Original subtitles

This film is based on a true story

October 1979, with the shooting of President Park Chung-hee

South Korea's 18 year long era of dictatorship ends

But in contrast to citizens hopes for democracy, General Chun Doo-hwan heads a military coup and seizes power

1980, outraged citizens protest in the streets, and their yearning for democracy intensifies

(Spring 1980, Seoul)

That girl who once gave me a bouquet of flowers

Why do I miss her so much today

Her neatly bobbed hair, is like a rain-soaked blade of grass

Her sparkling eyes still shine in my heart

At times when I feel lonely,I remember that clay

When I remember that day, I fall into reverie

That longing I can't forget

How cruel that time has taken her away

brought to You by falang01

-(Private Taxi) - Lift the state of emergency

Lift it! Lift it!

No more martial law

No more! No more!

What, is it an accident?

Disperse immediately or you will be forcefully removed

I repeat

All students disperse immediately

Or you will be forcefully removed

I wondered why today was so quiet

Did they go to university to protest?

Enough is enough...

Spoiled bastards

They should be shipped off to Saudi Arabia

Work themselves to death in the burning desert

Then they'll realize, � Wow, my country is great!�

And would be thinking straight

How can you dash at my car?

If you jump out like that...

Run!

Hey, where are you going?

Hey,you

- Get back here -Stop!

Taxi

Taxi

That"

To the hospital, quickly

Mister, please go faster

The first baby takes a long time, even after the water breaks

My wife spent 12 hours in the delivery room

The first baby's always like that

Hey,hey,hey

Lift the state of emergency

Hey,hey,hey

If this doesn't stop, we'll end up having the baby in the car

Oh, whatever

(Throw out the dictatorship and bring in democracy)

We're here, honey

My best driving ever

This way

Other taxi drivers won't take pregnant women

But I did, remembering my daughter's birth

Thanks. Honey, where's my wallet?

You packed the damn bag

Take another look, it must be there

Sorry but I left my wallet behind

Tomorrow, I promise...

You know how many times I heard that?

I could've bought a house with all that taxi fare

No, I promise...

There she goes again

It's coming

Hold on just a second

Here's m business card Y

Call me tomorrow, I'll pay double

So sorry

You promised to pay me double

Have a safe delivery

Best of luck

This is no place to play soccer. Go play over there

Did she go out?

My princess, sleeping already?

You should eat dinner

Huh?

What happened? Who did this to you?

I fell down

How dare him. Sang-gu, that brat!

It wasn't Sang-gu, I really did fall down

Are you going to lie to your dad?

Kim Eun-jung! Should I smack you instead?

Ma'am! Sang-gu!

Ah, just the person I wanted to see

What do you say about this?

How could she do this

To our precious son?

Eun-jung's face is also...

Really, I've never seen a girl

As wild as Eun-jung

It's all because she doesn't have a mother

And you're too soft on her

That's a bit...

And since you're here, one more thing

I've held my tongue because I know your situation

But you owe me 100,000 won in rent

I'm sorry. Ma'am, I'll...

You're 4 months late

At least tell us when you'll pay

100,000 won is big money for us too

Sang-gu, you're sleepy! Must have eaten too much

Whatever my husband says, I've had it this time

And discipline your daughter, will you?

Breaks my heart to see my son like this

I'm hungry

Bean sprout soup

Kim Eun-jung!

I've told you many times, don't fold the backs of your shoes

Not answering again

Those shoes are too small. Dinner's ready

Then ask me to buy you new ones

Wow, tastes great

You could get married tomorrow

Sang-gu's mom brought that over

Right, I thought it was too salty

Lift your head

Dad, do we have to move

Yeah, we're going to buy Sang-gu's house. After I get rich

So don't worry and study hard

Okay?

Ouch, that stings

Then why don't you listen?

What did I say?Play nice with him

Don't fight

He picked on me first

Just ignore him

Learn to bear it

Life is never going to be fair

Want to go on a picnic this Wednesday?

No school on Buddha's Birthday

You should work. More customers on holidays

Oh my, you're even worse than your mother

My dear daughter

Who do you take after, to be so sweet!

Under the emergency decree starting on May 18

Martial law is in force

All political activity is banned

The nation's universities are temporarily closed

And labor strikes are strictly forbidden

The recent street demonstrations by students...

So does this mean I'll lose passengers again

Welcome

(May 19, 1980 Press Center, Japan)

Beer and sushi again?

Hey Peter, how was the parliament today?

Same as always, nothing different

This is Jurgen Hinzpeter

From ARD-NDR, Germany

He's been living in Japan for about 8 years

It might be helpful to know him

It's good to meet you, Mr. Hinzpeter

David John, BBC

Just call me Peter

It's my first time in Japan

Anything I should look out for?

It's comfortable

That's tricky... as a journalist

You shouldn't be in a place that's too comfortable

Excuse me?

Nothing

Where were you based before?

South Korea

It's very tense over there now

I heard their government declared martial law

It's always tense there

I think it's much worse this time

On top of the martial law, several opposition leaders were arrested

And the universities got locked down too

What else have you heard?

I've been trying to contact some people I know

But it's almost impossible to get through

Since when?

Since last night

(Seoul, Korea)

I work for the Church

I'm a missionary

It's been a long time

I need to get back soon

Something doesn't feel right

How bad is the situation?

It's been 3 days since the martial law

Kim Dae-Jung has been taken in

And they've got Kim Young-Sam under house arrest

Gwangju?

