Original subtitles

(On August 15, 1945,)

(Korea is liberated from Japanese rule)

(But the peninsula soon divides)

(along the 38th parallel line,)

(due to influences of US and Soviet Union)

(Communist and democratic)

(governments clashed endlessly,)

(and the Korean War began on June 25, 1950)

(August, 1951)

Stay alert, men!

Return fire!

Lieutenant!

Lieutenant...

My belly's too hot.

Am I going to die?

You'll survive, so be quiet.

- Mom... - Medic!

- I want to see my mom. - Medic!

I miss her, I need mom.

Shut your mouth!

You'll live!

Lieutenant!

Our plan backfired!

Conserve ammo until air raid begins!

- Aimed shots! - Aimed shots!

I'll recon the area!

- Cover fire! - Cover fire!

Sgt. Jo!

Stay back!

Sang-ryul!

Get on my back!

They're coming!

- Ready grenade! - Ready grenade!

- Throw! - Throw!

- Ready bayonet! - Ready bayonet!

Pricks...

All dead...

It's too late, dammit!

(Director Lee Han)

(Yim Siwan)

(Ko A Seong)

(Lee Hee Jun)

(Jeong Jun-won)

(Lee Re)

- Soo-ni! - What?

Nothing.

I'll do it.

You okay?

Why're you smiling?

We get to eat rice and beef today.

It's for mom's memorial ceremony.

Aren't you even sad?

I am.

But I can't help it when I think about beef.

Mommy, I'm sorry.

You are right, she'll be happy that you're eating well.

But I'll try not to look too happy.

How's the memorial prep going?

It's daddy!

Daddy!

Welcome home!

Tada!

It's a kite!

Like it?

It goes so high!

Look, it's Choon-sik.

You worked like an adult!

Go away!

- You okay? - I'm fine.

Are you nuts?

Choon-sik, what's wrong?

You commies!

What?

Raise the red flag up high,

and proudly shout,

we're not afraid of guillotine!

This is my farewell song

Dong-gu, what's a "guillotine"?

Listen.

Do you remember how dad butchered a chicken?

Yeah, he snapped its neck.

- And then? - Then...

Chopped it off with a knife.

Right! That's a guillotine.

What's with Choon-sik?

Why won't he play with us?

You idiot.

Your dad ratted out his brother to the North Koreans.

Don't say that!

Don't tell me what to do!

Choon-sik's brother is toast!

Toast?

I'm getting hungry.

How long must we keep this up?

We even got kids on this.

We must do whatever it takes to survive.

We need to stay alive for the kids to live.

Dang it, another change?

Out!

- Good afternoon. - Where are you heading?

Check the back.

Now!

What's going on?

Stay put.

What are you doing here?

We were singing.

Singing?

Could I hear some?

Raise the red flag...

Arrest them.

We're in trouble, it's all your fault.

What? Why?

I'll be transferred to the rear line soon.

Medical discharge after then?

Yes, probably.

Please stay alive.

I'll repay you for saving my life.

Come here, you commies!

Please let me go just this once!

Come, come!

Dong-gu!

Dad!

Dad! Dad!

I'm fine.

Take the kids away!

I'm okay.

It's all my fault!

Don't ever get separated!

Dong-gu!

Always hold her hand!

Don't ever let go!

This man is a communist!

As if teaching commie songs to his kids weren't enough,

he used them to spread propaganda!

We can't let this slide.

And you?

You're no better than I!

I sang communist song in front of commies,

and army song in front of South Korean army!

All for the sake of survival!

I'm not doing this for myself!

Then,

why did you have my son killed?

Who made him into a commie bullet sponge?

They put a gun in my mouth, I just lost it.

For the sake of my kids, please don't kill me.

You damn commie! We must make an example!

Once you become a commie, you can never go back!

Never!

What? What!

Are there commie sympathizers?

Why're you hesitating?!

Please, don't kill me.

Those who hesitate are all commies! Hit him!

Hit him! Or are you a commie too?

Daddy!

Dad!

Sir, please save my dad!

I'll do anything!

Help him!

Please save him!

I need to practice some more.

Wait, please.

Wait a minute.

Spare my family, I'll do anything.

I'll join North Korean army if you want.

My sister is only 15 now.

I'll do anything, okay?

Sang-mi, look at me.

I'm... so scared...

Nothing's going to happen.

It's all right.

Help him!

Please!

Help him!

Dad! Dad!

I'll kill anyone

who hurts my dad!

I'll kill you!

Daddy...

He's bleeding.

Medicine! Bring us some medicine!

Please help us!

Dad!

Brother, where are we going?

Dad said to head south if something happened.

