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This film is based on a true story
October 1979, with the shooting of President Park Chung-hee
South Korea's 18 yearlong era of dictatorship ends
But in contrast to citizens' hopes for democracy, General Chun Doo-hwan heads a military coup and seizes power
1980, outraged citizens protest in the streets, and their yearning for democracy intensifies
(Spring 1980, Seoul)
That girl who once gave me a bouquet of flowers
Why do I miss her so much today
Her neatly bobbed hair, is 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
When I remember that day, I fall into reverie
That longing I can’t forget
How cruel that time has taken her away
-(Private Taxi) -Lift the state of emergency
Lift it! Lift it!
No more martial law
No more! No more!
What, is it an accident?
Disperse immediately or you will be forcefully removed
I repeat
All students disperse immediate/y
Or you will be forcefully removed
I wondered why today was so quiet
Did they go to university to protest?
Enough is enough...
Spoiled bastards
They should be shipped off to Saudi Arabia
Work themselves to death in the burning desert
Then they'll realize, ” Wow, my country is great!”
And would be thinking straight
How can you dash at my car?
If you jump out like that...
Run!
Hey, where are you going?
Hey,you
-Get back here -Stop!
Taxi
That”
To the hospital, 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
Lift the state of emergency
Hey,hey,hey
If this doesn't stop, we'll end up having the baby in the car
Oh, whatever
(Throw out the dictatorship and bring in democracy)
We're here, honey
My best driving ever
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
Sorry but I left my wallet behind
Tomorrow, I promise...
You know how many times I heard that?
I could’ve bought a house with all that taxi fare
No, I promise...
There she goes again
It's coming
Hold on just a second
Here's my business card
Call me tomorrow, I'll pay double
So sorry
You promised to pay me double
Have a safe delivery
Best of luck
This is no place to play soccer. Go play over there
Did she go out?
My princess, sleeping already?
You should eat dinner
Huh?
What happened? Who did this to you?
I fell down
How dare him. Sang—gu, that brat!
It wasn't Sang-gu, I really did fall down
Are you going to lie to your dad?
Kim Eun-jung! Should I smack you instead?
Ma'am! Sang—gu!
Ah, just the person I wanted to see
What do you say about this?
How could she do this
To our precious son?
Eun-jung's face is also...
Really, I've never seen a girl
As wild as Eun—jung
It's all because she doesn't have a mother
And you're too soft on her
That’s a bit...
And since you're here, one more thing
I've held my tongue because I know your situation
But you owe me 100,000 won in rent
I'm sorry. Ma'am, I'll...
You're 4 months late
At least tell us when you'll pay
100,000 won is big money for us too
Sang-gu, you're sleepy! Must have eaten too much
Whatever my husband says, I've had it this time
And discipline your daughter, will you?
Breaks my heart to see my son like this
I'm hungry
Bean sprout soup
Kim Eun-jung!
I've told you many times, don't fold the backs of your shoes
Not answering again
Those shoes are too small. Dinner’s ready
Then ask me to buy you new ones
Wow, tastes great
You could get married tomorrow
Sang-gu'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 Sang-gu's house. After I get rich
So don't worry and study hard
Okay?
Ouch, that stings
Then why don't you listen?
What did I say?Play nice with him
Don't fight
He picked on me first
Just ignore him
Learn to bear it
Life is never going to be fair
Want to go on a picnic this Wednesday?
No school on Buddha's Birthday
You should work. More customers on holidays
Oh my, you're even worse than your mother
My dear daughter
Who do you take after, to be so sweet!
Under the emergency decree starting on May 18
Martial law is in force
All political activity is banned
The nation ’5 universities are temporarily closed
And labor strikes are strictly forbidden
The recent street demonstrations by students...
So does this mean I'll lose passengers again
Welcome
(May 19, 1980 Press Center, Japan)
Beer and sushi again?
Hey Peter, how was the parliament today?