It's a city down south

(Never negative reporting about martial law forces)

(No reporting that justifies, supports student protests)

(Whatever mentioning Gwangju is not allowed)

And there's no article about Gwangju

No coverage, nothing?

This is the local paper from Gwangju

They censored the whole page?

What exactly happened over there?

No one knows

We got word of the first casualty

3 AM on the 19th

But now

Even the phone lines have been cut

What about the foreign press?

Today is Kim Jae-kyu's trial

They all went there

But the government has eyes on them

They can't move as they wish

You must be careful

I should go to Gwangju

First

By yourself?

But...

How will you get there?

For a guy so paranoid about his car

How'd you break a mirror?

A worthless punk

He ran off after busting my car

Why be a student

If you can't be a decent human being

All right. I'll only charge 5,000 won, okay?

What? Just take 4,000

Earned nothing for yesterday

Have a heart, man

How can you be so cheap

And get an inspection sometime

The engine doesn't sound right

An inspection? I inspect my car every day

After 600,000 km, this car is past retirement

Easy on my car!

Try fixing it after it breaks, it'll cost you more

Don't give me bad luck! I'm already pissed

3,000 won, then

That is so unfair! You know how much parts cost?

Th row this out?

No way. I'll use it later

Leave it

Dammit

Hey, what are you doing?

God, you're pathetic

Pathetic?

So, the kids fought again?

I gave Sang-gu a good scolding

Ma'am

Ma'am

What?

Another portion for us

No, I'm fine. Never mind

Why not? I said I'd pay

Don't be silly, I'll pay

What's the occasion?

But you need to lend me some money

I figured. How much?

100,000 won

From you secret stash

My sister got married last month

I secretly gave it all away to her

I don't have much left

But why so much?

You paid off all your debts

It's not the rent, is it?

Bingo!

My god

Only you would borrow from your landlord

To pay the rent

Lend me first before you lecture me

Ma'am! Give me anything quick

What's the rush?

We need to play cards after lunch

You guys play all you like

I'm going to Kukdo Theater

Got a long distance

- Where to? -Gwangju

We'll go now, and be back before curfew

Wow, you hit the jackpot. For how much?

100,000 won

100,000 won?

What kind of idiot would pay 100,000 for one day?

A foreigner idiot

Oh, do you speak English?

Of course!

I grew up near the U.S. army base

Foreigners pay tips

If you add the tip...

You spent time abroad

Couldn't you handle that?

I'm sorry! Enjoy your lunch

Ma'am, discipline Sang-gu, will you?

Where does he get that bad temper from?

And he eats too much. Takes after his mom?

Wait till I get that money

I'll teach that kid some manners

Called for a taxi?

Yes, but isn't this a private taxi?

I called a taxi company

Ah yes, but the company's cars are all busy

No car's available, so I volunteered

Does he understand what's going on?

Of course. I explained everything

You were told everything?

Yes, to Gwangju

And back before curfew for 100,000 won

And you speak English?

Of course, of course!

Sure, I spent 5 years in Saudi Arabia

So I speak English

Don't worry, don't worry

I'm Mr. Kim

You and me together

Let's go Gwangju

Huh? Ok

Nice to meet you

Please get in

Ok, ok

Thank you

Be careful

Take another taxi. This one's reserved

Reserved?

For where?

Why?

This car's going to Gwangju

You Korea first time?

No, this is my second time

Oh really?

Where are you from?

Germany

Germany, oh really?

My friend

What's the word for that?

He went to the coal mine

I know, there are many Korean workers in Germany

Nurses, miners

I was in Saudi, you know?

Do you know Saudi?

This taxi, Saudi money

I drive Saudi truck

Driving in that desert was so damn tiring

People here don't have a damned clue

Listen, how far is it to Gwangju?

I don't have much time, I need to go there quick

Why is he talking so fast?

You, fast. Huh? Slow...

So that I can English

Slow, okay?

Okay. Gwangju, we go fast. Okay? Fast!

What's the hurry?

Gwangju, don't worry! I'm the best driver

It's really far. Get some sleep

Sleep... Sleep

Perfect

My recent luck's been shit all for this day

(Pusan) (Daejeon)

Gwangju! Gwangju!

Gwangju? Are we here?

What's this?

(No Entry) Can we go?

Don't slow down, keep going!

Yes, yes

What's he shooting?

What picture, what camera?

Let's go, hurry!

Why so rude? If I ask you something, answer

And what's with this road? Can I pass, or not?

What's this?

I'm not a reporter, you understand?

Huh? What?

I said to speak slowly

Are they training?

Stop

Is this a training exercise?

What division?

What division is this?

I did my service in the 7th division

This is a real operation. Turn back

Didn't you see the sign?

My passenger's going to Gwangju

Do you want to die, you idiot

Who the hell are you?

What is he saying?

Is he asking me something?

What did he just say?

He said, let's go back. He made a mistake

Allegiance

Excuse me, Driver

This direction, also Gwangju?

No, no Gwangju. Now, we go Seoul

Seoul?

What are you talking about? I have to go to Gwangju

That's what you think, and it's not that I refuse

Soldier say, Gwangju no

Okay

You won't get paid if you don't take me to Gwangju

You understand?

What's he saying?

No Gwangju, no money

No money?

Are you joking?

You know how much gas we used?

I told you the soldier said we can't go

No Gwangju

You what camera picture?