Brother.

What?

I heard you become a star when you die.

Is that true?

That's a crap.

Then all those are dead people?

It'd be so scary to look up the sky.

Star is a star, and the dead go to heaven.

Then mom and dad can never see us?

They come on their memorial service.

Right.

Brother, could you sing me a song?

I'll sleep better.

Yeah?

The sun has set,

but no one's coming

Staring into the bright moon,

the yearning deepens

(A Melody to Remember)

(1952, Busan)

This way.

Colonel's over there.

(POW Camp)

Salute!

Salute! New transferee Lt. Han Sang-ryul reporting!

Majored music in college...

- Sit. - Yes, sir.

Do you like kids?

Pardon?

Upon HQ's order, we built an orphanage.

It's a good cause, but why in the base?

It's run by volunteers,

but it needs a manager.

Someone recommended you.

Salute!

Sgt. Jo?

- How have you been? - Sergeant!

But how...

I decided to stay.

Can't do much with this leg in the outside world anyway.

I get respect for war experience too.

And made me an MP.

You're the one who recommended me?

Yes.

I thought of you when the spot opened up.

Busan is the safest place.

It's here.

Why isn't anyone here?

That's the orphanage.

See that flag?

UN built this place.

That's the church.

It's magnificent.

And that barrack is your new home.

What is my duty here?

Well, you can ask the headmaster.

- It's a gramophone. - Ah, that.

Your transfer gift.

You didn't have to.

I know you love music.

- Thank you. - You should be.

Let's go outside.

I got you a holiday pass till Sunday,

so rest up.

Here.

It's been a while since I last saw a crowd.

700k refugees in a city meant for 400k.

Get in line!

There she is, the headmaster.

See the bright-faced lady?

Take care.

She studied abroad, and now she volunteers.

Strange girl.

Good afternoon!

Hello there.

Hi!

Lt. Han Sang-ryul?

Hello, I'm Park Ju-mi.

Lt. Han Sang-ryul, ma'am.

Thank you for coming all this way.

- Have you had lunch? - Yes, we did.

- Oh! - Hey!

You little punk!

- My medical bag! - Let go! Let me go!

Please help my dad!

Wait a minute!

Wait!

Lt. Han, where are you going?

- What's this? - Hey.

What are you doing?

Forgot to tell me?

Thought you could hide it from me?

You punks.

What are you doing to these kids?

They are being punished.

No food for you today.

- Get up, it's okay. - Let them be.

My boys didn't know this belonged to you.

Here's the bag, take it back.

You ordered them to do it.

No, Ju-mi.

I only tell them one thing. Earn your keep.

Right?

Have I ever asked you to steal?

Children, listen to me.

Steal plenty, eat well, and don't get caught.

If you don't want to, come to me.

You know where to find me.

Ju-mi, I have feelings too.

Do I lock them up?

Look here.

If you want to go, feel free to go.

Go away!

Just go, you thieves!

Don't hurt the children!

- You okay? - Sgt. Jo, good to see you.

Come on, get up.

Sgt. Jo, what is this place?

What a day.

It's where people live.

Sgt. Jo?

Why do kids live there?

Do you know how many war orphans there are?

- About 100,000. - That much?

Unfortunately.

And limited resources to look after them.

I'm heading back to the base,

what'll you two do?

Isn't it obvious? Get drunk.

He's on holiday leave anyway.

That sounds so good, I want to have fun too.

Ms. Park?

Why're you so happy?

What?

Pardon me for saying so,

but our country's turned into a massive grave.

Sorry...

Kids should be back from school.

I'll head back now.

Why are you so prickly? She's a good person.

Let's drink.

- So pure... - Which way?

Right, over there.

Here, this way.

Drink slowly, this is expensive stuff...

You finished it...

Sergeant, order another.

Sure, of course.

You jerk!

Watch your tone, prick!

I got a dog your age back home!

What's this called?

Give me another bottle.

What's your dog's name?

Lieutenant, thank you for the performance.

Daddy?

Daddy!

Ju-won!

I'm so sorry.

He's not daddy, does he look similar?

Shall we greet him?

Lt. Han will be living with us.

Say hello!

Mister!

Give me a hug.

I'll... head to my barrack.

Hug me! Hug me!

What's with his face?

Drunken fight, maybe?

Young-hee!

- Bring your brother! - Okay!

Wu-tak, brush your teeth! You'll get cavities!

Are you going to wash up?

Yup.

Let's make a tiger! Roar, roar, roar!

Good morning.

Finally up?

Thought you were dead.

I didn't get to introduce myself before.

I'm nanny Park So-dam.

Hello there.

