Sound of a Flower

Sound of a Flower is a South Korean period drama film directed by Lee Jong-pil and released in 2015. The film stars Seung-ryong Ryu, Bae Suzy, and Sae-byeok Song. It is based on real-life events that took place in the late 19th century during the reign of King Gojong of the Joseon Dynasty.

The story revolves around Jin Chae-sun (Bae Suzy), who dreams of becoming a pansori singer, a traditional Korean musical art form that involves storytelling through singing. However, in the highly patriarchal society of the time, women are prohibited from learning or performing pansori.

Undeterred, Chae-sun decides to secretly train herself in pansori with the help of her teacher, Shin Jae-hyo (Seung-ryong Ryu), who himself is a talented pansori singer. But when Shin is jailed for performing a banned song, Chae-sun finds herself without a teacher and struggling to pursue her dream.

Help comes in the form of Chae-sun's father, who hires the renowned pansori master, Master Song (Sae-byeok Song), to train her. However, Master Song is initially hesitant to take on a female student, believing that women lack the emotional depth required to perform pansori.

Despite this, Chae-sun convinces Master Song to train her, and over time, she develops her skills as a singer and storyteller. However, she must also navigate the challenges of living in a society that seeks to restrict her aspirations and limit her opportunities.

The film skillfully weaves together themes of gender inequality, artistic expression, and political repression. It shows the power of music and storytelling to inspire and unite people against adversity, as well as the courage and determination of individuals who refuse to be silenced.

The performances of the three leads are exceptional, with Bae Suzy in particular delivering a standout portrayal of a young woman struggling to assert her independence in a rigidly traditional society. The film's cinematography and sound design are also noteworthy, effectively conveying the beauty and complexity of pansori as an art form.

Overall, Sound of a Flower is a moving and thought-provoking film that explores important themes of identity, artistic expression, and social justice. It is a must-see for fans of historical dramas, as well as anyone interested in the power of music to inspire and transform lives.