister.
Mister...
He's a damn genius!
It's fresh blood.
Yes.
He's hurt badly this time.
He can't be far.
That's it.
You're running out of time.
Wait.
I'll shoot you down.
Damn...
Did you see seok?
Anyone see seok?
I didn't see him.
Did you see him?
What do we do!
You bastards! Scram!
Where are you?
Where'd he go?
It's seok's gun.
Why's it here?
The poor kid.
Dad...
Oh no! Where is he?
It's no use.
The wolves must've taken him. He's gone.
Oh no! Poor man-duk...
Poor seok! Oh no!
Let's go down.
If it snows more, we're all dead!
What did I tell you!
I told you to send seok back!
What are you going to do!
He wanted to do it.
I never forced him to.
You son of a bitch!
How can you say that!
You bastard!
I didn't expect this!
Shut up bastard!
Let go of me!
Let go!
Sir...
Where is he?
Where is seok!
Where's my son!
You need soldiers?
He's hurt very badly.
This is our chance! We must finish him off!
But...
We can't with the men we have left.
This is no war! What more soldiers?
Normal troops won't cut it.
Then what?
You're asking for artillery troops?
Yes.
Are you insane?
They can't be just any soldiers.
They have to know the mountain.
It's winter now.
We must do something to catch it before it snows harder.
Right.
The troops sent to catch rebels hiding in mt. Jirisan will do.
Your excellency!
It's true.
That tiger is no match for the hunters here.
He's the king of Korean tigers. He should be dealt with due respect.
Fine.
I'll give you the troops you want.
Son...
Damn beast!
We got it!
Look at the little cubs.
Still a tiger, huh?
Settle down.
You cubs can go with your mama.
What are you doing?
That's enough.
To make a living, we have no choice.
It's been years since we saw a tiger.
If we go empty-handed, we'll starve or freeze to death!
I know.
I get it, but let's stop.
Oh my!
What's that?
A tiger?
I don't believe this!
Thank you!
Thank you mountain god!
Thank you for blessing us with a tiger!
A barn pig?
The village is past 2 mountains. Why'd it go so far?
A mother with cubs?
We're about to starve to death! Who cares if they're cubs!
You want to starve our families to death?
That's not what I meant!
They'll just end up being food for wolves!
Let's just take them instead!
Come here you!
Damn!
Why you!
I told you to stop!
It's up to the mountain now!
How can this happen?
Your dad's right here.
Why are you such a mess?
Let's get you inside.
Let's go in.
Seok... let's go in.
Let's go home.
My poor son...
Soldiers must serve with loyalty.
Soldiers must have decorum.
Soldiers must respect combat arts.
Soldiers must be faithful.
Soldiers must be frugal.
All set!
What's going on?
If that hunter is right...
He's in here somewhere.
This may not be a traditional way to hunt.
But in southern China's jungles, soldiers hunt like this.
First remove places to hide, then close in on his domain.
What in the world!
Cease fire!
I knew it! It's coming.
Look.
If you don't want to be tiger food, follow me.
Over here!
It went that way!
Cease fire!
Don't back down!
Fire!
Stop!
Shooting formation!
I knew it.
Feast off their blood.
It's the last dinner I'm giving you.
This is why you brought in the soldiers?
I will finish the tiger. No one shoots but me!
I got him.
I got him!
There! Let's go!
Be careful!
I told you he's mine!
I'll finish him.
Gu-kyung!
Gu-kyung! No!
Gu-kyung! Are you okay?
Are you okay, pal?
Calm down.
A hunter dying on a hunt is no big deal.
I don't believe this.
Please...
Just go.
Just leave me here.
How can this be?
Gu-kyung...
Gu-kyung! No!
This can't be.
Gu-kyung! No!
Medics! Over here!
Can you move?
Set up camp here. We'll keep chasing him.
But, sir!
Until we catch him...
We're not going back! Understood?
Yes, your excellency!
Bring chun man-duk at dawn.
What?
To finish this off quickly, we need him.
Bring him here no matter what!
Got that?
Yes.
Oh no. What now?
You're hurt badly.
You lost all your family?
Do you resent me?
Fine.
I understand.
I'll be going.
At last...
We have him cornered.
Split up the troops after it.
Yes, your excellency!
How can it be such a hard battle?
What a disgrace for the great imperial army.
Sir...
No, man-duk!
Stop!
Let's go!
We can't go any further!
Come on! Hurry up!
We're close!
We're almost there!
You came?
You're late.
At last...
Shall we?
Sir...
Why'd you stop?
Let's go!
Let's go now!
It disappeared?
Yes, that's right.
It vanished without a trace.
How can that be!
It can't just vanish into thin air!
Well, they say mountain lords sometimes become gods.
I think that's what happened.
Nonsense!
Your excellency? What should we do?
Mt. Jirisan...
We can't fight winter here.
Next spring!
We will be back!
Withdraw!
Yes, your excellency!
Let's withdraw!
Yes, sir!
Be happy, pal!