Original subtitles

This film is not in a perfect condition due to damage to the original.

Taeheung Films Present

Between the Knees

Planning & Producer Lee Tae-won

Ahn Sung-ki

Lee Bo-hee

Yim Sung-min, Lee Hye-young

Na Han-il, Kang Jae-yeong

Kim In-moon, Tae Hyun-sil

Lee In-ock, Kim Tae-hwan Jeon Shook, Park Yeong-ro

Screenplay Lee Jang-ho

Cinematography Seo Jeong-min Lighting Kim Kang-il

Music Jeong Min-seob Editing Hyeon Dong-chun

Costume Original Lee Inc. (Lee Sin-u) head designer Sin so-yeong Hair Park Jun

Director Lee Jang-ho

Ja-yeong, get up.

Sleeping too much is not good for you.

Why, you... Don't be silly.

- Don't bring lunch to the pharmacy today. - Yes, Ma'am.

My brother, Ji-cheol, is so silly.

He thinks he's Michael Jackson, dancing like him all day.

I get frightened whenever I see Michael Jackson.

I think he's the spearhead of everything apocalyptic foretold by Nostradamus.

He's frightening, but sometimes he's adorable like a toy.

He probably became more popular because he looks like a naughty imp.

Whether he's an imp or devil,

I'm not happy to see him.

Oh, I know what people call you.

You mean Antique?

Yes, you must keep up with the times.

If you stay this old-fashioned, I may dump you.

Oh, I doubt it. I may be old-fashioned.

But oldies are goodies. You never get tired of them.

Aren't you going to the summer music camp this time, too?

For this summer, I may go.

- Then, teach me how to swim. - I will teach you how.

I didn't ask you, Su-il.

I'm a great swimmer. My friends call me Seal.

Which stroke would you like to learn? Breaststroke, freestyle or butterfly?

I want to learn how to tread water.

I know how to do that. All you have to do is to paddle like a dog.

That's for a dog. Ungraceful.

The butterfly would suit a beautiful girl like you.

- Oh, you're early. - Whose car is that?

- Your father came. - Whom are you talking about?

- Your father. - Do I have a father?

Shhhh...

- Bo-yeong is home. - How have you been?

Why don't you say hello to your father?

Well... What brings you here?

You've grown a lot.

I have to go now.

It's been such a long time. Please, have dinner with us.

It's okay. I'll come again.

Why don't you drop by my office?

Don't talk about what we discussed to Bo-yeong yet.

No, I won't.

How could you? He came to see us in a long time.

Why did he come so suddenly?

He missed us. That's why.

No need to tell me. I don't want to hear.

Embassy of France in Seoul French Cultural Center

- Want a pamphlet? - Yes.

Here.

That one, please.

Thanks.

- Is this place always crowded like this? - Yes, you must come early.

Oh...

- What are you doing here? - To see a movie. You?

I come here often. Did you come here alone?

I'm with a friend.

She's my sister.

- How's everything at your home? - Just so-so.

Father came to see us in secret like he was feeling guilty of something.

Did he? Doesn't he go there sometimes?

Maybe he does while I'm not home, but I haven't seen him in years.

- Your mother must be happy. - Happy? For what?

- What time does it start? - What?

- The movie. - Ahh...

- At 5 o'clock. - The same. Let's sit together.

- Thank you. - Thanks.

Take care.

- This is for you and your mother. - What is it?

- A gift. - Why are you giving me a gift?

- Just because I'd like to. - Don't be ridiculous.

What's ridiculous about it? It's okay.

I don't know what to say.

- Thanks, anyway. - You're welcome.

- I'm taking the bus here. - Okay.

Good bye.

Her mother is very young.

She and her mother look like sisters.

Sometimes, that looks tragic.

Her mother became an orphan during the Korean War.

My father hired her and looked after her until she graduated high school.

Isn't it natural for them to fall in love?

I met Ja-yeong by chance today.

She looked happy with her boyfriend.

Mom, aren't you tired of living without a husband?

You can find a good man if you decide to look for one.

You're 38. Still so young.

You told me you grew up with a mute boy in the orphanage.

