The Happy Life (2007 Film)
The Happy Life (Korean: 즐거운 인생; RR: Jeulgeowun Insaeng) is a 2007 South Korean musical drama film directed by Lee Joon-ik. The film explores themes of middle-aged disillusionment and the pursuit of passion through the lens of a reunited rock band.
Plot
The story follows Ki-young (Jung Jin-young), an unemployed man who finds himself at a crossroads after attending the funeral of a former college friend. Inspired by the event, he convinces two other former bandmates, the hardworking Sung-wook (Kim Yun-seok) and the lonely Hyuk-soo (Kim Sang-ho), to reform their defunct college rock band. Seeking a fresh start, the group recruits Hyun-joon (Jang Keun-suk), the son of their late bandmate, to serve as their new frontman.
Cast
The film features an ensemble cast portraying the band members and their families:
- Jung Jin-young as Ki-young
- Kim Yun-seok as Sung-wook
- Kim Sang-ho as Hyuk-soo
- Jang Keun-suk as Hyun-joon
- Kim Ho-jung as Sun-mi
- Ko Ah-sung as Joo-hee
- Chu Kwi-jung as Young-ae
Production
Directed by Lee Joon-ik, the film was produced by Tiger Pictures and Achim Pictures. It was distributed by CJ Entertainment and released in South Korea on September 13, 2007. The film has a runtime of 112 minutes.
Reception
The Happy Life was screened at the 10th Udine Far East Film Festival in 2008, held from April 18 to April 26.