Same as always, nothing different
This is JUrgen Hinzpeter
From ARD-NDR, Germany
He‘s been living in Japan for about 8 years
It might be helpful to know him
It’s good to meet you, Mr. Hinzpeter
David John, BBC
Just call me Peter
It’s my first time in Japan
Anything I should look out for?
It‘s comfortable
That's tricky... as a journalist
You shouldn't be in a place that's too comfortable
Excuse me?
Nothing
Where were you based before?
South Korea
It’s very tense over there now
I heard their government declared martial law
It’s always tense there
I think it’s much worse this time
On top of the martial law, several opposition leaders were arrested
And the universities got locked down too
What else have you heard?
I've been trying to contact some people I know
But it’s almost impossible to get through
Since when?
Since last night
(Seoul, Korea)
I work for the Church
I’m a missionary
It’s been a long time
I need to get back soon
Something doesn’t feel right
How bad is the situation?
It’s been 3 days since the martial law
Kim Dae—Jung has been taken in
And they’ve got Kim Young-Sam under house arrest
Gwangju?
It’s a city down south
(Never negative reporting about martial law forces)
(No reporting that justifies, supports student protests)
(Whatever mentioning Gwangju is not allowed)
And there’s no article about Gwangju
No coverage, nothing?
This is the local paper from Gwangju
They censored the whole page?
What exactly happened over there?
No one knows
We got word of the first casualty
3 AM on the 19th
But now
Even the phone lines have been cut
What about the foreign press?
Today is Kim Jae-kyu’s trial
They all went there
But the government has eyes on them
They can’t move as they wish
You must be careful
I should go to Gwangju
First
By yourself?
But...
How will you get there?
For a guy so paranoid about his car
How'd you break a mirror?
A worthless punk
He ran off after busting my car
Why be a student
If you can't be a decent human being
All right. I’ll only charge 5,000 won, okay?
What? Just take 4,000
Earned nothing for yesterday
Have a heart, man
How can you be so cheap
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 give me bad luck! I'm already pissed
3,000 won, then
That is so unfair! You know how much parts cost?
Th row this out?
No way. I’ll use it later
Leaveit
Dammit
Hey, what are you doing?
God, you're pathetic
Pathetic?
So, the kids fought again?
I gave Sang-gu a good scolding
Ma'am
What?
Another portion for us
No, I'm fine. Never mind
Why not? I said I'd pay
Don't be silly, I'll pay
What's the occasion?
But you need to lend me some money
I figured. How much?
100,000 won
From you secret stash
My sister got married last month
I secretly gave it all away to her
I don't have much left
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 me first before you lecture me
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 Theater
Got a long distance
-Where to? -Gwangju
We'll go now, and be back before curfew
Wow, you hit the jackpot. For how much?
100,000 won
100,000 won?
What kind of idiot would pay 100,000 for one day?
A foreigner idiot
Oh, do you speak English?
Of course!
I grew up near the US. army base
Foreigners pay tips
If you add the tip...
You spent time abroad
Couldn't you handle that?
I'm sorry! Enjoy your lunch
Ma'am, discipline Sang-gu, will you?
Where does he get that bad temper from?
And he eats too much. Takes after his mom?
Wait till I get that money
I'll teach that kid some manners
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
No car's available, so I volunteered
Does he understand what’s going on?
Of course. I explained everything
You were told everything?
Yes, to Gwangju
And back before curfew for 100,000 won
And you speak English?
Of course, of course!
Sure, I spent 5 years in Saudi Arabia
So I speak English
Don't worry, don't worry
I'm Mr. Kim
You and me together
Let's go Gwangju
Huh? Ok
Nice to meet you
Please get in
Ok, ok
Thank you
Be careful
Take another taxi. This one's reserved
Reserved?
For where?
Why?
This car's going to Gwangju
You Korea first time?
No, this is my second time
Oh really?
Where are you from?
Germany
Germany, oh really?
My friend
What's the word for that?
He went to the coal mine
I know, there are many Korean workers in Germany
Nurses, miners
I was in Saudi, you know?
Do you know Saudi?