Why didn't you marry him instead?

Then, you must've been happy, and I would've born as a legitimate child.

Like Ja-yeong. Don't you think so?

- Hello. - Take the pills after meal.

See how it goes and come again tomorrow.

- How much are they? - 2,400 won.

- Here. - Thanks.

- Good night. - Thanks.

How may I help you?

Well... I bought some birth control pills here.

Yes?

I haven't had my period. And I think I'm having morning sickness.

When did you take the pill? You could've been pregnant before taking it.

What?

You must've taken them in advance, not after you got pregnant.

Oh, no! What should I do now?

Why don't you just have the baby if there is a father?

Hello?

Who? Oh, Mrs. Seong.

What? I can't hear you.

Hold on for a moment.

Ji-cheol, lower the volume!

Ji-cheol!

I can't talk to your mother because of that crazy-looking man.

Ji-cheol!

Hello? Yes, it's okay now.

Yes, everyone's home.

Hold on, please.

Ja-yeong!

Answer the phone. It's your mother!

Yes, mom.

- When did you come home? - Early.

- You're not going out, are you? No, I'm not.

Don't go out at night.

I know. I'm not going anywhere.

Go to bed now.

I will.

Are you looking for an empty practice room?

No, I see lots of empty rooms.

- I just want to tell you... - Please, step aside, then.

I can't get out when you're standing in my way like that.

When a beautiful woman is standing right in front of him,

what is a real man supposed to do?

- Are you serious? - Absolutely.

Let's get out of here. I will tell you what I think.

Really?

Okay.

I don't know who you find beautiful or adorable.

But beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

So you must open your eyes first.

Then, you'll see the true beauty.

Are you kidding me? Don't do this to me again.

- See you later. - Ja-yeong!

Do you really want to spend this summer with that old-fashioned nerd?

Class ends in two days.

I'll take care of everything for you at the summer music camp this year.

Ja-yeong!

Who is it over there?

Mr. Kim, catch him!

Catch him!

Hello?

Yes, I am.

What?

I see.

I'll be there as soon as I can.

Who was it?

Mother, I need to go out.

I don't know what happened, but a friend of mine is in trouble.

Really? You should go now, then.

I'm here for Seong Ja-yeong.

- Are you Jo Bin? - Yes, I am.

Come with me.

What happened?

She barely escaped from a sexual harasser She was lucky.

She's okay. You may take her with you.

The criminal was caught and held in police custody.

He has a record, so will serve time.

Take her with you.

Let's go.

Why are you so late?

What happened to you clothes?

Did something happen to you?

Tell me. Answer me!

Take off those clothes. Take them off right now!

Let go of me! What do you want from me?

Why are you watching me and questioning me every day,

treating me like a prisoner?

I think you have mysophobia. What's wrong with you?

You seem to be waiting for me to take a wrong turn.

Alright, I'll tell you what happened.

I came close to something you've always thought dirty.

I ran into a sexual harasser on the street.

I didn't try to run or move at all.

Do you know why? Of course I was terrified.

But I wanted to defy you right at that moment.

It's all your fault that I became like this!

Because of you, I became weak-willed!

Why did you make me like this?

I'd do something really horrible as you've expected.

Art & Culture Camp

I didn't know you were here all alone. Is there anything I can do for you?

- Yes, there is. - What is it? Just tell me.

I need the sunlight you're blocking now.

Stand out of my sunlight.

Oh, are you the Greek philosopher?

I'm sorry.

I should step back for now, but we'll see.

I'm not giving her up.

I'm worse than him.

I kind of seduced him first.

Why do you put yourself down?

I can't understand myself.

I may end up causing serious trouble someday.

Give it a thought about what you are afraid of.

I think I may commit a sin.

A sin? What sin?

Sex.

- Is sex a sin? - Of course it is.

Alright, anyway...

Why do you think you may commit the sin?

I've been pursued by some sort of urge.

I feel this sudden urge that I want to commit the sin more often.

Did it start after the incident with the sexual harasser?

I felt it at that time, too.

You want to commit the sin.

You feel an urge to commit the sin.

People commit a sin for themselves whatever it is.

