Original subtitles

Memories are floating in my mind -

like islands scattered in the sea.

Now, I will row to these islands one after another.

This film is dedicated to my friends and their family

FRIEND

Joon-Suk!

Eat your food first.

Joon-Suk was the best fighter I had ever seen.

Once he beat up a whole soccer team.

Yesterday, my mom brought a TV recorder from Japan.

What's a TV recorder?

It record the TV like a cassette player.

Stop lying! There's no such thing!

No, I'm serious! It's really a TV recorder.

Stations will go bankrupt. Everyone's gonna record all on TV.

Yeah...

No, it's true! Wanna bet on it?

Why don't you trust me?

You see?

Sang-taek, your tube's mine now.

I gotta see it work to believe it.

You know what the smart word for a woman's thing is?

Vulva!

Idiot! There's no such word.

It's called menstruation.

Menstruation? What is that?

I looked through my aunt magazine, and that's all is talked about.

Then is pussy called menstruation too?

Yeah, grown-ups call it menstruation instead.

You wanna see another film?

Joong-ho's mom often visited Japan on business.

So he had lots of great stuff at home.

He was also a big Bruce Lee fan.

Menstruation picture? Where's that from?

Which one do you want? Pick one.

- How about this one? - Wow!

- How much is it? - That's expensive.

It's the biggest one so it costs 2,000 won.

- 2,000 won? - Forget it then.

No, I'll be back with some money.

Hey, come here.

- You better keep quiet, okay? - Okay.

Joon-suk.

It's cool.

Give it here.

Wow, it's cool.

We became friends with Dong-su in third grade.

Two year later we learned that his father was an undertaker.

Then why don't we start a war with them now?

Haven't you seen those statistics on TV?

There are less of us but our weapons are way more advanced.

Idiot! That's what President Park wants us to think.

North Korean commandos fight great. And Russia gives them weapons.

Yeah, but America gives us a lot too.

Says who?

Where you headed?

To the pebble beach.

- Want a ride? - No, thanks.

Yeah? I'll see you later then.

Oh yeah, Hyung-doo... That's the big boss's son Joon-Suk.

Joon-suk, what grade are you in?

Sixth.

See you later!

Let's go.

Who was that?

Isn't he one of your dad's men? Wow, it's cool!

Gangster!

If he wasn't that fast how'd he win the gold medal?

Cause he raced with humans -

and humans swim on top of the water.

People can't breathe under water. So he has to swim on top.

- That's why he loses. - Why? Why would he lose?

- Joon-suk! Who is faster? - What?

If the gold medal list Cho Oh-ryun and a sea turtle raced in the water.

Don't know.

Then you wanna bet on it?

That's all you ever think about.

I don't know why they were so into that race.

Cause he keeps harping on it, idiot!

We went to separate schools.

But after hair started growing on our bodies, we hung out together again.

Man, I felt like a big idiot.

So I made a mean face and asked if those pricks wanted to brawl.

But they chickened out right away and apologized.

Hey, aren't those pricks from Chunghak High?

Look at those losers.

Should I shut 'em up?

We welcome you to Namhang High School's 21st anniversary.

Thank you for coming to our celebration.

I know that you'll enjoy.

Now it's time for today's highlight event -

listening to this seven-girl band Rainbow.

I hope you have a good time.

Now let me introduce you to... Rainbow!

See the girl on the keyboard? She's mine.

Sang-taek! Dinner!

Mom, has something good happened?

We own our house now.

- We signed the lease today. - Really?

We have to wait a few months before moving.

- Where is it? - In Bosu-dong.

But that's far away from my school.

- Your brother has college studies. - But still....

Okay, from our last lesson...

can somebody give an example of an infinitive in passive form?

Joo-bun!

Give me an example.

- I'm not sure. - Not sure?

Since you're not sure tell me what you know.

I'm not sure at all.

You proud of that?

Kneel on your desk!

Next in line!

I have no idea.

You kneel, too!

Next.

Not behind him but the one next to him.

The little rat in the back!