This taxi, Saudi money
I drive Saudi truck
Driving in that desert was so damn tiring
People here don't have a damned clue
Listen, how far is it to Gwangju?
I don’t have much time, I need to go there quick
Why is he talking so fast?
You, fast. Huh? Slow...
So that I can English
Slow, okay?
Okay. Gwangju, we go fast. Okay? Fast!
What's the hurry?
Gwangju, don't worry! I'm the best driver
It's really far. Get some sleep
Sleep... Sleep
Perfect
My recent luck’s been shit all for this day
(Pusan) (Daejeon)
Gwangju! Gwangju!
Gwangju? Are we here?
What's this?
(No Entry) Can we go?
Don't slow down, keep going!
Yes, yes
What's he shooting?
What picture, what camera?
Let’s go, hurry!
Why so rude? If I ask you something, answer
And what's with this road? Can I pass, or not?
What's this?
I’m not a reporter, you understand?
Huh? What?
I said to speak slowly
Are they training?
Stop
Is this a training exercise?
What division?
What division is this?
I did my service in the 7th division
This is a real operation. Turn back
Didn't you see the sign?
My passenger's going to Gwangju
Do you want to die, you idiot
Who the hell are you?
What is he saying?
Is he asking me something?
What did he just say?
He said, let's go back. He made a mistake
Allegiance
Excuse me, Driver
This direction, also Gwangju?
No, no Gwangju. Now, we go Seoul
Seoul?
What are you talking about? I have to go to Gwangju
That's what you think, and it's not that I refuse
Soldier say, Gwangju no
Okay
You won't get paid if you don't take me to Gwangju
You understand?
What's he saying?
No Gwangju, no money
No money?
Are you joking?
You know how much gas we used?
I told you the soldier said we can't go
No Gwangju
You what camera picture?
Why you Gwangju?
Oh my god
You know what, just take me to Gwangju
That's all you should worry about
What I'm doing there is none of your business, ok?
Business?
You businessman?
So you go to Gwangju?
Yes, Gwangju
No Gwangju, no money
Shit, am I just going to waste gas money again?
Sir
Let me ask you something
Is there any 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
There is a back road to Gwangju over that hill
Where is it?
Over that side?
This road's going to ruin my shocks
You're lucky to have me, you know?
Any other driver would be back in Seoul by now
Here, no soldier
Yeah, great. No soldier
What's going on, for them to block even this road?
Stop!
Who the hell
Turn around, turn around
Trying to earn some dollars in a while
You said you're a businessman?
Dollars, contract
Contract...
Something like this
Very, very important paper
You forgot this, in Gwangju
What?
Good day, sir! Allegiance!
Yes
I'm coming from Gimpo Airport
That guy is a really important businessman
He was heading back to the US.
But he left some important papers in Gwangju
No. Turn back!
Please listen
Without those papers
We can’t export to the US.
I came speeding here from the airport
All out of patriotism
We need to export so we can get dollars
Earn US. Dollars
-To become a developed country... -What's wrong?
Hold on a sec
Listen
If I don’t get to Gwangju
There will be problems, big problems
My boss is a very important man
He'll be very unhappy ifI don’t get back with those documents
Very very unhappy! Tell him
What did he say?
Very, very important paper
Tell him, not me
Very, very important paper
OK?
Very important paper. Important man, important paper
Big, big trouble
Hey, clear a path
But come right back
It's dangerous there because of the riots
-Riots? -Yes
Yes, we'll be back in a flash
-A|legiance -Yes
Nice job back there, my fare
100,000 won now
I've told you, I'll pay you once we get back to Seoul
Gwangju dangerous
So pay in advance
First money
No, it's "Ladies first" so...
Money first
Korea business style
Now no money, I go Seoul
Your choice
Go ahead and glare at me, you jerk
Your choice
You'll get the rest in Seoul
Your choice
What a fox. Are you copying me?
Still, 50,000 is nice
I choice! Let's go Gwangju, okay?
Ok!
All righty!