Why you Gwangju?

Oh my god

You know what, just take me to Gwangju

That's all you should worry about

What I'm doing there is none of your business, ok?

Business?

You businessman?

So you go to Gwangju?

Yes, Gwangju

No Gwangju, no money

Shit, am I just going to waste gas money again?

Sir

Let me ask you something

Is there any back road to Gwangju around here?

Nope

Then, is there anyone who'd know?

What do you want there?

Didn't you see the soldiers?

You'd be better off heading back home

Sir, if I can't get to Gwangju...

Sir, I really need to go there

Our village foreman told us

To stay clear of Gwangju

There is a back road to Gwangju over that hill

Where is it?

Over there

Over that side?

This road's going to ruin my shocks

You're lucky to have me, you know?

Any other driver would be back in Seoul by now

Here, no soldier

Yeah, great. No soldier

What's going on, for them to block even this road?

Stop!

Who the hell

Turn around, turn around

Trying to earn some dollars in a while

You said you're a businessman?

Dollars, contract

Contract...

Something like this

Very, very important paper

You forgot this, in Gwangju

What?

Good day, sir! Allegiance!

Yes

I'm coming from Gimpo Airport

That guy is a really important businessman

He was heading back to the U.S.

But he left some important papers in Gwangju

No. Turn back!

Please listen

Without those papers

We can't export to the U.S.

I came speeding here from the airport

All out of patriotism

We need to export so we can get dollars

Earn U.S. Dollars

- To become a developed country... - What's wrong?

Hold on a sec

Listen

If I don't get to Gwangju

There will be problems, big problems

My boss is a very important man

He'll be very unhappy if I don't get back with those documents

Very very unhappy! Tell him

What did he say?

Very, very important paper

Tell him, not me

Very, very important paper

OK?

Very important paper. Important man, important paper

Big, big trouble

Hey, clear a path

But come right back

It's dangerous there because of the riots

- Riots? -Yes

Yes, we'll be back in a flash

- Allegiance -Yes

Nice job back there, my fare

100,000 won now

I've told you, I'll pay you once we get back to Seoul

Gwangju dangerous

So pay in advance

First money

No, it's "Ladies first" so...

Money first

Korea business style

Now no money, I go Seoul

Your choice

Go ahead and glare at me, you jerk

Your choice

You'll get the rest in Seoul

Your choice

What a fox. Are you copying me?

Still, 50,000 is nice

I choice! Let's go Gwangju, okay?

Ok!

All righty!

What a miser

Glare at me like that and I'll rip your eyes out

You don't know what I'm saying, do you?

Let's go Gwangju, that's all I said

(To the citizens of democratic Gwangju)

(Defend Democracy to the Death)

What's going on here

(Rescind martial law)

Stop the car, Driver

What does that mean?

Huh? What?

(To the 1980s, Decade of Hope...)

It says...

Hope. Eight. Ah, 80, 80. Hope

Hope?

In the 1980s...

Oh, it's just some crap

Forget about it

What's that?

Wait,stop! Pull over

See? It's a taxi from Seoul

Whoa, it's a foreigner

Hi. Where are you going?

- What's he saying? - Is that a camera?

Those university students speak worse English than me

Hey, Jae-sik! You speak some English, right?

Get over here, Jae-sik

Why me?

You speak English, that's why

Hi

Hi

Where are you going?

Where are you from?

Germany. German broadcast, ARD

German

Are you a reporter?

Yes. I am a reporter

He's a reporter from Germany, come to shoot us

We're going to be on the news, that's perfect

Businessman, my ass

If you're a reporter, you should've told me

He rode here in a taxi from Seoul

Let's give a hand

To the taxi driver who came so far

Ah Well...

From Seoul to here...

Where are you headed now?

...is pretty far away

We go to the hospital for the sick

Can I come with you?

Yes

I'd like to interview him

He wants to interview you

Wow, you're a star now

I should've at least washed my face

Jae-sik

You come up too, Mister

What do you mean

He needs to drive his taxi

Don't worry, don't worry

I'll be right behind you

Go, me too go

Then follow us

Let's go

We fight for justice

Live and die together

We'd rather die standing than live on our knees

We fight for justice

I should've known 100,000 won was too good to be true

Citizens of Gwangju, unite

Citizens of Gwangju, citizens of Gwangju

Citizens of Gwangju, unite

Can't risk my car

Getting damaged in the protest again

Oh my, taxi

Give me a lift, mister

Take a Gwangju taxi, granny

This is a Seoul taxi

Oh jeez

Granny, can you even pay the fare?

Who's in the hospital?

They said someone who looks like my youngest son

Was brought there after a soldier smashed his head

Is he a university student? Does he protest?

No, he didn't even go to high school

Didn't come home last night

Then he must have been out drinking with his friends

He doesn't drink

And those soldiers, they've gone berserk

Beating anyone who passes by

Or stab them

Granny, I was an army sergeant

No soldier would ever do that!

Those are all just rumors, right?

Of course

Then where the heck did he go?

No, I won't take you

Go see if they need help

Please drive, I'm in a hurry

What's the rush?

You don't write a single line in the newspaper

What are you in a hurry for

You reporters have more time than anyone now

If reporters don't report, why should we drive?

Gwangju taxi drivers must be rich

Turning down fares like that

Ma'am

Please give me a ride

No way

Damn it

Taxi, taxi

No, this is a Seoul taxi. Take a Gwangju taxi

Go to the other side

Oh m'!

