Potato Symphony (2009 Film)

Potato Symphony (Korean: 감자 심포니; RR: Gamja Simponi) is a 2009 South Korean drama film directed and written by Jeon Yong-Taek. The film explores themes of nostalgia, past rivalries, and the complexities of adulthood as a group of former high school friends navigates their lives nearing the age of forty.

Promotional poster for the film Potato Symphony

Plot

The narrative centers on Baek-i, who was once part of a formidable trio of high school fighters alongside his friends Hyuk and Jul-byuk. During their youth, they were frequently at odds with a rival group known as 'The Picks,' led by Jin-han. Twenty years later, the former rivals and friends find their paths crossing again. Tensions resurface when Baek-i's friends are assaulted by members of The Picks, and the situation becomes further complicated by Baek-i's romantic interest in a woman named Jin.

Scene from the film Potato Symphony — A scene from the film featuring the main characters

Production and Release

The film was directed by Jeon Yong-Taek, with cinematography by Kim Kwang-Ho. It has a runtime of 107 minutes and was released in South Korea on December 10, 2009. The film was featured at the 4th Korean Film Festival in Paris, held in November 2009.

Character portrait from Potato Symphony — Character portrait from the film

Cast

Yu Oh-Seong
Lee Kyu-Hee
Kim Byung-Choon as Inokki
Son Byung-Ho as Bulsajo (Phoenix)
Kim Sung-Oh as Jjang Gu
Choi Moon-Soo as Ms. Lee
Lee Seo-Yeon as Jin
Yoon Seol-A as Inokki's wife
Kim Mi-Hee