Original subtitles

The Flower at the Equator

Ahn Sung-ki

Chang Mi-hee

Sin Il-ryong

Na Young-hee

Nam Koong Won

It's me, your dad. How're you doing?

Doing fine.

It's my birthday tomorrow. Would you come visit me?

I'm not going.

I've put some money for you at your bank account. Take them.

While I am doing nothing fighting with sleepless nights,

my family kept on sending me money every month.

There's no love in our family.

Original novel & Screenplay Choi In-ho

I've resigned from my fifth company last spring

and made up my mind to never get another job again. Planning Lee Gwon-seok

I despise the people who are crazy for money and desire Cinematography Chung Kwang-suk

Lighting Gang Sang-ryong

I'd say I'm a stranger wondering around

looking for pure beauty and love. Music Lee Bum-hee

Editing Kim Hee-su Photograph Seo Heung-ik

Recording Kim Byeong-su Effect Kim Kyeong-il Korean Film Council

Developing Korean Film Council

Production manager Hwang Yong-gap Prop Kim Tae-wook

Assistant cinematographer Song Hang-ki Park Hee-ju Kim Yun-gyeong Assistant gaffer Park Chang-woo Choi Hae-young Noh Gab-jung Park In-gwon

Assistant director Shin Seung-soo O Deok-je Script Oh Mi-won Kim Jin-yong

Producer Lee Woo-suk

Director Bae Chang-ho

A woman moved in to the apartment opposite of mine.

I have never seen such a beautiful woman.

The lights at her room went off at 1 am.

Some guy visited her at 8 pm.

He left at 10 pm.

The woman combed her hair.

The lights of her room went off at midnight.

Won't you invite me to your house? You're pretty happy, huh?

I really envy you.

Patients, antiseptic, night shifts...

I'm sick and tired of all that.

At least you do something for others.

We shouldn't be living for others.

Oh, it's been a while you met your mother.

Did you hear about her recently?

You don't even know her new house?

I see why you hate her.

She met a young guy right after your father passed away.

But you should understand.

How could a woman live by herself without money?

Stop it!

Here's your present.

Your birthday present, Oh Seon-young.

Thanks.

You've liked shopping since you were a school girl.

Oh, what's your new phone number?

542-4997.

542-4997.

I wonder what present he'll give you.

I don't want anything expensive. I want some roses. As much as my age.

24 roses?

Gosh, grow up.

Roses? You're not a kid anymore.

Just say that you want a pear shaped diamond, okay?

I want to have a look.

I don't want any money from him.

Are you going to live like this for the rest of your life?

You should take care of yourself.

Try to take advantage of him before he dumps you.

And then marry another nice guy.

You're crazy.

Hey, Seon-young.

- I'm sorry. - No, it's okay.

Happy 24th birthday, Seon-young.

Mr. M

Mr. M...

Hello.

Hello, Seon-young.

I want to meet you.

Because I'm in love with you.

Yes, hello.

Hello?

Are you Seol-hee? You're crazy. Don't fool around.

I was actually just listening to the record you bought me.

Hey, why aren't you saying anything?

Hello.

Hello?

Hello!

When are you coming back?

I have to go to Japan tomorrow for business.

I want to go with you.

I'll be back in a week.

Till when should I take this?

Isn't this what you wanted?

I don't need it. I haven't yet used the money you gave me last month.

You're such a frugal woman.

Use as much as you want.

Mr. Kim...

Do you love me?

Of course.

Seon-young.

There seems to be a present for you here.

I'll leave it here.

I'm sending you the second present.

I'll be watching you wear this clothes wherever you go.

The advance ticket enclosed is for the Sleeping Beauty ballet.

Mr. M.

Oh my, are you angry again?

Dad, why're you so late?

Oh, I'm sorry.

I had to eat dinner with a guest at the office.

Why didn't you give me a call?

I'm sorry, honey.

I didn't have enough time to spare. Let's get in.

- Okay. - Let's go.

Kim Seong-du

Your love is such a foolish one.

The guy has a family.

The guy doesn't love you.

He just wants your young body and pleasure.

Seon-young.

You shouldn't meet him ever again.

Seon-young.

Yes.