Working hard? Off with your socks!

You call yourself a student?

Go back. Next one!

- What does your father do? - He's a businessman.

Shame on you! Your father puts up with -

his boss to get you through school -

and you can't even get thirty questions right?

Come here!

Again!

Go on. Next!

What does your father do?

I said what does he do?

- He's an undertaker. - An undertaker?

Your father grooms corpses. How can you study like this, huh?

Go on!

Come back here.

Next!

What does your father do?

Speak! What does he do?

He's a gangster.

I don't believe this...

You bastard!

Come here.

Your father's a gangster, huh?

Good for you!

Why don't you tell him...

What's so good about it?

Dong-su! Let's go!

- Is his father really a gangster? - Yeah.

How about him? Is he a gangster too?

- He's the boss of our school. - Boss?

He's the best fighter.

Then is the other one his assistant?

- No, he's second boss. - Second boss?

Yes, teacher. I reckon you made a mistake.

Anyhow, who are you to say I made a mistake?

You disrespectful prick!

Put your hands down!

What are you looking at?

Clear!

What's that? Put it away.

- What are you doing on Sunday? - How come?

Wanna go to Joon-suk's house?

After class last week, Joon-suk...

Doruko is a friend of Joon-suk's. Older than us, though.

Anyway, he said that Jin-sook is his cousin.

- Jin-sook? - Rainbow's singer!

Doruko's bringing all the girls to Joon-suk's house on Sunday.

I'm going.

Let's go!

If things go right you might get laid.

- Laid? - That's right.

Joon-suk!

How's things?

I didn't think you'd show.

That's Doruko, the "knife king".

Nice to meet you!

You guys came to see the girls, right?

You saw them before. Rainbow. Or Seven Scary Princesses.

Sit down!

This is Wild Cat. So wild I'm trying to tame her.

Bad cat!

She needs to get laid to calm down.

Let's get laid.

Ever seen a flying bird's dick? What's so funny?

My friend here's a straight-A student.

He's different from idiots like us.

He's always at the top of our school.

Look. He even carries around a handkerchief.

Why's it so damn loud?

I thought you'd come over before.

To see me, not the girls.

I'm sorry.

Nothing to be sorry about between friends.

I wish we'd gone to the same middle school.

If we hung out then I'd be a good student.

Then why don't you start studying again?

- Who do you want? - What?

The girls.

Pick one of the three.

Was the one sitting next to you yours?

Jin-sook? No.

...three, four, five, six, seven...

Jin-sook! Come here!

Please have a seat.

- You play? - Just a little.

Play then.

I can only play...

- Why'd you do that? - What?

Why did you do that to Sang-taek?

He's a friend of mine.

And me?

I didn't call her up for you.

Then what am I?

Your servant?

You wanna die?

You wanna die?

You're so innocent.

I'm actually older than you.

I got sick in the eight grade so I had to repeat it.

Really?

Let's be friends.

Today, I'm only gonna Kiss you.

Where are you going?

Jin-sook, it's been a while.

- Go away! - When did you get that attitude?

You crazy? Get up, you asshole.

Hey! You fucking bastard.

Crazy idiot.

What the hell's this?

Little sissy...

Go ahead.

Fucking bastards.

Give it here.

What do you got this for?

Get up, fuckers!

Bastards.

Don't show it anymore.

I was cumming just like that!

But right then, my aunt burst open the door.

Man, you know how surprised I was?

My aunt saw my hand and asked: "What's that?"

I was so nervous know what I said?

What?

Oh, this? It's just lotion milk.

- Stop lying! - I'm telling the truth!

- Look at those assholes! - What's wrong?

Those pricks over there.

Come here, you assholes!

I said come here.

Let's go.

- Sang-taek. - Yeah?

Next time you pick a fight, finish the job.

Before I was just...

Otherwise if you don't -

he'll come fight with you again.

Beat him up bad.

That he'll wet his pants if you make eye contact.

Or forgive him and become allies.

Or make him a cripple instead so there's no more trouble later.