If you have questions, ask me anything.

Okay...

What do I have to do while I'm stationed here?

That's for you to figure out.

You are the manager.

What?

Let's make a tiger. Roar, roar, roar!

Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight,

rolls a melody sweeter than psalm

In celestial like strains it unceasingly falls,

o'er my soul like an infinite calm

Peace, wonderful peace

Coming down from the Father above

Sweep over my spirit forever...

What's going on?

Well...

A skirmish broke out near Ulsan.

It's over and we're transferring POWs.

It's nothing at all, so go rest.

Okay.

May I come with you?

There isn't much to do here.

Private, load that supply,

and rest of you get ready to transfer POWs.

Yes, sir.

- Casualties? - 8, sir.

Look into their home regiment.

Why aren't the POWs tied up?

Are they going on a picnic? Tie them up!

US soldier has tons to take, but nothing here!

Keep it down!

Search thoroughly, there has to be something.

It's a gold tooth!

Dong-gu.

This shell is so big!

It's a dud.

I'll remove the cover and get the copper inside,

we can buy 100 candies.

Seriously?

Hooray for Democratic Republic of People's Army!

Hooray! Hooray!

Look at those brainwashed punks.

It stank like crap!

Does he work here?

Huh?

Well... he does odds and ends here.

Those look like military supplies.

I'm so hungover, let's go get some food.

Hungry and hungover.

Hook was originally one of colonel's men.

He was a soldier?

Yes.

He lost his arm in battle,

so the colonel took pity on him and began giving him jobs.

See those suits?

They're all from Seoul,

they used connection to skip the draft.

They live on a boat so they can bail anytime.

They're sons of pro-Japanese faction.

Hook began working with them, so he's invincible.

Not even the colonel can do anything.

Mr. Hook.

Yes, young master.

Get me some gasoline. The demand is huge.

That's impossible, even with US dollar.

It's in the base, practically littered there.

Those aren't regular supplies, it's military vitals.

I could get killed for messing with it.

Why do you talk like that?

Huh?

You spoke halfheartedly.

Did I?

I'm talking about giving you a lifeline,

but you just shrug it off?

You make me sound like a selfish prick.

Mr. Hook.

Can you live without me?

Goddamn jerk!

I asked you a question.

Okay, I'll give it a try.

I'll find a way, anything's possible in Korea.

See?

Those who don't even try are the real cripples.

Mr. Hook.

I didn't say that because of your hand.

Get some and I'll pay you 2-3 times more.

Sure.

Come here.

Am I funny?

Answer me.

Come here!

Know what this hook represents?

I traded my hand for this country!

Hooray for Korea!

Leave Busan at once.

If I ever see you again, I will rip your head off.

Get lost, now!

Get lost!

What are you looking at?

Get to work!

Go on!

$1.

Flowers for sale!

Please buy some!

Please enjoy.

Brother.

Where is it from?

Did you steal it?

No, I picked it up off the ground.

It still has dirt on it.

You're not a beggar, I told you I'd buy it for you!

But you never did.

Dad bought stuff for me right away.

Shut it! Get it through your head!

He's dead!

He doesn't exist!

I know!

Can't I say I miss him?

I know I can't see him...

I want to say I miss him.

Don't cry.

I'm sorry.

You must be tired, come sit down.

Could you clean my boots?

Okay.

Put it here?

Here, make it shine.

Il-hwan!

Come have some bean bread!

Right after this!

Hey! What are you doing?

Salvaging copper.

- Are you nuts? Stop that! - Why?

I found this.

It's dangerous!

Il-hwan!

Il-hwan!

Holy cow!

You want to start a choir?

Yes, sir.

There were plenty war orphans

during WW2 in other countries.

Many children's choirs were formed then.

Why?

To console the children's sorrow.

So if we...

If we start a choir, we can take in street kids,

and protect them in the base.

With enough practice, they could entertain the troops,

and the talented ones could have new hope.

No, there's no budget.

I'll take care of that, no matter what.

What if spies infiltrate?

This is a military base.

Come on, colonel, they're just kids.

They'll do anything for a little food.

You could turn a commie into an anticommunist.

Oh yeah!

Know what they did first

when they took over Seoul?

They gathered kids

and got them to sing propaganda.

We can't use songs for propaganda.

Then what?

Feed them? Choir as a pretext?

In any case, here's what I think.

This is a no-lose case for you too.

Let's say President Rhee came here.

The brats sing for him, then what'd happen?

He would ask "Who are they?"

"They're war orphans," you'd answer.

Then what?

"What an amazing idea to start a choir!"

Thanks to the colonel's support,

we turned orphans into a choir.