What a mess

A high school student?

Careful

Go call a doctor

Doctor

Quick, doctor

Doctor

Please find my youngest son

I beg you, please

Where are you, Yong-pyo?

Oh, Yong-pyo! My son...it's not him

Are you okay?

Mom?

Mom!-H

Yong-pyo!

What are you doing here?

Oh, you wicked boy!

I thought something awful happened to you

Are you okay?

This ain't nothing at all. Just three stitches

Are you hurt anywhere else?

I'm totally fine

Sir

- Thank you so much -Oh...

Thank you, really

Mom, wear this

Don't know what I'd have done without this taxi driver

Thank you so much

You got some money?

I ain't got money

Never mind, you don't need to pay me

See, I told you he'd be fine

Wait

Are you that Seoul taxi...

You know me?

It's you!

Yong-pyo, you know him?

- A while back, this guy... - Hey, mister

What's he doing here?

Do you have any idea how much time I wasted looking for you?

We've been driving all over trying to find you

Where is my film bag?

Who is he to yell at my driver!

He ran off

With this reporter's expensive equipment

What are you talking about?

How dare you!

What do you mean I ran off with his things?

I didn't take anything!

What's going on?

His...

Look here!

What's this doing here?

I don't know

I really didn't know

You said to follow, and then you sped off

I don't know the roads here. You know how hard I searched?

Hey mister, that ain't so

People saw you take a U-turn

Hey, pal! Watch it

Would he really take off without collecting his fare?

Here, the other half of the fare

So you just go back to Seoul

I'm better off on my own

What? He charged 50,000 won just to come here?

Actually, they agreed on 100,000

- And he already received half -100,000 won?

What? So he got paid and tried to run off?

Take the money back

Just take it

Why are you giving this guy money?

He's giving us all a bad name

Taxi drivers like this need to be taught a lesson

Am I wrong?

Whose side are you guys on, anyway?

How dare you start shouting!

Bro, am I wrong?

Why don't you say something?

What would I say?

If he received his fare...

Would he really just ditch his passenger?

Man, you're so wishy-washy

I'm not wishy-washy

I'm firm when I need to be

Don't you know me?

Hey, Seoul Driver!

You'll pay for doing that

As a driver it's wrong, and as a human being it's wrong

How dare you talk to me that way

I guess everything they said about you was true

Let me take a look at your license number

What the hell are you doing?

Here

I didn't take any money, alright?

Let's go

Let's go

College boy! Are you going to ride around in my car all clay?

He asked me to translate

Do your parents know what you're doing?

Why are you chewing me out?

I'm not! Didn't you see back there?

Your mother must be worried sick

They didn't pay that expensive college tuition

Just for you to go protest

You went to study, right? Then you should study, dammit!

I didn't go to university to study

I went to compete in the university song contest

Then why not spend this time practicing your singing?

Mister, you don't know what you're talking about

You guys are so oblivious

You students think other countries are nice like ours?

Go to Saudi Arabia! In that hot, burning place even breathing is difficult

What's so great about a country where soldiers assault you?

Then why do you keep protesting?

They keep telling you to stop

But you won't listen

How is it that this foreigner understands better than you?

Forget it. Seven o'clock go Seoul, okay?

Ok

Promise, seven o'clock

Is he going in the right direction?

Yeah

Don't worry. This is the right direction

We turn right here, and then we go more

There!

Oh my god

Mister, you missed the right turn

Gas, gas!

I'm going to fill the gas tank!

God damn

Oil, gas

Stop the car

Fill the tank up to 3,000 won

Who do you think I am?

I'm not that kind of person!

What did I just say?

You're not that kind of person

No, I said 3,000 won

- Right? -Yes

Stop pumping! What, are you crazy?

What are you doing?

What's wrong?

I asked for 3,000 won's worth

3,000 won only

What?

You think I'm going to pay more?

I may be an out-of-towner

But this is outrageous

Whatever! I've made myself clear

I'm only going to pay 3,000 won

Look at this guy

What are you so angry about? It's all free anyway

I just wanted to give you a bit more, what is there to be angry about?

If I filled it full, you'd have me by the throat

Free?

You think Gwangju people are all like you?

Ouch!

Geez

Why didn't he say it first

I'd have filled the tank full

Geez

Then fill it before you head back to Seoul

Of course! The gas fare to Seoul is costly

But why is it free?

You saw that taxi at the hospital?

Taxi drivers have a devil of job these clays

Some were arrested for transporting wounded people

What's wrong about that?

You can't choose who you take

That's my point

We didn't do anything wrong

To be suffering like this

(Gwangju citizens, to the Provincial Office)

(Drive out the martial law soldiers)

That way, mister. Over there

Citizens of Gwangju! We're all in this together

Drive out the soldiers

Drive them out and protect our city

Citizens of Gwangju! Let's all take action

Coming through! News reporter here!

All the way from Seoul

To report about us

So please make way

Thank you, thanks

That's a reporter

A foreigner?

Thank you

Flew all the way here

Make way, people!

Best to set out on a full stomach. Have some

What's this? Thank you

Hungry? Try one

- Thank you - Is it okay to take this?

We already ate

Thanks so much!

Thanks to you, too!

Mister, we'll be back in no time

Why bother?

If my car gets scratched, are you going to pay?

Hello

Where are you from?