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 Gwangju, that’s all I said
(To the citizens of democratic Gwangju)
(Defend Democracy to the Death)
What's going on here
(Rescind martial law)
Stop the car, Driver
What does that mean?
Huh? What?
(To the 19805, Decade of Hope...)
It says...
Hope. Eight. Ah, 80, 80. Hope
Hope?
In the 19805...
Oh, it's just some crap
Forget about it
What's that?
Wait,stop! Pull over
See? It's a taxi from Seoul
Whoa, it's a foreigner
Hi. Where are you going?
-What's he saying? -Is that a camera?
Those university students speak worse English than me
Hey, Jae-sik! You speak some English, right?
Get over here, Jae—sik
Why me?
You speak English, that's why
Where are you going?
Where are you from?
Germany. German broadcast, ARD
German
Are you a reporter?
Yes. I am a reporter
He's a reporter from Germany, come to shoot us
We're going to be on the news, that's perfect
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 came so far
Ah well...
From Seoul to here...
Where are you headed now?
..is pretty far away
We go to the hospital for the sick
Can I come with you?
Yes
I'd like to interview him
He wants to interview you
Wow, you're a star now
I should've at least washed my face
Jae-sik
You come up too, Mister
What do you mean
He needs to drive his taxi
Don't worry, don't worry
I'll be right behind you
Go, me too go
Then follow us
Let's go
We fight for justice
Live and die together
We’d rather die standing than live on our knees
We fight for justice
I should've known 100,000 won was too good to be true
Citizens of Gwangju, unite
Citizens of Gwangju, citizens of Gwangju
Citizens of Gwangju, unite
Can’t risk my car
Getting damaged in the 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 youngest son
Was brought 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 anyone who passes by
Or stab them
Granny, I was an army sergeant
No soldier would ever do that!
Those are all just rumors, 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'm in a hurry
What's the rush?
You don't write a single line in the newspaper
What are you in a hurry for
You reporters have more time than anyone now
If reporters don't report, why should we drive?
Gwangju taxi drivers must be rich
Turning down fares like that
Ma’am
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
Quick, doctor
Doctor
Please find my youngest son
I beg you, please
Where are you, Yong—pyo?
Oh, Yong-pyo! My son...it's not him
Are you okay?
Mom?
Mom!
Yong-pyo!
What are you doing here?
Oh, you wicked boy!
I thought something awful happened to you
Are you okay?
This ain't nothing 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
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!
Yong-pyo, you know him?
-A while back, this guy... -Hey, mister
What's he doing here?
Do you have any idea how much time I wasted looking for you?
We've been driving all over trying to find you
Where is my film bag?
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!
What do you mean I ran off with his things?
I didn't take anything!
What’s going on?
His...
Look here!
What's this doing here?
I don't know
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, pal! Watch it
Would he really take off without collecting his fare?
Here, the other half of the fare
So you just go back to Seoul
I’m better off on my own
What? He charged 50,000 won just to come here?
Actually, they agreed on 100,000
-And he already received half -100,000 won?
What? So he got paid and tried to run off?
Take the money back
Just take it
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
Am I wrong?
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 didn't take any money, alright?
Let's go
College boy! Are you going to 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?
I'm not! Didn't you see back there?
Your mother must be worried sick
They didn't pay that expensive college tuition
Just for you to go 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
Then why not spend this time practicing your singing?
Mister, you don't know what you're talking about
You guys are so oblivious
You students think other countries are nice like ours?
Go to Saudi Arabia! In that hot, burning place even breathing is difficult
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
How is it that this foreigner understands better than you?
Forget it. Seven o'clock go Seoul, okay?
Ok
Promise, seven o'clock
Is he going in the right direction?
Yeah
Don't worry. This is the right direction
We turn right here, and then we go more
There!
Oh my god
Mister, you missed the right turn
Gas, gas!
I'm going to fill the gas tank!
God damn
Oil, gas
Stop the car
Fill the tank up to 3,000 won
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 3,000 won
-Right? -Yes
Stop pumping! What, are you crazy?