How would he respond?

"Like colonel Park,"

soldiers must protect children.

That's army!

Col. Park, you're a symbol of a real soldier!

Something like that.

He really has a way with words.

I'm serious!

Okay, let's give it a try.

Thank you, sir.

Very good.

Please send all the kids under your care.

Sure, I'll do that.

I wish my kids nothing but the best.

- Did I sound like the president? - Thought he was here.

Drop your spoon and come on out.

The base is forming a choir.

I decided to help them.

If you know how to sing,

raise your hand.

They'll give you food and warm beds.

Hee-duk, go on.

Pheasant! Pheasant!

Pheasant, pheasant!

That's enough...

One pheasant into the pond!

Drop to the ground.

Be quiet!

I've had it, walk in place.

One, two!

The march song is "Vanguard song", begin!

One, two, three, four!

Come together under the flag,

courageously march towards our nemesis

and wipe them out!

Wait, wait.

Stop! Stop!

Soo-ni, why aren't you singing?

I can't sing.

If you don't sing, you can't be with your brother.

Is that okay?

Then I won't join the choir!

Look at this idiot.

Let go.

Let go of it.

You have to join the choir no matter what.

I won't go without her.

I'll ask you again, you won't go?

I won't.

Shall I send you off as a child soldier?

You think I won't do it?

You just need her?

Fine, you prick.

Again! Walk in place!

Go sit down in order over there.

- Got it? - Okay.

(Choir Audition Welcome)

Welcome.

Stand over here.

Introduce yourself.

I'm Jung Hee-duk, 10 years old.

I'm from Daejeon.

Okay. Could you begin?

Pheasant! Pheasant!

Pheasant! Pheasant! Going on a pheasant hunt!

One pheasant...

Do re mi fa sol la ti do

re mi fa sol la!

- Thank you. - Ti do!

Enough!

Thank you for that.

There aren't many good singers.

Stand there please.

Introduce yourself.

I'm Oh Dong-gu, 14 years old.

I'm Oh Soo-ni...

9 years old.

Choon-sik!

Why are you here?

My family's...

dead because of you commies! Happy?

Enough.

Could you start, little girl?

I...

I can't sing.

Then why're you here?

I followed my brother here.

Dad said never get separated.

She's lying!

You sing really well!

I heard it all!

She and Dong-gu sang

every commie song there is!

They're all commies!

No! We're not commies!

That's enough.

Dong-gu, could you sing for us?

My home is

a blooming mountain village

Peach flower, apricot flower,

baby azalea

Radiant colors from

flower palace

I miss the time

I played there

Flower village, bird village

is my old home

When the wind blows

from the southern green field,

weeping wallows begin dancing

I miss the time

I played there

My home is a blooming...

Dear Mom and Dad.

New children arrive tomorrow.

I'm both excited and frightened.

I remember how worried you looked when I left.

But I'll treat them with love that you've given me.

Please be healthy, that's all I wish for.

I always love you.

Young-ho?

Can't sleep?

Teacher, you're so pretty.

Thank you.

Do you want to sleep with me tonight?

These are the new students

who will live and sing with us.

Welcome applause!

Pheasant!

Lie down.

Yeah?

- Comfy? - Yup.

Flowers bloomed on this shirt.

Ju-mi.

Look over there.

She's following him like a shadow.

Her father was a lieutenant too.

I guess she remembers that.

You guys play somewhere else.

I'll kill you.

What happens when a rolling stone hits a stone in the ground?

What happens?

It, uh...

- Uh... - It bleeds,

real bad.

Yeah! That's what I meant!

I will not live with you so leave.

Let us be and I won't hurt you.

One, two, three four! One, two, three four!

One, two, three four!

This is called "4/4 time".

With your partner, begin!

One, two, three four! One, two, three four!

Children, choir practice time!

Okay!

Do re mi fa sol la ti do!

Guk-hwan, Hwa-soon.

As soon as neighbor kids came back from school,

they danced and said, sol do sol mi re sol do

Very good.

Soo-ni, and your partner.

Two, three!

I don't know, I don't know, what ever do you mean?

Mi fa sol sol, what is that, sol do sol mi re sol do

Why won't you sing?

If you keep being stubborn,

we'll get kicked out!

You have to sing.

No.

Get up.

Come on, get up!

You have no right to cry! Stop crying!

No, I won't!

I'll never sing!

Dad died because I sang!

If I didn't sing,

he wouldn't have died.

We'd be tending

mom's grave together.

And eat delicious food...

We can't do that anymore.

You idiot, he didn't die because of you.

What if I sing, and you die too?

You can't go to heaven...

