She saved his life. He promised to return. The DMZ said 'nah.'
In 1950s North Korea, during the war with South Korea, Son-a, a stunningly beautiful young girl, saves the life of Il-kyu, a wounded soldier left behind after a brutal battle. Despite being thrown together by tragic circumstances, the innocent young lovers' relationship blossoms, only later to be cruelly severed due to being born into opposing sides of a fight. When Il-kyu leaves to save his mother, he promises to return and Son-a waits for him for a lifetime. Separated by war and countries between them, broken hearted Il-kyu tries everything to return to her in the North. But political realities between the countries make their reunion impossible. As the years go by and their youth slips away, Il-kyu finally gets an unexpected opportunity to fulfill his wish and return to her.
Cinematography
Stunning North Korean landscapes that mock the characters' trapped lives.
Writing
Remake that honors the original's devastating patience.
Production
Painstaking 1950s period detail across divided Korea.
Director
Jang Hak-in
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Based on the legendary 1969 North Korean film 'The Flower Girl,' this rare South Korean remake navigates delicate political waters by focusing on human love rather than ideology.
Director Jang Hak-in spent three years securing permissions to film near the actual Korean DMZ for the climactic reunion sequence.
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