Hello, Mr. M!

Don't hang up.

Are you dumb?

Oh no... That's not it.

Who are you then? Why are you calling me every night?

As you say,

I'm Mr. M.

Was there such a last name as M in our country?

Or are you from the US?

How do you know my name? And my birthday?

Why did you send me roses? And clothes?

That's because I'm in love with you.

You're saying you love me?

From when did you know me?

Do you live at this apartment?

No, that's not true.

What would you want from me?

I want to meet you.

Would you come to the ballet?

I want to meet you.

That sounds good.

I want to meet you, too.

I'm curious, Mr. M.

Thank you. Goodbye, Seon-young.

Okay.

You drunk to much today.

Yes, I'm drunk. I can't get asleep if I don't drink.

I can't get sleep every night.

Unless I take some sleeping pills...

I can't get myself to sleep.

Mr. M, are you listening to me?

I'm listening.

I was afraid that you would hang up on me.

Have you ever talked to yourself, Mr. M?

When I was young, I would sometimes talk to myself all night.

People like us...

need someone whose breath we can listen to,

someone who we can share our thoughts,

rather than talking to ourselves.

You said you love me, Mr. M?

Yes, I love you.

I'm in love with someone else.

I know I have to break up with the guy.

It's already been 3 years with him like this.

That guy...

was my boss in the company I joined after quitting college.

It may be hard to believe

but he was my first love.

Mr. M, too boring for you, right?

Have you ever tried to kill yourself, Mr. M?

When I had abortion on his baby, I took 20 sleeping pills.

I already tried to kill myself twice.

You know how much I tried,

to break up with him?

But...

I was the one who begged him to meet again.

It's funny, right?

Are you listening?

You should get some rest.

I want to get some rest, too.

Mr. M has three eyes,

and four legs.

A monster.

Mr. M...

I bet you have very clear eyes.

Mr. M.

Mr. M...

Mr...

Kim Seong-du

Hello?

- Is this Kim Seong-du's house? - Yes, it is.

Are you his wife?

Yes, who is this?

I know Kim Seong-du very well.

He's still busy at the office and didn't come home yet.

You're being deceived every night.

Hello? What are you talking about?

I feel displeased.

It's not just you who is feeling displeased.

I'm also feeling displeased.

Mr. Kim Seong-du

is currently at some place very secret.

He's a hypocrite and a liar.

Your husband is

now at a secret place where no one knows

hugging a young woman.

It's not just tonight but he had done that for 3 years now.

If you don't believe me,

go check for something in front of your entrance door.

I'll tell you the phone number of the place he's at.

Hello.

Is Mr. Kim Seong-du there?

Hello?

Is Mr. Kim Seong-du there?

Hello?

Hello?

I'm asking if Mr. Kim Seong-du is there.

Hello?

Is Mr. Kim Seong-du there?

Hello!

Hello.

Did you come alone?

Where are you coming from?

Oh! You're from Seoul?

Y... Yes, that's right.

I'm from Seoul, too. That's my hometown.

Are y...you... stu...stuttering?

Get up. Let's dance.

I can't dance.

Dancing is quite simple.

It's just holding hands and twisting your waist. Let's go.

Come on.

You're such a boring man. Oh!

If it's okay with you, how about we go to the downtown?

I know a great sashimi place.

I can't eat sashimi.

When are you going back to Seoul?

Well...

I'm leaving tomorrow.

Farewell right after meeting you.

Do you think we can meet again at Seoul?

If you're okay, I'll call you at Seoul.

Would that be okay?

No.

I guess you have someone you already love?

I want to date you, Seon-young.

Are you a pro?

- What? - A playboy.

People think like that a lot.

But I'm quite innocent than what I look like.

Do you have a cigarette?

What? Oh, I quit a month ago.

Oh, I have some candies instead.

You want some?

I'm in love.

I've loved you since the moment I saw you.

Would you want some juice? Or milk?

Juice!

Jun-hwan!

Yes, did you call me?

Do you love me?

Yes, of course I love you.

It's the first time I'm feeling this kind of love.

Do you really love me?

137 Pyeongchang-dong, Jongno-gu Jung Jun-hwan

Jung Jun-hwan.

