Original subtitles

Water Mill

Production : Wu Gi-dong

Planner : Jo Gyu-jin

Original story : Na Do-hyang Screenplay : Baek Kyeol

Shin Young-kyun

Ko Eun-a

Choi Nam-hyeon Heo Chang-kang

Cinematography : Seo Jeong-min Light : Gang Yong-sin

Music : Jeon Jong-kun Art : Chung Woo-taek Editing : Kim Hee-su

Directed by Lee Man-hee

Is that a memorial rite for the dead?

- You must be a visitor. - Yes.

It's my first time here.

It's an exorcism to appease the soul of the woman who died in that water mill.

When did that happen?

It happened even before I was born.

More than 70 years.

- Go on and help yourself to some rice cake. - Okay.

Grandmother!

Can I borrow one of your socks?

What for?

Mine must have fallen off dancing.

A young lady shouldn't go around barefoot like that.

I have a sock.

I found it in the stream.

Thank you.

Does it fit?

Yes.

Thank you.

What improper behavior!

Hey, you just kicked me, cheater! I quit!

- What? - I'm out!

What's going on? Look here now.

Go on and do it. Go on!

Come on! Anybody! I'm the strongest here!

Who will challenge me?

Come on!

I am the champion of the three villages this year again!

Come on, anybody!

Go on!

- Go on! - Give it go!

Come on, punk!

It looks like that was it.

Let's eat and drink to our fill!

- Go on! - Do it!

Hey, man!

Get up. Let's go have a drink.

Kill her! Kill her!

Kill her!

Take off her mask!

- Get her! - Get her!

Young man!

You have to forget about her.

This day, every year,

I meet a young man saying he saw that girl at the mill.

But nobody's ever heard of a girl living there.

I saw her. I really did.

We had a talk.

And she smiled at me.

The girl you met

is either the ghost of the girl who died or a fox disguised as girl.

Geez, sir!

That's nonsense!

Even now, there are many young men like you who long for her.

But nobody knows the real story behind the mill or the girl.

Not even me.

Take some rest and leave this village before the sun sets

I'm not sure why but I think you should go.

I won't go.

Can you find me a job ?

I thought you were on your way to Onyang.

Nobody is waiting for me there.

I saw you wrestling before. You seem strong as a bull.

I can be a good worker. You could easily find me a job.

Let me see.

Where are you from?

Nowhere.

How can that be?

I've roamed around since I was a boy.

I don't have a hometown.

Do you have a last name?

Yes.

What is it?

Actually, I'm not sure if I'm Kim or Park.

I don't know which is my real last name.

What?

What you've said perfectly matches

how you look.

- Come on up here. - Yes, sir.

What's your name?

Bang-won.

- At least that you have a name. - True.

You can stay with us.

I'm grateful, sir.

- Never forget that I'm doing you a favor. - I won't.

- Hey. - Yes, sir?

- Give him a last name. - Yes, sir

And you! You better not displease me in anyway.

Of course not.

Why didn't you just make up a last name?

What is your last name?

- Probably Kim. - And your first name?

- Bo - Bo?

Bo, meaning to help.

What kind of a name is that? Bo?

Bo is Bo, Kim Bo.

Hey, buddy!

What made you stay in this village? Let's hear your story.

A tramp like me rests whenever he gets tired, that's all.

Of all places, why get tired in this village?

Anything wrong with that?

No, actually, I was a wanderer myself before I settled here.

But this village is no place to settle.

Why not?

That's what the old folks say.

Geez, that's a silly reason.

What's in this bag?

A new outfit.

What's this hard thing? It's long and thin...

Why do you care so much what's in my bag?

Hey, do you have any money?

I don't like getting robbed so I decided not to have any.

What's a stingy guy.

Don't you feel like some rice wine?

Bang-won.

Bang-won.

It's hot.

You've done a lot.

Is it true that you don't have a last name?

Of course it's true.

How can a person not have a last name?

Maybe my father went to a whore and didn't pay.

