When I Turned Nine

When I Turned Nine, directed by Yun-su Jang, is a 2004 South Korean drama that takes the viewers back to their childhood, evoking fond memories and the innocence of the times gone past. The film features talented actors Seok Kim, Se-yeong Lee, and Myeong-jae Kim in significant roles that offer an emotional and moving storyline.

The film revolves around the life of a nine-year-old boy named Yeo-min (Seok Kim), who comes of age in the 1970s era of South Korea. The child actor’s commendable portrayal of the protagonist highlights the naive charm, boyish bluster, and that inherent fearlessness that comes with childhood. As a viewer, one can't help but sympathize with, relate to, and indulge in Yeo-min's world, which is beautifully depicted with the backdrop of a quiet rural town.

The film isn't just a story about a young boy but also an exposition of an era, with a nostalgic look at the times when happiness was about simple joys, friendships were solid, promises meant something, and love was felt rather than declared. The character of Yeo-min should be a protagonist many will find easy to root for. His daily life involves various mischievous adventures with his friends, occasional skirmishes with bullies and, an earnest effort to win the heart of his classmate, whom he has a crush on. The character Woo-rim played by Se-yeong Lee, a transfer student from a wealthy family, is painted with finesse as Yeo-min’s love interest.

However, it’s not all rose-tinted glasses, as the film handles substantial adversity such as familial financial trouble and societal pressure. Yeo-min lives with his mother (Myeong-jae Kim), who works tirelessly to keep the family afloat and make ends meet. The plain, gritty realism of their struggle for survival painted against the lavish backdrop of a changing South Korea draws us closer to the characters and amplifies the emotional payoff.

Through Yeo-min's experiences, the movie gives viewers a glimpse into the life of post-war South Korea. It showcases various contrasting aspects, such as the divide between rural and urban communities, class distinctions, the budding industrial boom, and the associated economic disparities. These elements are delicately woven into the narrative, providing not only a historical context but also a deeper layer of understanding of the characters and their struggles.

The film's style is naturalistic, with elements of romanticism and drama. It is shot beautifully, capturing the vibrancy and nuances of a country in transition. The cinematography, combined with heartfelt performances from the cast, works wonderfully in making the movie an immersive experience. While the film might seem slow-paced to some, it is integral for viewers to understand and appreciate that this is a narrative where the journey is equally, if not more, important than the destination.

The role played by the school and its environment in the screenplay cannot be overlooked. It is through school events and classroom moments that the film reveals the bonding between children and the seeds of pure love and friendship. The innocent intimacy and the fear of being misunderstood at an age as tender as nine is beautifully sketched.

Even though Seok Kim and Se-yeong Lee are children, their performances are nothing short of exceptional, bringing the right mix of innocence and maturity to the characters they portray. Myeong-jae Kim, on the other hand, delivers a powerful performance as the hardworking mother trying to offer her child a better life.

In conclusion, When I Turned Nine, is a poignant, observant, and heartfelt film that seeks to capture the universal experiences of childhood – the journey of making sense of the world, the joy of camaraderie, the thrill of a first crush, and the quiet strength in facing adversities. The movie leaves viewers with the message that life may be filled with hardships, but the courage to overcome it often starts from the tender age of nine.