For money, for desire,

for vengeance,

or even for pleasure or their safety.

Then, in your case,

what do you want to commit the sin for?

Like a faithful subject never serves two kings,

a faithful wife never serves two husbands

How come you don't know that, sir?

Sir, like a noble lady would, I'd stay faithful to my husband

That's all women must do no matter high or low they were born

If some unfortunate events happen,

and this country is taken over by robbers, will you serve another king?

Please, don't do this to me

Please, don't force me

I know how loyal you are...

She tumbles on and rushes recklessly

towards Chunhyang

And she helds Chunhyang in her arms.

Oh, my daughter, Chunhyang, open your eyes, I'm here

Oh, she's going to die

The investigator says...

I feel sorry for you.

Compared to other places with nicer rooms,

my house is too shabby to have an overnight guest.

- But Help yourself anyway. - Thank you.

I am no longer a pure woman.

I know I can no longer be a virtuous wife

whom all men in this society have traditionally believed.

However, I rather feel free and easy now.

I defied my mother,

and ran away from her who has tied me down for a long time.

I strangely feel that everything was turned out well.

The immoral conduct and the urge to commit the sin

set me free, on the contrary.

When I argued with my mother I felt good like taking my vengeance.

I can't no longer see you, Bin.

Whenever I felt chased by something you've given me comfort,

and you've been very nice to me.

I always relied on you in spite myself, so I told you the truth.

Please, forgive me if this letter upsets you.

Your son looks much better in person than he does in picture.

And she's nice and pretty, too.

I think the two families must meet soon.

All right, I see. Stop the chatter and make a match.

- You know me. - Okay. I'll see you later.

Take care then.

We can't see much about her just by looking at a picture.

But at least you should take a look.

Both her parents are teachers.

She's the third daughter, so there's nothing much to complain.

She's majoring in Oriental embroidery.

I like that the most.

Did you quit drinking?

I haven't seen you drinking for a while. You used to drink day and night.

Bo-yeong.

You've changed. You look prettier.

Your father sent you this.

Try it on.

Don't blame your father. He's a good man.

Someday, you will be able to live with him and Ja-yeong.

Hey, come here.

Come quick.

Look at that woman.

You don't look like a villager here. Where are you from?

From Seoul?

I live in Seoul, too, but this is my hometown.

Fresh air, huh?

I will show you around. Get in.

Get in.

Come on.

I have something to tell you. Come with me.

I wonder if you like this place. It's yours.

Your mother and I've discussed it for some time.

I think you should move in here soon.

What about mom's house?

She needs that house.

Something's going on with her, right?

She will be married soon.

She kept it secret because she afraid you would be shocked.

But you should understand her.

You must feel hurt.

I know you grew up lonely.

So I'm afraid to tell you to live apart from your mom.

It's alright. I knew it already.

Who is she marrying?

He's a good man.

He knows and understands everything about her.

He lost his wife a long time ago,

and has been raising his children all alone.

Bo-yeong.

That's great. I just want her to be happy.

I'm okay.

Come out.

I said come out!

I can't tolerate you anymore.

I need to talk to you today.

Come out.

Look at me in the eyes.

Do not avoid my eyes!

Look at me in the eyes. Look at me!

Tell me where you've been and what you've done.

What happened to you?

Why can't you tell me?

Who's that man?

Who is it? Tell me right now!

Don't be stubborn. Let me see you.

- Get up right now! - No, what're you doing?

- Why're you doing this to me? - Let me see you!

- Are you crazy? - Get up!

- Get up, right now! - What do you want?

No! Don't touch me.

Do you want to know who? Okay, I'll tell you.

I have many, not just one! Are you happy now?

Ja-yeong, what're you doing?

Don't...

Put it down.

I will tell you the truth now.

We didn't want to hurt you two because of our marriage problems.

So we wanted to look like a normal family,

and have been living together, turning a blind eye to our problems.

But our marriage fell apart a long time ago.

Ever since your mother found out Bo-yeong was born,

we've been living separate lives.

In fact, she was born out of wedlock, like Bo-yeong.

Her mother was a mistress.