What are you doing?
What's wrong?
I asked for 3,000 won’s worth
3,000 won only
What?
You think I'm going to pay more?
I may be an out-of-towner
But this is outrageous
Whatever! I've made myself clear
I’m only going to pay 3,000 won
Look at this guy
What are you so angry about? It's all free anyway
Ijust wanted to give you a bit more, what is there to be angry about?
If I filled it full, you'd have me by the throat
Free?
You think Gwangju people are all like you?
Ouch!
Geez
Why didn't he say it first
I’d have filled the tank full
Geez
Then fill it before you head back to Seoul
Of course! The gas fare to Seoul is costly
But why is it free?
You saw that taxi at the hospital?
Taxi drivers have a devil ofjob 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 about us
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
-Thank you -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 going to pay?
Hello
Where are you from?
ARD Germany. My name is Peter
I’m Choi, a local reporter
How did you get here?
I heard all the roads to Gwangju are blocked
I came by taxi
Live and die together
We’d rather die standing than live on our knees
We fight for justice
(Afternoon of May 20, 1980 Geumnam Street, Gwangju)
Citizens of Gwangju, unite
Citizens of Gwangju, citizens of Gwangju
Citizens of Gwangju, unite
Can you hold this?
Yeah, okay sure
What a jerk
Wow, Jeolla Province really does have the best food
Looks simple, but tastes great
The seasoning is perfect
Be very careful
The Korean press is not allowed here
And foreign press is not welcome
If they find you are here
The government will hunt you down
And the people helping you
What, you want one?
Have a bite. Nothing happening there
Thank you
Why so serious all of a sudden?
It's nothing
I have to join them
Don't get involved, stay here
How can Ijust watch?
What difference will it make?
Okay. Let’s get down there
Where? There? Now?
No,no,no
Here stay, there danger, here safe
You stay, we go down
That guy's just shooting from up here, too!
Where are you going?
What's going on?
Drive out Chun Doo—hwan
Danger, danger
If you're going to shoot, do it from there
Let's go, will you?
Are you okay?
Sorry, sorry
What the hell is wrong with you?
That's why I said, it's too dangerous here
I told you to stay up there
Let's go
Don’t touch
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?
Get him
Do you have a death wish? We need to go!
Mister, this way! This way!
Over here
Hurry
Mister
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
What? It wasn’t my fault
But why were those soldiers 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
Hey! Let's go Seoul
Yeah, okay. Let’s go back to Seoul
Okay, okay
Yes, of course
Then let me off up there
-Okay -Thanks
Please promise me
You have to show our news
Once this footage airs, the entire world will be watching
You are not alone
Thank you so much
Mister, have a safe trip back
Wait, kid
What's your name?
Jae-sik. Gu Jae—sik
Gu Jae-sik...Practice hard, okay?
I'll watch your song contest on TV
Okay
Goodbye
Come on, not again
What's wrong
Did it break down?
What happened
Isn’t that...?
I told you it was him! The Seoul driver
You were right
Car's broken?
That's bad
Man, the repair shop's closed
-Sure is -Yeah
I'm sure they'll fix it soon
Wow!
Is this your daughter?
Whoa, she's so cute!
You've got hidden talents! And your wife is pretty too
What a relief she took after her mother instead of...
His daughter
Pretty, isn't it?
Ah, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to..
No touch
You ready?
-Yeah, just a sec -Okay
Ready. Try starting it
Give it a go
This car already ran over 600,000km
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 is getting really worried
They can't get parts in
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
-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 had cut off all phone lines
What?
Isn't there any way?
I need to call home
What are 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?
Oh, that poor thing
Too young to be alone...
Oh my
Mr. Kim, if it's about money
Let me pay for the repairs
You bastard, did I ask you for money?
You knew everything, right?
Danger, you knew it!
Why are you yelling at me?
It’s not my fault your car broke down
And you knew exactly that it would be dangerous here!
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?
