The Bird Who Stops in the Air (1999 Film)

The Bird Who Stops in the Air (Korean: 새는 폐곡선을 그린다; RR: Saeneun pyegoksuneul keruinda) is a 1999 South Korean drama film directed by Jeon Soo-Il. The film explores themes of artistic obsession, detachment from reality, and the struggle to maintain human connections.

Plot

The narrative centers on Kim, a professor at a provincial film school who is increasingly alienated from his students. Unlike his colleagues, who prioritize career networking and industry connections, Kim is consumed by his own artistic pursuits and a personal obsession with the nature of flight. As he labors over a screenplay about the lives of birds, his professional and personal life begins to deteriorate. His girlfriend, Young-hie, attempts to engage him in their relationship and address her anxieties regarding their future, but she finds him emotionally distant. Despite his growing detachment from the human world, Kim eventually accompanies Young-hie on a trip to her hometown.

Production and Release

The film was written and directed by Jeon Soo-Il, who also served as a producer alongside Jo In-Suk. The cinematography was handled by Kim Dae-seon. The Bird Who Stops in the Air held its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival in September 1999. It received a theatrical release in South Korea on March 1, 2002, with a total runtime of 106 minutes.

Cast

• Sul Kyung-Gu as Kim
• Kim So-Hee as Young-hie
• Jo Young-Jin
• Kim Jung-Tae as Nam-Il
• Tae In-Ho as a college student