So she took his last name instead?

- Maybe. - Huh?

What a story!

Aren't you going down?

What for? I have nothing to do down there.

I'll finish off this tree. You go first.

Ok, then. I'm going!

So you are staying in this village

because of that girl.

Can you help me find her?

What would you do with a married woman?

You'd better forget her.

The problem is that I cannot!

Then you must leave this place.

- Hello, ma'am. - Hi.

Is the fresh rice wine ready?

No, tomorrow perhaps.

Please save the best for me.

Sure. You go on now.

Bang-won!

Bang-won!

Where the heck is he?

Bang-won!

Bang-won!

Bang-won!

Hey, man!

Bang-won! What are you doing sitting there like that?

Hey, man! What's going on?

Bang-won!

If you were a girl, would you sleep with a guy like me?

Of course I would.

If I were a girl, I wouldn't.

I would've fallen for you at first sight.

Me too. You look so manly!

You do look a bit foolish, but I'm sure girls would find you attractive.

What a thing to say!

There's nobody to carry the coffin. Must be too poor.

Who died?

Died, after all...

A worthless wretch like me should've died instead.

Men are all doomed to die.

The girl you're so crazy about.

The Master Kang with all his money, you and I...

We are all going to die.

And in the grave, we will all be the same.

Ready to go now?

You go first.

- Where do you live? - Wherever.

- Where are you from? - There.

Where are you going?

- There. - Are you looking for someone?

I found her. Now I'm not going anywhere.

Was that funeral for your father?

Mother?

Who then?

My husband. Three years...

He'd been ill for three years.

He was already ill on our wedding night.

Why did you marry a sick man?

Why did I marry him? I didn't have a choice.

I'm leaving now.

No.

What do you mean no?

It's raining out there.

I'll go when the rain stops.

I even lent her rice during the famine!

That ungrateful bitch! How can she disappoint me like this?

Calm down! Getting mad isn't going to help.

How can I calm down when I'm so upset?

Stop pounding your heart! You're not well.

What? Are you going to disappoint me, too?

Please...

Calm down and sit down.

You have a weak heart.

Now is not the right time.

Let's wait a bit.

Wait so that others can snatch her?

Don't be so hasty.

Listen to me.

Understand?

Right, go on then.

I'm going now.

I'll send you a bushel of barley.

- Thank you so much. - Okay, go on now.

Where are all my servants?

He knows he won't get ten sacks of rice let alone a single grain.

Then what's the use of going there?

The old man's after the lady, not ten sacks of rice.

Even after his wife died, he didn't marry because of her.

She must be a real beauty.

You'd fall for her at first sight like that girl you're crazy about.

Follow me.

Will you come in, too?

- I'll wait here. - All right.

Anybody home?

Well, that can't be done.

If you can't pay back the debt, then go and see the landlord in person.

Let's go then.

Stop right there.

Why, you...

Isn't this too much?

He wants me to bring her. What am I supposed to do?

Besides it's not my business anyway.

She's not going to see anybody. No!

Please stop. I must go since the landlord wants to see me.

No, I'll pay the debt myself. So go back home.

You will?

Why? You think I can't get ten sacks of rice?

I'll pay it back, I will! So shut your mouth and just go.

Hey! What's wrong with you?

Let go! You just leave, okay?

All right, good luck. But you're asking for trouble!

You ungrateful beast!

How can you go against me like this?

Give that bastard a good beating.

Yes, sir.

Hurry up and come inside!

That bastard...

Come inside. Don't go near.

Get him!

Bastards!

Bang-won.

Didn't I tell you that this is no place for a tramp to settle?

I'm sorry about before.

It's all right.

It's all for the better. I'm leaving this village with you.

I'm not leaving. You go ahead. I will die before I leave.

Bang-won, it's all for your sake.

Anyway I just need ten sacks of rice. I'll go and do it.

Bang-won.

I won't go! I won't!

Nobody can make me leave this village!

Nobody!