ARD Germany. My name is Peter

I'm Choi, a local reporter

How did you get here?

I heard all the roads to Gwangju are blocked

I came by taxi

Live and die together

We'd rather die standing than live on our knees

We fight for justice

(Afternoon of May 20, 1980 Geumnam Street, Gwangju)

Citizens of Gwangju, unite

Citizens of Gwangju, citizens of Gwangju

Citizens of Gwangju, unite

Can you hold this?

Yeah, okay sure

What a jerk

Wow, Jeolla Province really does have the best food

Looks simple, but tastes great

The seasoning is perfect

Be very careful

The Korean press is not allowed here

And foreign press is not welcome

If they find you are here

The government will hunt you down

And the people helping you

What, you want one?

Have a bite. Nothing happening there

Thank you

Why so serious all of a sudden?

It's nothing

I have to join them

Don't get involved, stay here

How can I just watch?

What difference will it make?

Okay. Let's get down there

Where? There? Now?

No,no,no

Here stay, there danger, here safe

You stay, we go down

That guy's just shooting from up here, too!

Where are you going?

What's going on?

Drive out Chun Doo-hwan

Danger, danger

If you're going to shoot, do it from there

It's too dangerous here

Let's go, will you?

Are you okay?

Sorry, sorry

What the hell is wrong with you?

That's why I said, it's too dangerous here

I told you to stay up there

Let's go

Don't touch

Mister, the soldiers have gone crazy

Hurry up and run

Damned commie needs to be taught a lesson

Get rid of him

Hey, who's that?

Get him

Do you have a death wish? We need to go!

Mister, this way! This way!

Over here

Hurry

Mister

Huh? Isn't she...?

Mister

Mister!

Hurry UP

That's why I kept saying danger

Is that thing expensive?

I've never seen one before

Should I ask him?

No, don't ask

What? It wasn't my fault

But why were those soldiers acting that way?

Beating and chasing people who weren't doing anything

I don't know either. We just don't know why

Oh god, look at the time

Hey! Let's go Seoul

Yeah, okay. Let's go back to Seoul

Okay, okay

Then, what about you? We're going to Seoul

Yes, of course

Then let me off up there

- Okay -Thanks

Please promise me

You have to show our news

Once this footage airs, the entire world will be watching

You are not alone

Thank you so much

Mister, have a safe trip back

Wait, kid

What's your name?

Jae-sik. Gu Jae-sik

Gu Jae-sik...Practice hard, okay?

I'll watch your song contest on TV

Okay

Goodbye

Come on, not again

What's wrong

Did it break down?

What happened

Isn't that...?

I told you it was him! The Seoul driver

You were right

Car's broken?

That's bad

Man, the repair shop's closed

- Sure is -Yeah

I'm sure they'll fix it soon

Wow!

Is this your daughter?

Whoa, she's so cute!

You've got hidden talents! And your wife is pretty too

What a relief she took after her mother instead of...

His daughter

Pretty, isn't it?

Ah, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to..

No touch

You ready?

- Yeah, just a sec -Okay

Ready. Try starting it

Give it a go

This car already ran over 600,000 km

How'd you drive all the way here?

The transmission is too old

Need to change the starter?

That's a bummer

I heard the repair shop is getting really worried

They can't get parts in

What about parts from another car?

He can have mine

I changed my starter recently

So better switch with mine

Then, leave it here for now

I'll find a way to make it run

A short distance

How long will it take?

I need to be in Seoul before the curfew

- It'll take at least 2 hours -Yeah

Better leave for Seoul tomorrow

Curfew here is 9 o'clock

You don't want to be out past curfew

- Is there a phone somewhere? - What for?

Those bastards had cut off all phone lines

What?

Isn't there any way?

I need to call home

What are you so worried about?

If a man's out working, he can stay out a night or two

My daughter's home alone

And she's only 11

Then where's her mom?

What?

Oh, that poor thing

Too young to be alone...

Oh m'!

Mr. Kim, if it's about money

Let me pay for the repairs

You bastard, did I ask you for money?

You knew everything, right?

Danger, you knew it!

Why are you yelling at me?

It's not my fault your car broke down

And you knew exactly that it would be dangerous here!

What's this prick saying?

Mister, calm down!

He says you knew the danger

Bullshit! Like hell I did!

And why do you keep taking this foreigner's side, huh?

What?

Why?

Just take the money. Take the money

Take the money

Here

Oh m'!

Just stop it

Just calm down, stop it

Oh m'!

My, oh my...

His young daughter at home alone

But he can't go back to Seoul

He cannot call

Asia Correspondent for Germany's public broadcaster

Jurgen Hinzpeter

He came in from Japan

What are those assholes in the security service doing?

He entered without registering as a reporter

So they missed him

He declared himself a missionary

He seems to have planned the whole thing

He's using a Seoul taxi

So we'll find him soon

So that's where you live... the corner house?

Yes, next to it

We're almost here

Come on, hurry

Honey? I'm home

I'm home

Daddy

Goodness, why are you back so late

There was a lot going on

Did you stay up waiting for Daddy?

Good boy

Who are they?

It's a long story. Can you make us dinner?

Yes, but not much to eat

Just kimchi will be fine

Come on, let's go in. Please...

It's okay if we have kimchi

Get in

Oh. �W

Is this all we've got for such important guests?

Geeze...

Your neighbor will look after your daughter

Don' t worry

You can call her on the way tomorrow morning

Yes

Dad, I'm hungry

Oh, go ahead and eat. You're hungry?

