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Movie Info & Details
Release Year1961
Runtime1h 27m
LanguageKorean
CertificationNR
GenresDrama
Votes1
DirectorHyeon Sang-yeol
WritersSuk Lee
TypeFeature Film
Rating7.0 out of 10
Cast10 credited
Also Known AsA Shoeshine Boy
About A Shoeshine Boy
Following the death of his parents, Yeong-cheol shines shoes in the streets, struggling to care for his sick younger sister Yeong-hui and make ends meet. Despite the persuasive efforts of low-life criminal boss Wang-cho, pickpocket Jjang-gu, and prostitute Mi-hwa, Yeong-cheol vows to lead an honest life by looking after Yeong-hui with cigarette salesgirl Myeong-sun and helping newly arrived shoeshine boy Dong-seok settle in. However, a tragic accident forces Yeong-cheol to make an important decision that may change his life. ※ Sharing the same Korean title with Vittorio De Sica’s classic Shoeshine (1946), this film was noted at the time of release for its strong neorealistic approach. All of the picture elements have been lost and only 4 original sound negative reels (around 40 minutes) survive today. The plot summary and scene descriptions have been added in the form of title cards as well as a selection of production stills to aid the viewing experience.
Directed by Hyeon Sang-yeol, A Shoeshine Boy leans on a strong ensemble — Park Gwang-su, Park Geum-hui, Kim Yeong-ok — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.
The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1961.
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