I don't know where that is.

I like you, I like being with you.

That's why I won't sing, I'll never sing!

That teacher's strange.

He's strange.

He could just play with us.

Just play with us.

Stop mimicking me, I'm getting sick of it.

Is ant delicious?

Of course not!

What were you doing?

- Teacher. - Yes?

The sky's so pretty.

The sky?

Yeah, indeed.

(Restricted Area - Warning)

I'm here.

You punk, what took you so long?

Did you put me in the choir to steal gasoline?

Yup.

Do it right.

If not, I'll sell your sister far away.

Take it.

Stick this in the barrel.

Soo-ni!

Where have you been?

Why aren't you asleep yet?

I was watching the stars.

Bro, I really miss mom and dad.

- Hop on. - I'm heavy.

It's okay.

If you miss mom and dad so much,

just imagine those stars as them.

But you said that's not right.

I think I was wrong.

Looking at the stars, I think of mom and dad too.

I think you were right.

Yeah?

Yeah.

But why can't we see stars during the day?

Do they hate us in the day?

Not at all.

The sun gets jealous

so it hides the stars,

but they're always there.

Day or night,

mom and dad are always watching you.

Got it?

Mom,

dad...

Are you well?

I don't think...

I'm doing very well.

Feel my stomach.

Tighten lower stomach.

Thank you.

Four of you move to the left.

And Ji-sook to the right.

And...

You to the left.

Those on my right, raise your hands.

You are alto.

Alto!

Just alto.

Remember that note.

On my left.

- Soprano. - Soprano!

Just soprano.

Let's try it together.

Two, three!

What you just heard is called harmony.

Colonel!

Salute.

Reporting, sir.

About that choir...

let's put on a show, with US officers.

A choir is nothing without an audience.

They're not ready...

A little more time to practice...

They don't need to be good,

they'll be cute either way.

People will get teary just seeing poor orphans.

It'll be a tearjerker.

Proceed.

By the way, colonel.

I have a favor to ask you.

My kids staying in the orphanage,

could I bring them back from time to time?

I miss them now that we're apart.

Yeah, sure.

They're your kids after all, I understand.

Thank you.

Hear that?

Where should we go for a drink?

Pull it properly.

Singing all day made your life easy, eh?

Don't frown, I won't let you come back.

Mr. Hook!

Yes, young master.

Don't miss even a drop, you hear me?

Kiddo! Come here.

You're cute.

Hop on.

It's okay.

Want it?

Give me a kiss here then.

- So adorable. - Come here!

What?

Settling in well?

- Kids are beautiful. - They are.

So I feel even more sorry.

Come on, you're doing a wonderful job.

I'm not sure

if I'm supposed to be teaching these kids.

I don't believe this world is a good place.

You're getting serious again.

You think too much.

Drink this and forget about it.

There's no turning back, so forget everything.

Here, this will help.

It helped me tremendously.

It's helping, totally helping.

I'll take it for a spin first.

No, get help permanently.

Everything about USA is big.

Sgt. Jo?

You're here, come in!

Already got started?

Sit over here.

- You got beer? - Yes, come sit.

Since you're here, it's time for me to go.

- Salute! - What?

I got a date, you see. I need a wife.

Salute!

Wait a minute, sergeant...

Please sit.

I don't believe it...

- What's wrong? - It's nothing.

- What's nothing? - Nothing.

I'm so sorry, I forgot something...

Wait, no, please...

Lieutenant.

Thanks for letting me borrow this...

Explain the content to me later, salute!

Sergeant! Hey! Jo!

It's not mine.

You sure?

He's kidding.

It's hot in here, can't we drink outside?

Sure.

He says it helps quite a bit.

I get it, whatever.

Holy cow!

I'm exhausted.

I wanted to say that out loud.

So exhausting, I'm so tired.

Don't mention that to the kids.

When are you exhausted the most?

When I miss my parents.

How bad would it be for the kids?

I have a question.

What made you want to volunteer?

I heard you even studied abroad.

I knew I had important work here.

Why...

do you think war exists?

We kill in the name of saving people.

It's instinctual.

We kill to survive.

That's the war I saw.

It has to stop before more sacrifices are made.

It'll be difficult right now.

Why?

When we're out of bullets,

they magically appear.

We drank all the beer, work your magic.

You damn commie!

We know you're here to steal gasoline.

What?

I can't sleep because you reek of gas!

Get the hell out before I report you.

Can't you let this one slide?

I won't.

Thought you wouldn't get caught?

I'm not doing this because I want to.

Please let this slide.

Walking through the forest...

Clouds in the sky...

Cool...

Leaving behind the worries of the day

Clouds are so pretty...