Try this first

My wife made it

It's crisp, slightly bitter, but with a real kick...

Not sure if it's your style, but please try

Give it a try

That's hot

This is spicy, hot

Oh, not a problem, I can handle spicy

Wow, he eats well

Oh my god. This is a shock

Wasser'

- Huh? -Water

Too spicy for him

Hot

No wonder. He ate it too easy

What are you laughing for?

You come to a foreign country, break a camera

Eat kimchi

You've been through a lot, too

Why did you come here?

Why you come here?

Reporter

Was that English?

Seoul drivers speak English?

I'm a reporter

Reporters go wherever there is news

Then try translating what he just said

He's a reporter, of course he's here for the news

Something like that

Is that right?

Yes

You're amazing. I never would've guessed

Ah...

Why you become a reporter?

What's that, a poker card?

I used to play, too...

Not poker card

Money. He means money

He means he did it because of the money?

Yes

Where do you spend your money?

A hole in your sock

He acts like such a big shot

But I guess he's not

How can you be worse off than a widower like me?

(Martial Law Soldiers Massacre Civilians in Gwangju)

Now that's a real newspaper

Once this goes out

There's no turning back

So if anyone...

Are you the only reporter here?

We've all made up our minds

Open the door!

Open up

Turn it off

Are you trying to close us down?

But Chief! We're reporters, aren't we?

Shouldn't we at least try to tell the people

What's happening here and why?

What will happen then?

They will shut us down

And drag us all off

Come on, get them out!

Let go! Chief! Chief!

No!

Take all the newspapers

Will this stop bullets?

Of course not

It's to cover the lights

Right

It's time for evening news

Why bother

Watching useless crap

Who knows, maybe they'll say something today

I doubt it...

- The disturbance in Gwangju... - It's on

Is not yet contained...

- Have some fruit - Quiet

A few individuals from Seoul

Student radicals and gangsters gathering in Gwangju

Spreading groundless rumors

To date, 1 civilian and 5 members of the military has been killed

Those fuckers

Honey!

How can they say that?

So many people died today!

Is the news just allowed to lie like that?

Why did we have to watch that crap

God that sets me off!

That's not true

As soon as I get back to Japan

My footage will hit the news

The whole world will see

Mr. Kim will take me back to the airport, and...

Anyhow

Without him, I would have never made it to Gwangju

He can broadcast it when he gets to Japan

With Mr. Kim's help

And Mr. Kim also helped him get pass

The soldiers blocking the roads

You're amazing

Both of you

Well, a driver has to go where the customer says

Don't worry, don't worry

I'll take you right to the airport tomorrow

Airport, ok?

After hearing your story

I should plead to both of you

Please make this work

I'd beg you on my knees, really!

No, I'm really good at that

On my knees!

Forget that

Sing us a song instead

He's entering a singing contest

We'll judge if you deserve a prize

Oh, no WHY!

Sing us a song

I do guitar, not vocals

What's the difference?

Give him a hand!

What should I do?

Nice dance moves

What can I do if you leave me like this?

What can I do to go on living without you?

What? Why ring the gong?

Students may protest against you

To stop you from singing, you sound awful

I told you, I play guitar!

But I'm not that bad!

Shouldn't have asked you to sing

Oh my!

Is that a new song?

I guess I'm no good

You're really not a singer

But there's something striking about you

See, I told you!

Oh, my. He looks just like your brother

- That's right! -Yes, they are similar

- You mean Sang-chul? -Yeah

Who is Sang-chul?

Right, why didn't I see it before?

I have a younger brother

You look just like him

What do you think? Same-same?

- What do you mean? - He looks like my husband

Same-same

I look like Peter, right?

Oh no!

What's that?

What's this sound?

That's by the TV station

Yeah, I think so

Bro! People are gathering over by the TV station

The taxi drivers are all heading there, too

- Really? - I'll see you there

(Night of May 20, 1980 Near Gwangju MBC TV Station)

The foreign reporter! Get the radio!

Jae-sik!

Mister, look out!

They're undercover plainclothes soldiers!

What? Plainclothes?

Damned commies!

Go hide up there. I'll bring it up

Hurry

Where is he?

We went separate ways

He didn't come this way

Hello

I know you're up there

Mister

If you give me the camera and film

You two...

NO...

The three of you including this kid...

Can go free

What is he saying?

I'll count to ten

And I'll let you decide

What the wise choice is

He wants this

Then we can live, and Jae-sik too

Give safe

Let's give it to him, okay?

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

- What are you doing? -Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Wait a minute

The foreign reporter might be close by

Let me speak in English to him

I'll beg him to save me

Can you hear me?

I can't hold these soldiers much longer

So please

Go now

And show the world what's happening in here

- Where are you going? -So please

We need to give him this

They're coming up

Hey!

Damn

Give me the bag

Get away

I'm okay

Over there

Get him

There!

Where's the damn reporter?

Where are you running, commie?

Spare me, I'm not a commie

You prick! Damn commie!

I'm really not a commie

I'm not even from Gwangju. I'm from Seoul

#10-8, Hwayang-dong 384, Sungdong-gu, Seoul

Yeah

I know

The Seoul taxi

You're that commie who brought in the German reporter

The shit bastard who sold his country for money

And yet you say, "I'm not a commie!"

"I'm not a commie!"

"I'm not a commie!"