Geum-bun! Geum-bun!

Geum-bun!

They say she is a real looker.

A temptress that drive men crazy.

No wonder Master Kang waited for her as a widower all this time.

So he beat the hell out of Bang-won for eyeing her.

Is it true that he doesn't have a last name?

He doesn't know if he's a Kim or a Park.

Perhaps he has two fathers.

Would anyone buy me for ten sacks of rice?

Look who's here! It's the tramp infatuated with a lady ghost.

What? A ghost?

I need ten sacks of rice.

I'll serve you for life. For ten sacks of rice.

Please buy me for ten sacks of rice.

It hurts.

Does it?

Yes, it hurts.

No way!

He's not your match!

He doesn't even have a last name!

The fool doesn't even know where he's from.

It's completely nonsense!

Don't you agree?

He's nothing but a farmhand!

How could he possibly pay off your debt?

It's not even funny.

He's just trying to win your heart! You know that, huh?

Don't you fall for that lie, okay?

Come on, give it to me. I'll do it.

Go on and take some rest.

This is hard work for a fragile woman like you.

It's not like the landlord sent me

to make you pay back that rice.

You know that, right?

All that crap about chastity, love... You don't want to end up like me.

I'm sick and tired of being a window.

The Gate of Chastity bestowed by the king?

What good is it? It can't talk or keep you company.

I've heard enough.

It's all done.

Come on, don't even think about that nameless fool.

He does have a last name, Lee

What? Lee?

He said he wasn't sure if he was Kim or Park!

Where did Lee come from?

Either he is crazy or you are.

Who in the world would become a slave for only ten sacks of rice?

I believe he's sane and so am I.

Good. Bring him in.

Yes, sir.

Dear, can you bring some wood when you come back?

Sure, honey.

Take the bowl.

- I'll be waiting in the water mill tonight. - All right.

Go on now.

So, what's the deal with the ten sacks of rice?

I'll be your slave until I die.

And you are sane, right?

Are you by yourself?

I have a woman.

Woman? Your wife?

Yes...

How old is she?

Just over twenty, I guess.

Twenty?

- Hey! - Yes, sir!

Give him the ten sacks of rice.

Come on up here.

It's alright.

Come on.

Stop bothering her and take the rice!

You, little...

You thought a nameless man couldn't even get some rice, huh?

- It looks new. - It is.

The last landlady gave it to me for my wedding.

This is for you.

I don't remember how I got that hairpin.

But I've had it for a long time.

I thought it could be my mother's though I've never even seen her.

Here, let me do it for you.

We pray to you. We pray to you.

I beg you, dear god of the mountain.

I pray to the god of the mountain and the god of the sea.

With bells on the four ears, and to the jingle we march.

Bless the husband and wife in happy union

for a hundred years and more.

We pray to you...

Come to bed

I hear that guy sold himself for ten sacks of rice.

- All for a woman. - A woman?

They say that widow is a fatal beauty.

Does it make you drool?

Ha, I don't know.

- Hey! - Yes?

Come here and sit down.

Do you know why that old man exiled you here?

An exile? But I didn't do anything wrong.

You don't know how good Cheon-du is, do you?

Good? Is he a good worker?

He sure is good with his hands.

Is he good at kneading clay?

You are so slow, man!

So now you know!

You are a dirty old man!

Why does he want to get a wife

when there are servants to cook and clean for him?

May be he's lonely by himself.

He's got someone to take care of that too.

- Who? - Me!

Isn't it a pity for a woman to lose her beauty

and grow old as the wife of a servant?

You never get to eat good food or wear fine clothes.

The children will never be successful

when their parents are servants, right?

You and I are good looking girls.

Why waste our lives in the arms of some foolish servants?

Who knows if we please the old man

under his silk blanket and have his child,

we could become the lady of the house?

- Bring some water! - Yes, sir.

Damn it! Why did she have to answer?

Geez, probably only twenty-two or three...

Why...

Here is the water.

- Leave it there. - Yes, sir.