What is it?

Sir, Dong-gu is...

stealing gasoline.

What?

Come together under the flag,

courageously march...

Teacher!

What are you doing here?

Look who's here!

Lt. Han!

I'm an idiot.

I should done this sooner.

It's nothing.

A token of appreciation.

It's a bribe.

That's not very nice of you, it's from my heart.

Do you know how strict military law is?

Stealing military supplies and now bribes...

That's enough for a summary trial.

Are you threatening me?

I'll overlook what happened so far.

Then keep it that way, that's good for you.

Do you take me for a chump

because I'm a cripple?

Burying a lieutenant is not even work.

I even helped you

put together than damn choir!

Then it's a fair trade, don't you think so?

How's bourbon?

Are they your things? You can't trade lives.

They're... mine.

Kids know it too. Whoever took it, keeps it.

What?

Being a teacher to them don't make you a big shot!

Who fed them and kept them alive?

If it wasn't me, they'd already be dead.

Am I right?

They're doing whatever it takes to survive.

They search dead bodies

and bang on live rounds.

Don't you feel pity?

Must you exploit them?

What about me?

No pity for me?

Huh?

I'm doing this for my survival too!

The war is not over yet!

Over 2 million have died,

and even more will die!

When it comes to survival, everyone's for themselves!

Tell me I'm wrong.

Don't ever mess with those kids.

If you keep at it, you could get hurt.

This is my last warning.

Come with me.

Hurry!

Stop, stop.

Ju-mi, stop.

Dong-gu, Choon-sik, come on out.

Face each other.

Weren't you neighbors?

- Yes. - Yes.

- You were friends. - Yes.

So how did you two become enemies?

He's a commie!

My family died because of them.

And what about my dad?

Adults did all that!

Did you do that? Is it your fault?

Of course not.

You did nothing wrong.

Now...

start fighting.

Fight fairly and settle this for good.

Fight.

Fine.

Dong-gu sing "Danny Boy",

Choon-sik "Annie Laurie" at the same time.

You lose if you mess up a note or lyrics.

Ju-mi, could you play ra?

Can you maintain that octave?

- Yes. - Yes.

One, two, three.

- Maxwelton braes - Oh Danny boy,

- are bonnie - the pipes are calling

- Where early falls - From glen to glen,

- the dew - and down the mountain side

- And it was there - The summer's gone,

- that Annie Laurie - and all the flowers are dying

- Gave me - 'Tis you, must go

- her promise true - and I must bide

- Gave me - But come ye back when

- her promise true - summer's in the meadow

- Which never - Or when the valley's hushed

- forgot will be - and white with snow

- And - 'Tis I'll be here in

- for bonnie Annie Laurie - sunshine or in shadow

- I would lay me down and die - Oh Danny boy, I love you so

Chorus is about

singing different notes to create harmony.

When different notes compliment each other,

it becomes a beautiful song.

Fight if you want to.

But fight and create beautiful harmony.

Fight to make harmony and music,

that's a worthy fight,

it's what I want from you.

Then a wolf howled.

Watermelon's here!

- Let's continue later. - Have some watermelon.

Take one each.

There's plenty, so eat slowly.

Slowly.

Tomorrow's our first show, are you ready?

Yes!

Mid pleasures and palaces though I may roam

Be it ever so humble there's no place like home

A charm from the sky seems to hallow us there

Which seek throough the world

is never met with elsewhere

Home! Home! Sweet, sweet home!

There's no place like home

There's no place

like home

Up from the valley

we will make our way

Leaving behind the worries of the day

Strala, strala, strala pumpa

strala pumpa, strala pumpa

Strala, strala, strala pumpa

strala pumpa, pum, pum pum

Being at one with all that we survey,

singing aloud this joyous song

Strala, strala, strala pumpa

strala pumpa, strala pumpa

Strala, strala, strala pumpa

strala pumpa, pum, pum pum

Greeting the sunlight in the morning air

is a happy feeling well beyond compare

Strala, strala, strala pumpa

strala pumpa, strala pumpa

Strala, strala, strala pumpa

strala pumpa, pum, pum pum

pum, pum pum, pum, pum pum

Singing aloud this joyous song

Strala, strala, strala pumpa

strala pumpa, strala pumpa

Strala, strala, strala pumpa

strala pumpa, pum, pum pum

Strala, strala, strala pumpa

strala pumpa, strala pumpa

Strala, strala, strala pumpa

strala pumpa, pum, pum pum

Strala, strala, strala pumpa

strala pumpa, strala pumpa

Strala, strala, strala pumpa

strala pumpa, pum, pum pum

strala pumpa, strala pumpa

strala pumpa, strala pumpa

strala

pum, pum pum

Rice cakes!