Just take the money. Take the money
Take the money
Here
Oh my
Just stop it
Just calm down, stop it
Oh my
My, oh my...
His young daughter at home alone
But he can't go back to Seoul
He cannot call
Asia Correspondent for Germany's public broadcaster
Jiirgen Hinzpeter
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
I’m home
Daddy
Goodness, why are you back so late
There was a lot going on
Did you stay up waiting for Daddy?
Good boy
Who are they?
It’s a long story. Can you make us dinner?
Yes, but not much to eat
Just kimchi will be fine
Come on, let's go in. Please...
It’s okay if we have kimchi
Get in
Oh, my
Is this all we’ve got for such important guests?
Geeze...
Your neighbor will look after your daughter
Don’ t worry
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
This is spicy, hot
Oh, not a problem, I can handle spicy
Wow, he eats well
Oh my god. This is a shock
Wasser
-Huh? -Water
Too spicy for him
Hot
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 did you come here?
Why you come here?
Reporter
Was that English?
Seoul drivers speak English?
I’m a reporter
Reporters go wherever there is news
Then try translating what he just said
He's a reporter, of course he's here for the news
Something like that
Is that right?
Yes
You're amazing. I never would've guessed
Ah...
Why you become a reporter?
What's that, a poker card?
I used to play, too...
Not poker card
Money. He means money
He means he did it because of the money?
Yes
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
Once this goes out
There's no turning back
So if anyone...
Are you the only reporter here?
We've all made up our minds
Open the door!
Open up
Tu rn it off
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?
What will happen then?
They will shut us down
And drag us all off
Come on, get them out!
Let go! Chief! Chief!
No!
Take all the newspapers
Will this stop bullets?
Of course not
It’s to cover the lights
Right
It's time for evening 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 -Quiet
A few individuals from Seoul
Student radicals and gangsters gathering in Gwangju
Spreading groundless rumors
To date, 1 civilian and 5 members of the military has been killed
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!
That's not true
As soon as I get back to Japan
My footage will hit the news
The whole world will see
Mr. Kim will take me back to the airport, and...
Anyhow
Without him, I would have never made it to Gwangju
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
Don't worry, don't worry
I'll take you right to the airport tomorrow
Airport, ok?
After hearing your story
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!
Forget that
Sing us a song instead
He's entering a singing contest
We'll judge if you deserve a prize
Oh, no way!
Sing us a song
I do guitar, not vocals
What's the difference?
Give him a hand!
What should I do?
Nice dance moves
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 may protest against you
To stop you from singing, you sound awful
I told you, I play guitar!
But I'm not that bad!
Shouldn't have asked you to sing
Oh my!
Is that a new song?
I guess I'm no good
You're really not a singer
But there's something striking about you
See, I told you!
Oh, my. He looks just like your brother
-That's right! -Yes, they are similar
-You mean Sang-chul? -Yeah
Who is Sang-chul?
Right, why didn't I see it before?
I have a younger brother
You look just like him
What do you think? Same-same?
-What do you mean? -He looks like my husband
Same-same
I look like Peter, right?
Oh no!
What's that?
What’s this 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
-Rea|ly? - I'll see you there
(Night of May 20, 1980 Near Gwangju MBC TV Station)
The foreign reporter! Get the radio!
Jae-sik!
Mister, look out!
They're undercover plainclothes soldiers!
What? Plainclothes?
Damned commies!
Go hide up there. I'll bring it up
Hurry
Where is he?
We went separate ways
He didn't come this way
Hello
I know you're up there
Mister
If you give me the camera and film
You two...
No...
The three of you including this kid...
Can go free
What is he saying?
I'll count to ten
And I'll let you decide
What the wise choice is
He wants this
Then we can live, and Jae-sik too
Give safe
Let's give it to him, okay?
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
-What are you doing? -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
Can you hear me?
I can’t hold these soldiers much longer
So please
Go now
And show the world what’s happening in here
-Where are you going? -So please
We need to give him this
They're coming up
Hey!
Damn
Give me the bag
Get away
I'm okay
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!"
