A Petal (1996 Film)

A Petal (Korean: 꽃잎; RR: Ggotip) is a 1996 South Korean drama film directed by Jang Sun-woo. The film is notable for its raw and harrowing depiction of the psychological aftermath of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, a pivotal event in modern South Korean history where military forces suppressed a civilian pro-democracy movement.

Plot

The narrative centers on a young girl who experiences severe trauma after witnessing the death of her mother during the Gwangju Uprising. The film utilizes a non-linear structure, incorporating flashbacks to illustrate the brutality of the massacre and the girl's subsequent descent into mental instability as she struggles to process her grief and the loss of her family.

Production and Release

Directed by Jang Sun-woo, the film was released in South Korea on April 5, 1996. It has a runtime of 100 minutes and is recognized for its contribution to the cultural discourse surrounding the Gwangju Uprising, a subject that remained politically sensitive in South Korea for many years.

Cast

• Lee Jung-hyun
• Moon Sung-geun
• Lee Young-ran
• Chu Sang-mi
• Dong Bang-woo
• Heo Jun-ho
• Sul Kyung-gu
• Park Kwang-jung
• Park Chul-min
• Ahn Suk-hwan
• Park Choong-sun
• Goo Jae-yeon