- Bye. - Okay.

Hello, sir.

Hello, sir.

Did Mr. Kim call?

Yes, he said he'll call at 3.

I think you're a playboy.

Seon-young has chosen the wrong man.

I knew it on my first sight.

I liked you on my first sight.

I'm not like Seon-young.

Seon-young is a bit too much for me.

I think she's like a kid dreaming for something, right?

I love you. I've loved you from the first time I saw you.

That won't work on me.

Seol-hee, I want to do some check up on you.

Are you sure? Do you think you can control me?

I don't like guys without any mood.

You're already late for an hour. Where are you now?

This is Mr. M.

Hey, Mr. M. I don't want to talk to you anymore.

Don't call me again.

If you call me again, I'll call the police.

I have something to tell you.

After you.

Don't you think her breast is too small for a foreigner?

Yes or no?

Don't fool around with me.

Oh, I am sorry.

You must be tired.

Not too much.

Seon-young, it's me Jun-hwan. Seon-young, it's me Jun-hwan.

I want you to come out.

It's me, Jun-hwan.

It's Jun-hwan.

Hello?

It's me, Jun-hwan.

What? Who?

Oh gosh, did you forget my voice already?

Jun-hwan?

Yes, it's me, Jun-hwan.

Jun-hwan.

You sound like you're very far away.

Why didn't you call me for two days?

I've been waiting for you a lot.

Oh, sorry. I've been very busy.

Can you come out here now?

Where're you now?

I'm at room 1006, Seoul hotel.

Hello. You sound very strange.

I want to do a check up on you again.

Would you come or not?

Okay, I'll go. I'll leave soon.

Mr. M....

Hello. I'm sorry but...

You want me to deliver these flowers?

Yes.

You shouldn't be doing this. Flowers are bad for the patient.

How's the progress?

Who're you talking about?

A woman called Oh Seon-young.

There's no one under such name here.

- Did she leave the hospital? - What's your relation with her?

He must have a crush on her.

I'm her guardian.

How can a guardian not go in the room and always ask us to deliver the flowers?

- Where's the patient? - She moved room.

What room is it?

I'm very busy now. Check with the admin for that.

- Why did she move? - She needed some psychiatry treatment.

She was showing severe depression and also emotionally unstable.

It's because she might try to kill herself again.

Hey, how about her health condition?

Go check at the psychiatric ward.

Gosh, the hospital is full because of those weird people!

Nurse.

What again?

You should go that way for the psychiatric ward.

Oh my...

Mr. M.

Mr. M.

Mr. M!

Congratulations for leaving the hospital, Seon-young.

Yes.

I'm Mr. M.

Where are you?

I'm near you.

Please come to my house.

It's too late now.

This is my last invitation.

I have to leave the apartment in several days.

I have to leave to somewhere else.

If you don't have the courage to come to my place, I'll turn all the lights off for you.

Please come here, Mr. M.

Seon-young.

Are you still not used to the darkness?

I can see a little.

Then sit down.

There's a sofa if you move forward a bit.

I know.

Turn off the light.

I almost broke our promise.

Can I turn on the fireplace?

I've got a cold.

Go ahead.

Do you want some alcohol?

I can't drink alcohol.

Can you dance?

No.

Can I turn on the lights, Mr. M?

No.

Just for a while.

I'd like to see you clearly just for a while.

If you turn on the lights, I won't let you go away with it.

Forgive my rudeness.

I've seen your face once.

But it was so dim that it was like an illusion of mist.

Is that your face?

Oh, this is boring.

You're just like everyone. Two eyes, one nose.

I thought you were a monster with three eyes and two noses.

Don't you want to touch my face, Mr. M?

You're drunk, Seon-young.

You should get some rest.

Please take me to the bed.

I'm dizzy. I think I'm falling down.

Do you love me?

You're my one and only,

most precious and noble woman.

Even if you know all my dirty past?

Your body may be dirty but that doesn't mean that you're dirty inside.

Your soul is very clean.

Don't go, Mr. M!

Do you know how much I waited for you?

Do you know how much I wanted to see you?

Please don't go...

Don't go.

Don't go.

Please don't go.

