Forkcrane (2017 Film)

Forkcrane (Korean: 포크레인; RR: Pokeurein) is a 2017 South Korean drama film directed by Lee Ju-Hyoung and written by Kim Ki-Duk. The film explores the psychological aftermath of the Gwangju Democratization Movement of May 1980 through the perspective of a former soldier.

Promotional poster for the film Forkcrane — Promotional imagery for the 2017 film Forkcrane.

Plot

The narrative follows Kim Gang-Il (played by Uhm Tae-Woong), a man who served as a paratrooper during the 1980 Gwangju Uprising. Following his military discharge, he works as an excavator operator. The film depicts his journey as he attempts to confront the traumatic events of his past and uncover hidden truths regarding his involvement in the suppression of the movement.

Production and Etymology

The film was produced by Kim Ki-Duk Film and released in South Korea on July 27, 2017. The Korean title, Pokeurein, refers to the heavy construction equipment commonly known as an excavator. The term is derived from the French manufacturer Poclain, which became a genericized trademark in South Korea for such machinery.

Cast

Uhm Tae-Woong as Kim Gang-Il
Shim Jung-Wan as Beach Dong-Ki
Kim Kyung-Ik as Farmer Dong-Ki
Jung Se-Hyung as Bank Clerk Dong-Ki
Jo Duk-Je as Staff Sergeant Jang
Jo Young-Jin as First Sergeant
Kim Jung-Pal as Company Commander
Jo Won-Hee as Battalion Commander
Shin Yoo-Ram as Division Commander
Son Byung-Ho as Lawmaker