- Eat slowly. - So hungry.

Lieutenant.

Give them a compliment, they did so well.

I knew...

you'd do well since the beginning.

Because when I look into your eyes,

I only see honesty.

He's serious again.

You all did so well,

and thank you!

Stay down!

It's a revolt!

- Hide under the bed! - Don't go!

Don't worry, I'll be right back.

No, don't go!

My dad also said he'd be back shortly.

No...

Okay.

Salute!

You can't even secure the base?

It'll be corrected, sir!

Incompetent pricks.

Proceed!

Ready position!

Hooray for North Korea!

Aim!

Fire!

Confirm kill!

Lt. Han, are you okay?

Did you have a nightmare?

Yes...

Do you need a hug?

I feel better when my brother hug me

after a nightmare.

Thank you...

Thank you...

Why aren't you at the table!

Come have breakfast!

Hurry!

You'll send me to an early grave!

I'm not even married...

That's your damn fault.

You little!

Come at once!

She should meet a man,

there's nothing but men here.

Have some more.

Salute.

Teacher!

That cripple man took

Dong-gu and Soo-ni.

What?

What are you doing?

Where's Soo-ni?

I want to buy a brick factory.

Everything's destroyed in the war.

And everyone'll need bricks to rebuild.

- It's all about bricks. - Hey kiddo!

I'll buy everything, come over here.

Remember Mr. Jo from Jisan district?

What did I tell you,

come before I get angry.

Come here!

He won't meet me.

Could you pull some strings?

Just one meeting...

So pretty.

Give me your lipstick.

Why?

Give it.

If you could help me...

Raise your head.

Look at me.

What are you doing?

Get lost.

Smile.

She's just a kid.

Sir, please stop.

Soo-ni!

Brother!

Dong-gu, take her back. Go on.

- What the hell? - Dammit!

Come here, come on!

What's with you?

God dammit!

Who do you think you are?

You got a deathwish?

You want to die?

Shall I sharpen you up?

Why're you up my case?

Don't touch my kids...

You jerk!

Help!

Help me!

Please! Can't swim...

What a guy.

Is it good? Give me a bite too.

Mr. Hook.

- What'll you do to him? - Sweetie,

head inside.

What are you doing?

I'm a bit tired, let's chat later.

Yo cripple!

Did you just bark at me?

Come here.

Stand right there.

Come here.

Come on, get out!

- Are you nuts? - I'll skip town then!

Is it nice being born with a gold spoon in your mouth?

Please don't kill me!

Sir, I'm sorry!

I'm a jerk too, but you're worse than pest!

Mommy...

Have I hurt you?

Huh?

Have I done something bad to you?

Drink.

Thank you.

The response to the choir

was tremendous.

We're getting a lot of show requests.

So I selected one of them.

Let's go to Cheolwon.

We can't, that's a war zone.

It's too dangerous, sir.

We can't?

Look at this guy.

Please reconsider, I'm begging you, sir.

You prick! Where else is consolation more important?

Kids? Even 15-year olds are fighting, punk!

It's an order! Proceed!

Teacher, hurry!

I have an announcement.

We received a request for a show.

But...

I can't take you there.

What do you mean?

It's a war zone, it's too dangerous.

So I wish to disband

this choir as of today.

No, that can't happen!

You don't own the choir.

How could you decide without asking us?

Then do we have to leave here?

No, I'll never!

We know how you feel.

But don't our opinions matter too?

Do you know what's scarier than war and dying?

Being abandoned, being all alone.

We all love the choir!

Feels like we found a family.

Don't you feel that too?

Is it just us?

In any case, it's been decided.

I can't send you there.

Then let's vote.

Not you too.

It's fair to ask their opinion.

- Let's vote! - We want to vote!

Vote! Please!

Have a vote.

No matter the outcome, we'll follow.

Close your eyes,

and if you don't want to disband, raise your hand, okay?

Close your eyes, keep them closed.

If you don't want to disband,

raise your hand.

Upon green grass, spring breeze sweeps

Heat haze shimmers

Be safe!

Listen to the teachers!

Maiden looks for wild herbs

around the hills

How pretty her wrists

Ox feeding lad grabs her wrist

Her face turns red and shakes him off

His heart for her never wavers

How pretty is the maiden

At a stream over the hill

a goldfish swims whimsically

Stay alert! Be on guard!

- Look after them. - Okay.

It's okay, children.

How pretty is the maiden

Tree cutting lad grabs her wrist

Her face turns red and shakes him off

His heart for her never wavers

How pretty is the maiden

Here we go, watch this.