Oh, it's you!

Come in.

Bring it over here.

What's you name?

- Geum-bun. - Geum-bun, how old are you?

Twenty-two.

Twenty-two? You're so young. Give it to me, huh?

My goodness!

You are young but I can still overpower you.

I don't have a wife or children.

I have money and strength as good as a young man.

You are only twenty-two, young and fresh...

Should I bring dinner?

It's not dinner time yet!

The sun hasn't even set!

All she cares about is food!

Damn her!

Now you know why he sent off your husband

to the pottery house instead of farming here.

When he comes back tell him say that he is no good at pottery

and beg the old man to let him stay here farming.

Do you know how much those jars cost?

It's not something for you to break!

- Answer me! - I'll...

How will you pay for the broken jars?

I'll do whatever you tell me to do.

Fine then!

For ten days,

you will make jars day and night!

You are not allowed back here for ten day!

Why are you just standing there? Go!

Go! What are you looking at?

What are you doing? Get rid of him!

Go! Go on!

Leave me alone.

Come here.

- I picked them for you. - Get him out of here now!

Go, quick!

Go!

It's his third day here, right?

Which means the old man's been having fun for three days, huh?

Don't you miss your wife?

I can't do anything about it

Just how beautiful is that wife of yours?

Why do you ask, you little...

You little? What?

Why, you!

You son of a bitch!

Hey, man!

I'm falling! Falling!

Geum-bun.

Was everything alright?

You're okay, aren't you?

Did you miss me?

I only have seven more days of punishment.

- And... - Hey!

- Answer him. - Anybody there?

Yes, sir.

Bring me some honey tea.

Go on, make him the tea. I've got to go now.

Be careful!

Hello, Bang-won.

- How are you? - So, how's living in exile?

Exile?

Yes, it is a kind of exile.

Why are you looking those?

I really want a pair.

Could you give me a pair for this?

Are you out of your mind?

You want a pair of shoes for some jars? No way!

I'll bring as many jars as you want

for this pair of shoes.

Really?

Of course!

But, Bang-won...

You'd be sort of stealing those jars.

Do you think it'd be okay later?

Thank you.

Where did you get those shoes?

It's nothing.

Where did you find that?

Where did you lose it?

At... At the well.

I found it at the well.

I'll bring dinner

Where did you get these?

What?

These shoes.

The landlord bought them for me.

Come to us. Come to us.

Twenty-two year old bachelor ghost, come and meet your match.

A girl died in the water mill, her youthful body gone to waste.

Possessed by this ghost, the girl's life is one of trickery.

What shall I do?

Tell me what to do. I'll do anything.

How much more can you pay?

I'll give you everything I have.

Steal undergarments from three women and throw them in the stream

on the third night of August. Everything will be fine then.

But today is the third day!

- That's right. Get going! - I will.

Bow to the west two times after throwing the undergarments.

Got it.

A thief!

- A thief! - A thief!

Catch the thief!

Catch the thief!

Catch the thief!

I've got you!

You son of a bitch! Confess your crime!

A shaman told you to rob my house? You liar!

Give me the undergarment...

Why are they beating him?

Bun!

Get that bastard out of this village!

I'll leave.

Let's go, dear.

Let's go? Who do you think you are taking?

What about my ten sacks of rice? You go alone!

Take him away!

What are you waiting for?

Geum-bun! My dear Geum-bun!

Geum-bun!

Here's the undergarment.

Mother!

Geum-bun!

Why, you...

You bastard!

Geum-bun!

I forgive you for everything. Just come with me.

My Geum-bun! My dear Geum-bun!

I won't go! I can't go!

You're mine!

I won't let anybody have you!

Nobody can take you from me!

Not Shin Chi-gyu! Not anyone!

You're mine!

I won't go!

Geum-bun!

My Geun-bun!

She's dead.

Don't touch her!

Nobody can take her from me...

Nobody...

Geum-bun!

Geum-bun!

Geum-bun!

The End