Cart (2014 South Korean Film)

Cart (Korean: 카트; RR: Kateu) is a 2014 South Korean social drama film directed by Boo Ji-young. The film explores the challenges faced by contract workers in the retail industry, focusing on their collective efforts to secure labor rights following a mass layoff.

Plot

The story follows Sun-hee (Yum Jung-ah), a mother of two who has worked as a contract employee at a large discount store for five years, repeatedly promised a promotion to a permanent position. Alongside her are Hye-mi (Moon Jeong-hee), a single mother, and Soon-rye (Kim Young-ae), a janitor. When the store management announces the dismissal of all contract workers, the employees organize a labor union to protest the decision and fight for their employment rights.

Production

The film is based on the real-life labor dispute involving E-Land Retail, which began in July 2007. The incident involved the firing of cashiers, which led to a 510-day stay-in strike. Principal photography for the film took place between January 11, 2014, and April 30, 2014. It was produced by Myung Films and distributed by Little Big Pictures.

Reception and Awards

Cart premiered at the 39th Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2014. At the 51st Baeksang Arts Awards in 2015, the film received recognition for its performances and writing, with Yum Jung-ah winning Best Actress and Kim Kyung-chan winning Best Screenplay.