"I'm not a commie!"

How dare you...

We have to get out of here

My god, I was so worried

I'm glad you made it back. But where's Jae-sik?

Wasn't he with you?

Huh?

You know...

I earned some money in Saudi Arabia

But my wife got sick

I spent it all on hospital bills

At the end, my wife insisted that I buy that taxi

She said she has no hope

And told me to take care of our daughter

We could have tried more meds

But I didn't argue

That's the kind of guy I am

The rest have to go on living, right?

After my wife died, I got drunk every clay

One day

I woke up

She was crying holding onto her mom's old clothes

She must have missed her so much

I quit drinking that day

I'm the only one she has left

What are you doing?

The paratroopers are searching for a Seoul taxi

You don't even know the roads, where do you think you're going

Here, take this and...

These are hidden roads out of Gwangju

And the reporter asked me to give you this

How can I accept that?

What?

If a driver took a passenger, he should accept the fare

Just take it

I can't take that money

Just the repairs will cost you a lot

Don't argue and accept it

On your way, now

Your daughter must have waited all night

Hurry

I'm sorry. I'm so sorry

Why are you sorry?

Bastards out there should be

It's a damn fine weather

Someday

Come visit with your daughter

We'll take my son and go on a picnic

Take care of yourself

You take ca re

(Suncheon)

It'll take an hour to fix it

Don't stay cramped in here

There's a Buddha's day celebration or something like that over there

Go take a walk around

Can I use the phone?

Hello

Dong-su, is my daughter there?

Where have you been?

Is she with you?

We just ate, she's sleeping now

Wake her up?

No, let her sleep

Is she okay?

If you're so worried

Why did you stay out?

Did you really get that money?

Give me the phone

Mr. Kim! Where are you?

I'm...

I'm in the countryside and my car broke down

Sang-gu's mom

I left 2,000 won in my drawer

Please give it to Eun-jung

She's been up all night waiting for you to take her out on a picnic

If you can't keep a promise then don't make one

- Give me the phone -Why

You'll be back soon? Let's talk then

Stop it!

Hello

How old is your daughter?

Eleven

Then how about these?

These are sturdy and nice

Moms love them

They're really popular

If she's 11, she'll need size 200

Give me size 210

Size 200 is getting small for her

What a thoughtful father

You know her shoe size

Those are a bit expensive

A bowl of noodles, please

Ok

Huh? I thought you went bill collecting?

Ended up wasting my time

Ma'am, another bottle of soju

Sure

What, people wouldn't pay?

I couldn't even get into Gwangju

I heard people were killed in Gwangju

I guess it's true

- People were killed? -Yeah

Soldiers raided the city

And all hell broke loose

What are you talking about?

I don't know for sure

But I heard many people were killed

And a whole bunch arrested

That's not it

College students from Seoul went there to protest

Innocent soldiers were killed

No, someone really saw people getting killed there

It was in the news

They're not just students

But hardcore Communists

They even brought gangsters from Seoul

Really?

It was in the news?

Yeah!

It's in the newspaper too, a full-page story

If they want to protest

why not just do it in Seoul?

(Protests in Gwangju 5 soldiers killed) Keeping me from doing my job

(Protests in Gwangju 5 soldiers killed)

(Rogue Groups and Rioters)

You must've been really hungry

Try this, too

It's delicious... Delicious

Taxi, taxi

50 pretty

Always bought her sneakers

Never a nice pair of shoes

Eun-jung will love these

The river water flows

Under the 3rd Han River Bridge

Like a bird, like wind, like water

It continues to flow

Yesterday I met you again

And we struck a solemn vow

That in the morning we'd take the first train

Headed for Happiness

Eun-jung, what should I do?

What do I do?

One more phone call, please

Eun-jung, are you awake?

Daddy, are we going on a picnic?

Sorry, there's something I need to do

Let's go another time

When?

I left a customer behind

Someone who really needs to take my taxi

I'll come home right after

So, be nice and listen to auntie

Don't fight with Sang-gu

Until Mt. Baekdu is worn away and the East Sea's waters run dry

God protect and preserve our country

Where has he gone?

To the hospital

The hospital?

Why are you back?

The paratroopers dragged him off

And he died on the way

So they just threw him in a rice field

There aren't enough coffins in Gwangju

So some students went to get more

Why are you sitting there?

You need to record all this

You promised, to tell people

It needs to be broadcasted

So people will know

You're a reporter, shoot this

Jae-sik, and this too

Here

Honey!

Open YOU eyes!

How can you leave me

And our unborn baby

Make way

Over here, Doctor! Please help over here

- He's been shot, hang in there - To the ER

Bro, what do we do?

They're really trying to wipe us all out!

People were singing the national anthem

Then the paratroopers just started shooting

God, so many people have been shot

We need to get there

You two go to Seoul, quickly

I'm coming with you

Mr. Kim, you go back to Seoul. I need to keep filming

You paid me the fare

We go together

I taxi driver, you are my passenger

Ok?

Ok! Together

(Dear citizens of Gwangju)

(Stay at home don't go outside)

He needs to go to the hospital, now

Open your eyes

Hold on

The soldiers were shooting at us!

Don't go out

Oh my god...

My god, look at that

What's going on here

She's shot

Get a hold of yourself

How can they just shoot people

How can they do this to us?

How many times has it been?