Great, next time I'll do as you say.

Now you do me a favor.

I need to talk with you.

What did the teacher say? Did he have a fit again?

He expelled us already.

It went well. We can go to school tomorrow.

You bastard!

- Thanks to you. - Come on.

Let's go to the movies to celebrate.

The tail buys the tickets.

- What tail? - Let's race!

That little...

Here.

- Wanna see it? - With them?

Why not?

Out of the way!

Sit down!

What are you looking at?

I'll rip your eyes out!

Man, it's big as a horse.

We'll smoke one and then split.

- Hurry up! - Give me a cigarette.

What's that smell?

What's wrong?

- He looks familiar. - Really?

Joon-suk! Sang-taek's getting jumped!

All this happened because of me.

So I made one of my life's biggest decisions.

Grab it.

Grab it hard!

Lift it.

The towel!

What are you waiting for?

Where are you going?

Out of the way!

Who is the maniac?

Don't ever bump into me on the streets.

What's this?

Let's go to Seoul.

Dong-su got expelled -

and I heard Joong-ho got transferred.

I'm the only one who got suspended.

Sang-taek...

If you come to me after running away from home...

You did the right thing!

Let's become gangsters and ruin our lives together!

- It's not... - You know...

...when I realized my home was really fucked up?

When I was a kid it was great having lots of uncles around.

My mom went to the hospital -

and I came back home after running away.

The guys I called my uncles... Not even one of them punished me.

Damn it...

If only one of them had knocked some sense into me -

maybe I'd have gotten my act together.

From now on, you live your life how you want.

And I'll live mine.

When I went back home that night my mom quietly opened the door.

Is this Joon-suk's house?

It's been a long time.

- My friends! - Good to see you!

Long time no see, kid. Look like a gentleman in that suit.

How've you been?

- You didn't have to bring all that. - Oh, it's nothing.

Jin-sook!

Look! What'd I tell you?

My friends will always visit me!

Take this away.

Oh yeah, that's my wife.

Know her? I took her here cause she's a great fuck.

What are you looking at, bitch?

Should rip your pussy open!

What is it with you?

I'm sorry...

It's great to see you again.

You don't look so well.

I'll be okay.

I'm just cold and dizzy when the drugs wear off.

- What drugs? - Philopon, of course.

You're taking philopon?

No, no...

I was just kidding.

Oh yeah, I heard both of you are in college now.

- It's just a junior college. - Wow that's cool.

Now I have two elite college friends.

Take care of me later when I'm crippled, okay?

Don't say that.

Sorry, it's all we got.

That's just fine.

Hey bitch!

So you got a gangster for a husband.

You getting all wet over my handsome college friends?

You fuck all of us, huh? Fucking whore!

- Joon-suk! - Don't stop me!

She's full of complaints lately.

Look at her!

Get your ass in here! You wanna die today?

Joon-suk!

What's wrong with him?

I have to get going.

Okay.

I didn't know his mother died.

He asked me not to call you.

Bastard...

Buy me a drink.

Show me what college students are like.

Want to go back inside with me instead?

No.

How was the funeral?

Dong-su's father did a great job.

How is Dong-su these days?

He's in jail.

I've been there already.

He needs to experience it to move up in the gang.

- Sang-taek! - What?

- You have a coat, right? - A coat?

Let's go buy a Christmas card.

I wanna send a card to my mother.

I feel so sorry for her.

After having me -

and nursing that crumpy old man -

she spent five years in a hospital -

before dying.

My father didn't give me money fearing that I'd buy drugs.

I didn't have any clothes.

I was freezing to death outside.

Sang-taek, promise me one thing.

Since I'm a gangster...

If you need to get rid of someone just tell me who it is.

I'll kill him for you.

When I'm too old to be a gangster -

can you buy me a taxi?

- A taxi? - Yeah.

I don't want to depend on you until the day I die.

By that time I might have a wife and kids.

- Stop talking nonsense. - You're my only true friend.

Everyone I know are gangsters. Promise me.

I don't want to.

Please...