Your mother suffered from much shame and resentment,

so she must've been obsessed with you.

She just wanted you to live a chaste life.

Let's get in.

Just listen. Don't respond.

I know what you've done in the countryside.

I have the pictures of you. Of course, with a man.

What a shame.

Listen carefully, and just do as I say.

Or I will bombard all your neighbors with your pictures.

All I want is simple.

I'm not blackmailing you for money.

Do as I say, and everything will be okay.

You...

You're the Mute.

Father!

We came far away from Seoul.

There's no one in this forest.

I'll give you a deep sleep.

You're falling asleep now.

You're falling asleep now. Close your eyes.

Close your eyes. Slowly, slowly...

Close your eyes slowly.

You're dreaming freely.

You're dreaming freely.

You're dreaming freely.

You're dreaming freely.

Your body becomes as light as a feather.

Your body becomes as light as a feather.

Your body becomes as light as a feather.

You're light as a feather. Light as a feather.

Light as a feather.

Light as a feather.

You're light as a feather. Light as a feather.

You're... flying.

You're flying.

You're flying.

You're flying.

You're flying now.

You're flying now. You're flying to me.

You're... flying.

You're flying.

Stop, stop the car!

- Ask him if he wrote the truth. - Okay.

He did.

The suspect seems to have a deep-seated grudge against you.

You've been attacked by him before, right?

Yes.

I found out he has some records.

He even attempted to kill you once.

How do you know him?

He grew up with her mother in an orphanage.

He loved her so much.

According to his statement,

although you were a married man,

you molested his girlfriend 20 years ago, when she was 17.

So, that young lady's mother is the woman he loved?

He loved my mother,

but she didn't like him.

This fella has quite a record.

An attempted murder, an attempted rape,

and trespassing.

One crime led to another.

Everything is related to you.

You have another daughter?

- Take this cigarette. - Thanks.

What's been going on between you and this fella?

During the Korean war, the bombing killed both his parents

and made him mute, so he grew up to be this guy.

A successful man like you

should've helped out this kind of guy.

Oh, Ja-yeong! Please, help her!

Oh, my god!

Sir, how's she?

Sir...

She's going to be okay, right?

She's going to be alright, isn't she?

Oh, my god!

Please, let me in.

You can't come in.

No, she needs me.

- You can't come in. - Please, stay there.

Oh, no...

No...

Why did she try to kill herself?

Oh, my poor girl...

Hey, did you get into a fight with her?

Oh, Mrs. Seong...

What happened?

I don't know exactly.

It happened when I went to the pharmacy for a moment...

- What? - For about 20 minutes.

She must've come home then.

I could smell gas all over the house.

- And she was lying on the floor. - Where is she?

How is she?

It's too late, but we did our best.

She's in a critical condition. I can't say anything for now.

We'll monitor her closely.

- Doctor! - No, Ja-yeong,...

Oh, Mrs. Seong...

Ja-yeong, poor girl...

Ja-yeong, my poor girl...

There's no use crying.

Be strong.

- You go home with him. - Yes, Ma'am.

Go prepare for the funeral.

If we go on like this, we'd end up dead.

Why don't you go and eat something?

I'm okay.

- Your mother got married? - Yes.

Move in with us.

Come live with us from now on.

I've been treating you bad and wrong.

Please, forgive me.

Now the memorial rite for your father is over.

So why don't you meet the girl I told you about the other day?

She also saw your picture and heard about you.

She's quite interested in you.

May I set a place and time?

Mother, I'll explain later,

but I want to cancel this marriage arrangement.

I don't want to get married for a while.

Come in.

Hey, Dr. Shin.

Oh, Mrs. Seong, you're here, too.

She insisted on seeing you.

- She's going to be discharged today? - Yes.

Thank you so much.

You're very welcome. Please, have a seat.

Thanks.

I had very interesting talk with her.

It wasn't her fault. She's a victim of this society.

Because of Western culture and lifestyle which don't work for Koreans,

all of us are suffering from a sort of fever.

So, forget the nightmare that has passed your family.

And please, respect her spiritual purity from now on.

Ja-yeong.