They really plan to kill us all

We can't leave injured people like that

We can't just leave them

That's it. Let's drive our taxis in

Wait

Here

I can drive well. Let's go together

Look! The taxi drivers

Thank you

Yong-pyo!

- Yong-pyo! -Oh my! Are you ok?

Hey, duck down

Let's help them

Let's save the wounded!

Come on!

Don't lose focus!

I need help!

Are you ok?

Please help me!

Bro, get in here

Gently

Doctor, over here

Hold on a sec

You need to go now

They're getting closer

You have to go now

Or it will be impossible

Let us take care of this

Go back

And please, prove all their lies wrong

We cannot do it, but you can

Please, for us

Go quickly! Things are getting bad here

Mr. Kim, we must go now

Block all checkpoints

Can you get us out?

Don't worry

I'll get you to the airport no matter what

Good afternoon

Where are you going?

I'm taking a customer to Seoul

Is it a Seoul taxi?

No, a Gwangju taxi

Where do you live?

Why?

Answer, you bastard

And why don't you have a Gwangju accent?

I moved here not long ago

What's going on

Why are you stopping us?

Hey, college boy! What's this bastard saying?

Where are you going?

I'm here on business, but it's so dangerous in Gwangju

You know all these riots

So we go back to Seoul

He came for business

But leaving to escape the riots

Both of you, out of the car

I don't understand. What's the problem?

Get out now

Being a foreigner won't save you

Get out

Open the trunk

These are his souvenirs

From Buddha's Birthday

(Seem)

Let them through

Sergeant, we have to stop all foreigners

He's not a reporter, and it's not a Seoul taxi

Let them through

I said, let them through

Yes, sir

If you spot a taxi with a foreigner, call at once

They said to stop taxis with foreigners!

Hey, close it

A-34, A-34 car with foreigner on the run

Plate number 0310

A-34, A-34 car with foreigner on the run

Plate number 0310

Damn it

How thrilling

Run them over

Bastards!

Shoot them all

Damn it

Bro, go faster

Don't worry about me

You assholes, let's take this to the end

What's going on back there?

I'm sorry

Take care of yourself

Don't worry about us

Step on it

Step on it

Yes, we're searching everywhere

Don't worry, sir

He called the airport just now and reserved a flight

Commander, we found him

He booked the 10 am plane to Japan tomorrow

Yes, sir

Mr.Hinzpeter?

Yes

Our system shows

That you have a flight booked for tomorrow at 10 am?

Yes, but I'm somehow here today, so I'd like to get onto the first flight out to Japan

And make it first class

For your daughter

This is for me?

Thank you

Please give me your phone number

What?

Your taxi. I'd like to pay for all the damage

I'll get the news broadcast, then come right back to Korea

I'll call you when I return

Ah, I forgot to buy cigarettes

Please

(Sa-Bok Cigarettes)

Here you are

Hey, stop that!

You're a good man

You did a good job

You... you good job too

Learn Korean, before you come next time

Come back, speak Korean, ok?

Ok

Go on

The curfew starts soon

Did your dad run off?

Because he's poor

Sang-gu, stop bothering your friend

But she hit me first

How'd you end up that way?

Eun-jung, come have some fruit. Get in

Daddy

Eun-jung

I'm sorry

You waited so long...

Daddy, why are you crying?

Daddy

There's still no end in sight to the democratic uprising

In the Korean city of Gwangju

From looking at the wounded within the past two days

We can witness the violence done to protesters

The army has blockaded the city

And cut off all telephone and telex

According to military sources

As of Wednesday

There have been 9 deaths and about 60 people were injured

However, students and protesters mention much higher figures

Are you sure you searched everywhere?

Yes, but there's no taxi driver with this name

(Kim Sa-bok)

So even the number is wrong

Kim Sa-bok may not be his real name

It might be better not to look for him

(Kim Sa-bok)

(December 2003)

It is a great honor for me to receive this award here in Korea

I still remember

The faces of the citizens I met in Gwangju

That spring of 1980

And I will never forget

But there is one face in particular that I miss dearly

My brave friend, Kim Sa-bok

He is a taxi driver

Hey, hey, young man

Sorry, sir. I only have 10,000 won

That's fine. Go on

Thank you

Watch your step

He'!

Hey, wait

Without him, news of the Gwangju Uprising

- Would have never reached the world - Oh my

I'm afraid my words fail to express my gratitude

But you're always in my thoughts

Mr. Kim

My dear friend

Thank you

I've missed you

I'll keep waiting

I hope to see you again soon

(He said if not for Kim Sa-bok's help)

(He could never have made the report)

(And he wishes to see him again)

I'm more grateful to you

Thank you, thank you

I want to see you again, too

Didn't expect it to be like this

You've grown old too

Hello, where to?

To Gwanghwamun, please

Gwanghwamun, okay

The horrific images captured in Gwangju by Hinzpeter

Were broadcast to the world

And shared clandestinely

In Korea under the alias "German video."

Most surviving footage

Of the Gwangju Democratic Uprising

Were shot by Hinzpeter

Hinzpeter tried several times

To find the taxi driver Kim Sa-bok

In January 2016, he passed away without having met him again

(The late Jurgen Hinzpeter)

(November 2015, Ratzeburg Germany)

It would be truly wonderful if I could meet you again

Oh... really, I'd be happy beyond words

If I could find you through this footage

If I could find Mr. Kim Sa-bok

I would just be so happy

I'd rush over to Seoul in an instant

Ride with you in your taxi

And see the new Korea