Promise me.

Okay, I promise.

Dashing through the snow on a one-horse open sleigh

O'er the fields we go laughing all the way...

I have no regrets.

Isn't that your son?

He's only half human.

Eat fast.

Drink it up!

Are you deaf?

I told you to drink it!

I'm giving you all the drugs you need -

but I guess you're serving someone else now?

Don't worry. It's clean.

You have to suffer a bit.

I've taken good care of you.

You should be grateful.

Fucking bastard!

From now on I'll keep on eye on you and Hyung-doo.

Take care of yourself.

Hey!

How's your old man doing?

Cheers.

They say I back stabbed the big boss.

That's just jealous bullshit.

In fact I've never -

even thought of betraying him.

My only wish is to...

Be number two and keep number one on it's toes before he slips.

We're obliged to lead our world in the right direction.

What are gangsters originally set out to do?

Gangsters may operate in the shade -

but don't we make places in the sun a little brighter?

Am I right?

You know what loyalty is?

Loyalty is money.

You need it.

So take it.

He couldn't take leave from the army.

It's all right.

It's not necessary for Sang-taek to come this far.

The army's enough to deal with.

Try to get some sleep.

Dong-su...

I've become an orphan.

You're a grown-up now.

In the fifth grade Mung-gil teased me about my red lips.

He said it's because my father fed me dead men's livers.

Even though Mung-gil was much older you beat him up for me.

From then on I followed you.

Is that so?

I am starting tomorrow.

I'm working for Sang-goo's gang.

He is not a gangster.

He's a scumbag.

Don't you know? He sells drugs to kids.

I don't care.

If you'll be working for him...

It's better that being an undertaker.

Dong-su!

I'm grateful for your father's help!

I'll tell him.

My two friends, who shared the same colors in life -

returned back to their own color.

What would become of them a few years later -

was something they never expected.

My friend! Sang-taek!

You made the right decision.

Man has to broaden his view of the world.

Should I come with you and learn some mafia tricks?

Gangs have foreign exchange students, too.

I see you've quit taking drugs.

Don't remind me.

I quit for my own self esteem.

Good for you.

People think gangsters live an immoral life, but that's not true.

We don't give work to junkies, womanizers or alcoholics.

Work is needed to move up but we don't give them anything.

They usually mess things up.

You sound like some guru.

You can't move up in any organization by doing whatever pleases you.

In the end they'll weed you out.

Sounds great. Fuck that.

How come gangsters always sound like philosophers?

You're nothing but a hoodlum.

You two, get over here!

Are you crazy?

- Why are you staring at my friend? - Sorry, boss!

You don't deserve food.

Get out, sit in the trunk and repent!

- Out! - Yes, boss!

- Sorry. - Friends don't have to be sorry.

- You can let me down now. - Hold still!

You know how long I waited for this?

Thanks for today. Take care.

- See you later. - Okay.

Joon-suk, let them out now.

- You wanna get out? - No, boss!

They'll be fine.

Drive!

Good evening, chairman!

Let's begin the lottery for the construction of Horim apartments.

Going in order, let's start with Mr. Cha of Jungwoo Construction.

Number forty-seven!

Here's the film.

Bastards, I feed you!

How can you be so ungrateful ?!

Fucking assholes!

Hey you little bastard! You trying to make a liar of me?

- I called the man and... - I'm sorry, boss.

I'm sorry.

- All of you, outside. - Yes, boss!

Listen very carefully, bastard.

Other bosses spilt blood to start this company.

- What the hell did you say? - Shut up and let me finish!

The money coming out of this operation -

is for the bosses in jail and to feed our men.

I think you've hoarded enough.

I've gotten permission to stab you.

Out of respect, I won't do that.

Look here, friend.

The government is going after the big bosses now.

Watch over the guys and don't contact the boss for a while.

Those assholes must think we're some garbage.

How's the demand for shark fins?

People are so desperate, even the yakuza seems like an option.

Let's wait just a bit longer to sell them.

Shouldn't we do something about Sang-gon?