"I'm not a commie!"
How dare you...
We have to get out of here
My god, I was so worried
I'm glad you made it back. But where's Jae-sik?
Wasn’t he with you?
Huh?
You know...
I earned some money in Saudi Arabia
But my wife got sick
I spent it all on hospital bills
At the end, my wife insisted that I buy that taxi
She said she has no hope
And told me to take care of 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
She was crying holding onto her mom’s old clothes
She must have missed her so much
I quit drinking that day
I’m the only one she has left
What are you doing?
The paratroopers are searching for a Seoul taxi
You don’t even know the roads, where do you think you're going
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
I can't take that money
Just the repairs will cost you a lot
Don't argue and accept 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 a damn fine weather
Someday
Come visit with your daughter
We'll take my son and go on a picnic
Take care of yourself
You take ca re
(Suncheon)
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
Dong-su, is my daughter there?
Where have you been?
Is she with you?
We just ate, she’s sleeping now
Wake her up?
No, let her sleep
Is she okay?
If ou’re so worried y
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
Sang-gu's mom
I left 2,000 won in my drawer
Please give it to Eun-jung
She’s been up all night waiting for you to take her out on a picnic
If you can’t keep a promise then don ’t make one
-Give me the phone -Why
You’ll be back soon? Let’s talk then
Stop it!
Hello
How old is your daughter?
Eleven
Then 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
Ok
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 many people were killed
And a whole bunch arrested
That's not it
College students from Seoul went there to protest
Innocent soldiers were killed
No, someone really saw people getting killed there
It was in the news
They're not just students
But hardcore Communists
They even brought gangsters from Seoul
ReaHy?
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?
(Protests in Gwangju 5 soldiers killed) Keeping me from doing my job
(Protests in Gwangju 5 soldiers killed)
(Rogue Groups and Rioters)
You must’ve been really hungry
Try this, too
It's delicious... Delicious
Taxi, taxi
So pretty
Always bought her sneakers
Never a nice pair of shoes
Eun-jung 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
Headed for Happiness
Eun-jung, what should I do?
What do I do?
One more phone call, please
Eun-jung, are you awake?
Daddy, are we going on a picnic?
Sorry, there’s something I need to do
Let’s go another time
When ?
I left a customer behind
Someone who really needs to take my taxi
I’ll come home right after
So, be nice and listen to auntie
Don’t fight with Sang-gu
Until Mt. Baekdu is worn away and the East Sea ’5 waters run dry
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 he died on the way
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
You promised, to tell people
It needs to be broadcasted
You're a reporter, shoot this
Jae-sik, and this too
Here
Honey!
Open you eyes!
How can you leave me
And our unborn baby
Make way
Over here, Doctor! Please help over here
-He’s been shot, hang in there -To the ER
Bro, what do we do?
They're really trying to wipe us all out!
People were singing the national anthem
Then the paratroopers just started shooting
God, so many people have been shot
We need to get there
You two go to Seoul, quickly
I'm coming with you
Mr. Kim, you go back to Seoul. I need to keep filming
You paid me the fare
We go together
I taxi driver, you are my passenger
Ok?
Ok! Together
(Dear citizens of Gwangju)
(Stay at home don't go outside)
He needs to go to the hospital, now
Open your eyes
Hold on
The soldiers were shooting at us!
Don't go out
My god, look at that
What's going on here
She’s shot
Get a hold of yourself
How can they just shoot people
How can they do this to us?
How many times has it been?
They really plan to kill us all
We can’t leave injured people like that
We can't just leave them
That's it. Let's drive our taxis in
Wait
Here
I can drive well. Let's go together
Look! The taxi drivers
Thank you
Yong-pyo!
-Yong-pyo! -Oh my! Are you ok?
Hey, duck down
Let's help them
Let's save the wounded!
Come on!
Don't lose focus!
I need help!
Are you ok?
Please help me!