Thank you.

Sleep some more.

I see some hair growing under your nose.

Stop it, it tickles.

Brother, I want to pee.

Let's go together.

Why come so far?

I was told not to pee anywhere like boys.

- Says who? - Daddy.

Choon-sik!

You came to pee too?

I'm not a girl, I came to poop.

Then go further, it's going to stink!

You bimbo, don't laugh.

I'll wait here, come down afterwards.

What's taking him so long?

Weird...

Choon-sik!

Choon-sik! Hey!

I'm here!

I got lost!

Choon-sik!

We'll find you, keep shouting!

Dong-gu!

I wanted to say I'm sorry!

No way! I'm the one sorry!

Choon-sik!

Hey! Where are you?

Dong-gu!

Where's Dong-gu, Soo-ni and Choon-sik?

They went into the forest to pee.

It's like a maze in there.

Let's find them before it gets dark.

Please gather our men, sergeant.

Yes, sir.

Dong-gu, Soo-ni!

Dong-gu! Soo-ni!

Choon-sik, where are you?

Choon-sik! I found him!

Here! Here!

You idiot, were you scared?

Are you okay?

- Teacher. - Yes.

- You good? - Yes.

- Dong-gu and Soo-ni? - I don't know.

Bro, I'm scared.

I'm right here, don't be scared.

Private, bring them over.

Dong-gu!

Enemy sighted!

Stay there!

Dong-gu!

Brother!

Dong-gu!

Blood pressure?

60 over 80.

Heartbeat?

It's dropping.

Prep respirator

and secure enough blood for transfusion.

- Right away. - This will hurt.

He's getting treated, he'll get better.

Don't cry.

Is blood secured?

Not yet, I called it in but it'll take time.

How much longer?

They're not sure...

Doctor.

We're the same blood type, you can transfuse mine.

No, you lost a lot of blood too.

It's okay.

I'm begging you.

I'm sorry, Dong-gu.

Dong-gu...

Teacher...

Dong-gu!

Soo-ni...

She's fine, she's with Ju-mi.

That's good...

Teacher...

Thank you...

I always wanted to tell you,

but I never got to...

Teacher...

I think

I'm being punished

for all the bad things I did...

Dong-gu.

You did nothing wrong, it's not your fault.

I'm the one who failed you,

I'm so sorry.

I'm sorry, Dong-gu.

Could I see Soo-ni...

Okay.

Soo-ni! Ju-mi!

Soo-ni...

Brother!

I'm fine.

No crying.

No crying.

Soo-ni.

You know

how much I love you.

Of course, I love you too.

I suddenly want to hear you sing.

I'll regain strength if you do.

Teacher said so too.

Dad didn't die because of you.

I want you to sing again,

and smile even more,

and get along with choir friends.

Brother...

Dong-gu...

Crake, crake,

crake bird,

they sing in the field

Cuckoo, cuckoo,

cuckoo bird,

they sing in the forest

When my brother goes to Seoul

on a horse,

he promised to buy me

silk shoes

Goose, goose...

- Dad! - Daddy!

Wild goose

flies in from the north

Chirp, chirp,

chirp of cricket

The day it chirped

Still no news from my brother

who left for Seoul

Only the sound of leaves,

as they fall to the ground

(July, 1953)

Teacher.

Sounds great. Could you continue?

Liberation!

The war's over!

We're liberated! It's all over!

I'm Seonlin Orphanage Choir's conductor Han San-ryul.

When the war broke out,

we lost so much.

Laughter of children that echoed on the field,

chimney smoke during sunset, the scent of cooking rice...

And warm voices calling each other's names.

One child said once,

what we long for becomes stars in the sky.

I was happy to hear that.

While we're alive, those stars will always be there,

and whenever we look up,

we could hear their voices.

Brother, are you watching?

I'm going to sing.

Listen carefully.

My home is

a blooming mountain village

Peach flower, apricot flower,

baby azalea

Glaring colors from

flower palace

I miss the time

I played there

I miss the time...

My home is

a blooming mountain village

Peach flower, apricot flower,

baby azalea

Glaring colors from

beautiful and sweet

welcoming and warm

flower palace

I miss the time

I played there

Flower village, bird village

Weeping wallows dancing in the stream

That's my home, my old home

I miss the time

I miss the time

I miss the time

I played there

(The real choir that this film was based on)

(toured all over the country during the war)

(Immediately after the truce,)

(it is the first choir to sing for US Senate)

(After Korean War that resulted in)

(over 2 million casualties,)

(Korea remains the only divided nation on earth)

(Wishing for a world without war...)