What if we don't?

He's not who he used to be.

We can't touch him.

Then how about his right hand man?

He helped with my parents' funeral.

Don't even think about it.

It's good.

What you say asshole?

- Asshole! - This kid said I'm an asshole!

Is this some gangster's fashion show?

- How are you? - Fine, how about you?

Heard you're in the construction business now.

It's no different from fishing.

Come to Mokma bar tomorrow night.

Need I do what you tell me?

Sang-taek and Joong-ho will be there.

- You should come. - Sang-taek?

Sang-taek, what's he up to now?

I'll see if I have time.

Well done, cheers!

How long are you staying there?

Three years at least.

But if all goes well I'll stay longer to get a PhD.

Hey, listen to this guy!

So we can't see you if things go well?

Is that what I said? I'm sorry.

Since you're a big shot we don't matter now, huh?

Hey, darling!

Put on my favourite song!

I love it when you sing it.

To my dear friend, Joong-ho, best wishes on your marriage.

And to my friend Sang-taek I wish you a prosperous future.

This song is dedicated to you both.

So you want me to clean corpses for the rest of my life?

Have I asked you to be just like me?

- Who are you to criticize... - All right!

So I'll have to watch mourning people until the day I die?

Are you proud giving me your fucking money?

How's Dong-su doing now?

Not too well... Dong-su has moved up in his gang.

- Is that so? - You saw the paper, right?

President Roh's waging war on gangs. It's that bad.

Since Sang-gon is loaded now -

he's linked to powerful people.

Hello, this is Haeundae Police.

I'm a Busan citizen.

I have something to tell you.

- What is it? - Arrest him!

Let's go.

Sir, all's clear at the sauna.

Big boss wants to see you.

- Eun-gi? - Yes, boss?

You know who Cho Oh-ruyn is?

The swimmer?

Yeah, the swimmer.

If Cho Oh-ruyn and a turtle -

both swam in a race -

who would win?

He's gonna shit his pants.

The bastard betrayed our boss.

You just have to stab him while he's asleep.

- Got it? - Yes, sir!

Do the job late tonight.

- What did you tell to Joon-suk? - That we're going to a wedding.

Good...

Who sent you?

Was it Joon-suk?

Fuck you!

Why are you doing this?

This is my destiny.

Destiny?

I dream of becoming a boss like Joon-suk.

Listen...

Dreaming of being a boss and living ambitiously is not the same.

You're still young so you have to think about it carefully.

You understand?

Anyway, where's Joon-suk?

- He's training the interns. - Interns?

- Who brought this? - I did, sir.

You can't kill a person with this.

It doesn't have to be big.

If the blade is at least six inches -

then it can kill a man.

But the blade can't be too thin.

Or it's likely to break because of the bone.

Therefore...

Sashimis and Swedish knives are used often.

- Got it? - Yes, sir!

After you stab him turn the knife by 90 degrees.

Whoever it is, the moment knife goes in -

he's sure to collapse on the spot.

If you penetrate the lung then he can't scream.

And if air gets into the lung then he's dead for sure.

You must make him feel the knife.

Where's Joon-suk?

Instead of stabbing in the chest pros will aim at the back of the lung.

Sang-taek, I wanted to meet you and Joong-ho at the airport.

But I couldn't make it.

Sang-taek, when you came to me after running away from home -

and I sent you back. I was so proud of you.

I wished I could be like you.

Isn't that amazing?

I was home all day today after a bad experience with Dong-su.

Thinking about what the word 'friend' means.

I didn't know what friend originally meant -

until our teacher wrote the definition on the board.

I remember he wrote 'a long and close companion'.

Sounds great, huh?

My father always told me that loyalty is a man's life.

But I'm confused about that now.

In fact, I'm not sure what loyally is any more.

Sang-taek, I'm planning to travel for a while, like you.

I'll send this letter to Joong-ho.

Take care of yourself until you get back.

Your friend, Joon-suk.

Why didn't you show up? You would've liked to see the guys.

I'll see them later.

