Bandhobi (2009 Film)

Bandhobi (Korean: 반두비) is a 2009 South Korean drama film directed by Shin Dong-il. The film examines social issues in contemporary South Korea through the lens of an unexpected relationship between two marginalized individuals.

Promotional poster for the film Bandhobi

Plot

The story follows Min-seo, a rebellious 17-year-old high school student living in a strained household with her mother and her mother's partner. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Karim, a 29-year-old migrant worker from Bangladesh. Karim is facing imminent deportation and is desperately attempting to recover unpaid wages from his former employer before he must leave the country.

After a confrontation involving a lost wallet, Min-seo agrees to assist Karim in tracking down his former boss to settle the debt. This journey forces both characters to confront their respective frustrations with South Korean society.

Scene from Bandhobi featuring the main characters — A scene from the film featuring Min-seo and Karim.

Production and Release

The film was directed by Shin Dong-il, who co-wrote the screenplay with Lee Chang-won. It was produced by Il-kwon Kim. Bandhobi was released in South Korea on June 25, 2009, with a total runtime of 107 minutes. The film was later screened at the 12th Udine Far East Film Festival in 2010.

Min-seo in a scene from the film — Baek Jin-hee as Min-seo.

Karim in a scene from the film — Mahbub Alam as Karim.

Cast

Baek Jin-hee as Min-seo
Mahbub Alam as Karim
Jung Doo-kyum as CEO Shin
Yang Hae-hoon as the gas station owner's son
Oh Chang-kyung as Detective Oh
Kwon Hyuk-poong as the drunk man
Bang Soo-in as a convenience store customer
Seo Dong-suk as an immigration officer
Kim Mi-hee as Min-seo's friend

Additional scene from Bandhobi — A moment between the protagonists.