Don't go...

You're a woman of my soul.

If anyone tries to harass you,

I would never let them go away with that.

I've really enjoyed tonight's invitation.

Good night, Seon-young.

I'm trying to forget everything now.

I can forgive you now

and you can also say that I've forgiven you.

I'd like to start again from my wounds.

I want to see you.

Can you come by my place when you get this letter?

Don't call me.

I don't want to hear your voice over a call.

Phones are just a formal tool to deliver simple comments.

I'll be waiting for you.

From your love, Oh Seon-young.

Hello.

It's been a while.

Who are you?

Oh god. Did you forget my voice already?

What's up?

I want to do a check up on you. It's about time?

Don't joke with me.

Let's meet later around 8.

Did you hear about Seon-young?

Please don't bring her up.

She left the hospital.

Did she have some kind of athlete's foot on her fingers or something?

Or maybe appendicitis on her hair? Right? No?

I'll see you on 8 at the hotel lobby.

Hello.

Jung Jun-hwan.

I'll help you on that.

- I'm okay. - Okay, please enjoy your stay.

What happened?

I'm sorry, Seol-hee. I'll be there in about an hour.

How can I wait for an hour here?

That's why I've booked a room already.

Go wait at the room first.

I'll be there in an hour. It's room 1010.

I can't take this. Let's meet again later.

It'll only take an hour.

You can watch TV or maybe wash yourself.

No.

It's been too long since I did a check up on you? Isn't it?

I'll be there by the time you finish washing yourself.

Make sure you wash your feet when you wash.

Okay, just an hour.

I can't wait longer than that.

Thanks. I'll make sure I'll be there in an hour.

It's room 1010.

There should be some drinks for you in the room.

I don't want to meet you at your house.

I want to meet outside.

What? Outside?

It's raining hard outside.

I have a car with me.

Oh, do you?

I want to drive with you in the rain.

Well, that's not a bad idea. Where should we meet?

I'll be waiting at the back door of your apartment.

It'll take 5 minutes, no 10 minutes.

I have to do my makeup to look pretty, right?

I'll be waiting.

This is too fast.

Is someone following us or something?

You look like an angry man, Mr. M.

Are you angry because of me?

Where are we going, Mr. M?

We're going to the riverside.

Is that somewhere far?

No, it's not.

Scary thoughts keep coming to my mind.

This night is so scary.

Seems like this night is not going to end.

Why did we come to this place, Mr. M?

I love you, Mr. M.

You should get out, Seon-young.

Are you saying we should have sex in the rain or something?

Get out, Seon-young.

Why're you keep saying I should get out?

Someone is waiting for you.

Someone is waiting for us? Who?

Mr. M is waiting for you.

Mr. M, please don't fool with me.

I'm not Mr. M.

Mr. M, you're weird.

Did you bring me here to push me to the river?

To clean your dirty body.

Take your clothes off!

I know.

I know you wrote a letter to him

to test on me.

Nothing happened between him and me last night.

Trust me.

You deceived me.

You said you loved me.

You asked me not to dump you.

To Kim Seong-du,

And to Jung Jun-hwan, too. You said the same thing.

No, to all the other guys you met.

You're trash!

Don't pretend to be a clean man.

I am a dirty woman as you say!

But I thought you'd take me as I am and clean me.

There's no love in this world!

Stop this craziness, Mr. M.

Let's go back to my place

and start all over again.

Let's go home.

Why can't you?

You're a coward,

peaking at someone else's bathroom through a whole.

Wash your dirty corrupted body.

Wash away your dirty desires!

Wash your corrupted body!

Wash your dirty desires!

Hey...

Her dead body was found two days after that night.

It turned out she had gassed herself to death.

As she shouted out that night,

maybe there's no eternal love in this world that I was looking for so long.

My love that I poured to her

may have been also selfish love rooted from my dirty desire.

I was a hypocrite in front of her

and a coward who left her at the riverside in the rain.

I've realized now.

I couldn't save her wounded soul

and it was me who made her kill herself.

I'd like to live the rest of my life as a prisoner

and beg her apology for her death.

Seon-young was after all,

a vain flower that I tried to bloom in this bleak desert.