Sang-taek is leaving for America today.

Want to see him off with me?

See him off? You have time for that?

I couldn't make it to Doruko's funeral.

I've been busy.

You've become big, Dong-su.

I've always been taller than you, haven't I?

Ever as your sidekick.

- I'll be brief. - Take your time if you want.

Remember what you told me when my father died?

What? What did I say?

I've never resented you. Even after the way things turned out.

If you were me you wouldn't either.

I suppose we do what we are told.

What?

Did someone tell you to kill me?

Today's my father's memorial.

I came to ask you a last favor as a friend.

Go ahead.

Leave here for Hawaii.

Can you stay there for a while?

In time, everything will return to normal.

I'll set it all up for you.

You leave for Hawaii.

Okay, I'll leave. See you in a few years.

Today's his father's memorial.

I've never resented you.

I suppose we do what we're told.

Where's my car?

- Where are you going, boss? - How far is the airport?

The airport?

You've done your job. Leave now...

When I came back -

Dong-su's murder wasn't news any more.

Joong-ho, Sang-taek is here.

It happened on the day you left.

I didn't expect Joon-suk to do it so soon.

He vanished into a temple or something for two years.

His gang tried to get him to Hawaii until the case was dropped.

But it wasn't so easy.

At last he just couldn't take it anymore.

He got tired of hiding so he grew a lot weaker.

Eventually he got himself into trouble.

What took you so long? Room 10!

- Fucking asshole... - He's crazy!

What do you want, assholes?

I think of you as a son, too.

I don't know what to say.

Joong-so will try his best.

In court, say you knew nothing and never ordered it.

I'll take care of bribing.

Regardless of what the police says -

I don't believe that you had any part.

This will be your defence in court.

Follow what it says exactly.

I knew this would happen to Dong-su, you idiot!

Pull yourself together, asshole!

Dong-su is my friend, too.

I'm doing this to save you.

When I saw him, he had over thirty spots.

He was stabbed over thirty times.

Case number 93-25168.

Involvement in organized crime and suspicions of two murders.

The defendant Lee Joon-suk, please rise.

Tell us your ID number and permanent and current addresses.

640227-1105914.

Permanent address is 189 Wooamdong, South Busan.

Current address is 1109 Daerim Villa, -

Chunghakdong, Busan.

The prosecution may begin.

Do you know Eun-gi Park and Gi-ho Song?

Arrested for murder in 19907?

Yes. I know them.

Di you know Dong-su Han?

Murdered in front of a nightclub in October 19907

Yes. He's my friend.

Did you give an order to Park and Song -

to kill Dong-su Han?

Yes, I did.

How are you, my friend?

Fine, you?

I'm fine.

How are you coping?

I'm okay...

Sang-taek, please don't...

I'm sorry you had to go through all this.

You don't have to.

No need for friends to be sorry.

Sang-taek, we only have ten minutes.

- Let's talk fast. - Alright.

- Are you healthy? - Sure, look.

Of cause I'm healthy. How's your father?

Are both your parents well?

Dad gave me money to come and see you.

My sister got married last month.

Too bad.

Your mother promised her to me, but I guess I blew my chances.

Congratulations anyway.

And you? You have a girlfriend yet?

Not yet.

You want me to hook you up with someone?

You? How's that possible?

Joon-suk, why did you do it?

Time's up.

Were you sorry for Dong-su? Is that why?

Tell me. Why did you say so in court?

I was ashamed.

What?

Dong-su and I, we're gangsters.

And gangsters can't be ashamed.

I'll be back.

I'll come next month.

Joon-suk! I'll be back!

Take care of yourself.

If Cho Oh-ryun and a sea turtle swam in a race -

who would win?

- Cho Oh-ryun. - See?

Never, a turtle is much faster under water.

- The turtle would win. - Not under water but on top.

- You said underwater before. - Me? When?

You're such a big liar.

We've got a problem. We're too far, let's go back.

- The tide's rising soon. - Let's go.

Back then, Joon-suk seemed to be on Dong-su's side.