Elegy of the Earth (1997 Film)

Elegy of the Earth (Korean: 지상만가; RR: Ji sang man ga) is a 1997 South Korean drama film directed by Kim Hee-Cheol. The screenplay was written by Kang Je-gyu. The film was released on February 22, 1997, and has a runtime of 91 minutes.

Japanese DVD release of Elegy of the Earth — The Japanese DVD cover for Elegy of the Earth.

Plot

The narrative follows the lives of three individuals. Gwang-su (Shin Hyun-joon) is a man burdened by his family's history, leading to a life defined by despair. Jong-man (Lee Byung-hun) works as a bartender while harboring aspirations of becoming an international film star, frequently recording himself and contacting Hollywood production companies. Se-hui (Jung Sun-kyung) is a reserved woman employed at a music store. Their lives intersect when Gwang-su, while intoxicated, visits the music store and plays the piano, capturing Se-hui's interest. Later, after being arrested for his brother's murder, Gwang-su escapes police custody and encounters Jong-man, who provides him with shelter.

Cast

Lee Byung-hun as Jong-man
Shin Hyun-joon as Gwang-su
Jung Sun-kyung as Se-hui
Choi Hak-rak
Kim Yeo-kyeong
Lee Beom-soo
Kim Soo-hyun
Nam Myung-ryul as movie director
Seo Kwang-jae as music director
Kang Suk-ho
Kim Se-yoon as Ji-hye
Choi Hong-il as musical instrument store owner