Bro, get in here
Gendy
Doctor, over here
Hold on a sec
You need to go now
They're getting closer
You have to go now
Or it will be impossible
Let us take care of this
Go back
And please, prove all their lies wrong
We cannot do it, but you can
Please, for us
Go quickly! Things are getting bad here
Mr. Kim, we must go now
Block all checkpoints
Can you get us out?
Don't worry
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 do you live?
Why?
Answer, you bastard
And why don't you have a Gwangju accent?
I moved here not long ago
What's going on
Why are you stopping us?
Hey, college boy! What's this bastard saying?
Where are you going?
I'm here on business, but it's so dangerous in Gwangju
You know all these riots
So we go back to Seoul
He came for business
But leaving to escape the riots
Both of you, out of the car
I don't understand. What's the problem?
Get out now
Being a foreigner won't save you
Get out
Open the trunk
These are his souvenirs
From Buddha's Birthday
(SeouD
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
If you spot a taxi with a foreigner, call at once
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
Damn it
How thrilling
Run them over
Bastards!
Shoot them all
Damn it
Bro, go faster
Don't worry about me
You assholes, let's take this to the end
What's going on back there?
I'm sorry
Take care of yourself
Don't worry about us
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
Mr.Hinzpeter?
Yes
Our system shows
That you have a flight booked for tomorrow at 10am?
Yes, but I’m somehow here today, so I’d like to get onto the first flight out to Japan
And make it first class
For your daughter
This is for me?
Thank you
Please give me your phone number
What?
Your taxi. I'd like to pay for all the damage
I’ll get the news broadcast, then come right back to Korea
I'll call you when I return
Ah, I forgot to buy cigarettes
Please
(Sa—Bok Cigarettes)
Here you are
Hey, stop that!
You’re a good man
You did a good job
You... you good job too
Learn Korean, before you come next time
Come back, speak Korean, ok?
Ok
Go on
The curfew starts soon
Did your dad run off?
Because he's poor
Sang-gu, stop bothering your friend
But she hit me first
How'd you end up that way?
Eun-jung, come have some fruit. Get in
Daddy
Eun-jung
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 within the past two days
We can witness the violence done to protesters
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 mention much higher figures
Are you sure you searched everywhere?
Yes, but there’s no taxi driver with this name
(Kim Sa—bok)
So even the number is wrong
Kim Sa-bok may not be his real name
It might be better not to look for him
(Kim Sa—bok)
(December 2003)
It is a great honor for me to receive this award here in Korea
I still remember
The faces of the citizens I met in Gwangju
That spring of 1980
And I will never forget
But there is one face in particular that I miss dearly
My brave friend, Kim Sa-bok
He is a taxi driver
Hey, hey, young man
Sorry, sir. I only have 10,000 won
That's fine. Go on
Thank you
Watch your step
Hey
Hey, wait
Without him, news of the Gwangju Uprising
-Would have never reached the world -Oh my
I ’m afraid my words fail to express my gratitude
But you’re always in my thoughts
Mr. Kim
My dear friend
Thank you
I’ve missed you
I'll keep waiting
I hope to see you again soon
(He said if not for Kim Sa-bok's help)
(He could never have made the report)
(And he wishes to see him again)
I'm more grateful to you
Thank you, thank you
I want to see you again, too
Didn't expect it to be like this
You've grown old too
Hello, where to?
To Gwanghwamun, please
Gwanghwamun, okay
The horrific images captured in Gwangju by Hinzpeter
Were broadcast to the world
And shared clandestinely
In Korea under the alias "German video."
Most surviving footage
Of the Gwangju Democratic Uprising
Were shot by Hinzpeter
Hinzpeter tried several times
To find the taxi driver Kim Sa—bok
In January 2016, he passed away without having met him again
(The late Jiirgen Hinzpeter)
(November 2015, Ratzeburg Germany)
It would be truly wonderful if I could meet you again
Oh... really, I'd be happy beyond words
If I could find you through this footage
If I could find Mr. Kim Sa-bok
I would just be so happy
I'd rush over to Seoul in an instant
Ride with you in your taxi
And see the new Korea