Original subtitles

Do you know the meaning behind this?

“Serve the People” means that

we must work for the greater good of the Republic over personal happiness.

It is the People’s Army’s first duty that our prime minister declared in 1948.

The sickle and hammer represent the proletariat revolution.

The barley symbolizes harvests.

The red star symbolizes the brilliant future once socialism is realized, sir!

Good.

The new army cook is more enlightened than high-level officers.

Consider this more precious than your life, comrade.

Understood?

Yes, Comrade Commander!

You may go.

I, Shin Mu-gwang, as of May 1st, 1976...

have been assigned as an army cook for the commander’s residence.

I report, sir! I have been assigned by the army...

[Foot steps]

I report, ma’am!

I, Shin Mu-gwang, as of May 1st, 1976,

have been assigned as an army cook to the commander’s residence!

[Dramatic music]

[Dramatic music]

[Pensive music]

What are the most important rules in working at the commander’s house?

Don’t ask what you shouldn’t ask.

Don’t see what you shouldn’t see.

Don’t do what you shouldn’t do, sir!

Is that all?

When Commander Pi ran out of bullets at a battlefield,

he crushed the heads of injured enemy soldiers with his bare feet.

He’s a hero who terrorized the battlefields!

Serving the commander and his family is serving for the people!

Understood, sir!

You must take responsibility for what you say.

You must practice what you’ve been taught and say.

Don’t worry, sir!

I will do as I say, be sincere,

and be a man with ideas and a true soldier of the country.

That’s all.

I’ll assign you as the army cook to the commander’s residence.

Bring good news to our squad and your hometown.

Thank you! Comrades warden and captain!

♫Comrade Commander wants nothing but perfection.♫

♫ Understood? ♫

Hey! Shin Mu-gwang!

Smoke and rest a bit.

No, thank you.

Don’t be like him if you get promoted before me.

What a rude bastard.

Rest, will you!

Crazy? Wanna die?

Pull your act together!

You squealed, didn’t you!

I’ll pull your tongue out and stick it up your ass!

Hurry up!

-Come on. -Let go!

Run!

Hurry up!

How dare you move!

You call yourself a soldier? Bastard!

I must go away on duty for a month.

To where?

It’s top secret.

Probably to the borders.

I’ve become the deputy head of the military leadership talks.

Like during the war at the talks,

they want me to demoralize the Yankees’ spirits.

Don’t work too hard.

I have to.

The Party has high hopes for me.

If the talks go well, I’ll return to the Central Military Commission.

No matter what good I do in the rear division here,

I will never be reported to the top. You know that.

So many traitors take the credit in the middle.

If I have time after the talks,

I’ll visit your family.

[Car engine sounds]

Present arms!

I shall keep watch, sir!

[Dramatic music]

[Shoveling sounds]

[Foot steps]

When this plaque is not where it is supposed to be,

it means I have work for you, so come upstairs.

[Sprinkling sounds]

Have a good day, sir!

You too.

[Door opens]

[Gasps and sighs]

[Dramatic music]

[Foot steps]

♫Stay away from the second floor. Don’t go up without my orders.♫

[Foot steps]

♫When this plaque is not where it is supposed to be,♫

♫it means I have work for you, so come upstairs.♫

[Dramatic music]

I have to go upstairs maybe it will be important work.

This is due to one of the chains of the revolution being upstairs.

[Dramatic music]

[Pensive music]

I told you not to come upstairs!

I report, ma’am.

I report, ma’am!

I...[Door knocks]

Come in.

[Door closes]

How may I serve you, ma’am?

The light from this lamp is not working.

Madam? Is there anything else?

If there is not, I shall go downstairs, madam.

Don’t call me, ‘madam’.

It sounds like I’m really old.

I thought it was more respectful to address you by madam.

You may call me madam before the commander or other people.

But when there’s no one around, call me my lady.

Madam? Are you all right?

How much older am I than you?

I’m not sure.

Just four years.

So is it right to call me madam and make me sound old?

But...

Wipe your sweat.

Think I will devour you or something?

I’m not the commander.

Be normal with me.

What is your greatest hope?

I want to fight honestly till I die!

Don't parrot things.

To be promoted, ma’am!

I want to be promoted so my wife and child can live in the city!

Do you love your wife?

Since we’re married, she’s family and I must care for her.

Then you do love her.

Is there anything else you needed, ma’am?

If not, may I go downstairs?

Go on.

Tell me one thing.

Do you always shower before bedtime?

Pardon?

Yes, I do.

You may go.

Don’t forget to come up when the plague is placed elsewhere.

Yes, ma’am!

[Closes door]

[Foot steps]

Ready!

Forward lunge!

Back lunge!

Turn and forward strike!

At ease!

Turn around!

[Dramatic music]

My... lady!

I just came back and was about to to go upstairs.

I know you you’ve been back for over 3 hours.

I’ve been standing here for over an hour.

[Foot steps]

My lady!

Did you wash up?

I didn't. Sorry.

You stink of sweat.

Wash and come back.

[Dramatic music]

Wash up twice!

[Foot steps] [Sighs]

[Dramatic music]

I report!

I’m done washing, my lady.

Come in.

How may I help you?

Close the door for me.

[Closes door]

Come close.

Closer!

What’s the matter with you?

May I... turn on the light?

Don’t.

It’s best to turn it on. I don't understand anything.

Just say it.

Please turn on the light?

No. I am afraid of the light.

If you won’t turn it on, I’ll go back down.

[Gasps]

[Turns on the light]

Speak.

Say what you want to.

I’m scared.

What are you scared of?

I’m scared of the commander and the Party.

That means, you’re not scared of me?

Is that it?

Shin Mu-gwang!

You’re a fool who can’t even grab straw when drowning in mud!

Illiterate.

[Door closes]

So what... if her skin is pure white!

If my wife didn’t farm every day, she’d be whiter than you.

So what if she is beautiful like the heroines.

If my wife dressed up and wore makeup like you, she’d be prettier.

So what if you smell like sandalwood!

My wife smells sweet like that too!

As she can’t wash every day, it smells less on her.

See?

There’s nothing special about you! [Scoffs]

Thought you could win over a revolutionary warrior like that?

Jeez.

She’s the most beautiful woman revered by the entire division,

but I refused her?

I didn’t think you’d make things awkward for me.

What is it, Comrade Warden?

Suddenly, Madam called and said that

you’re a soldier with no regard for the serve the people’s teaching!

She said to fire you at once and replace you with a smart, quick-witted new soldier!

What?

What disgraceful thing have you done to her?

Cat got your tongue?

Why would a smart man like you do such a stupid thing?

Revolution isn’t about serving people food.

It’s not about painting pictures or embroidering.

Revolution demands blood sacrifice!

Two-thirds of our people are still struggling in pain.

The people of the southern half are suffering from cold, hunger,

poverty and disease.

The American imperialists can attack us any minute!

Listen.

Even if the commander is away, you must serve his wife properly.

If you don’t serve her well, the commander

will be worried in leading the military talks.

Then it will affect our combat readiness.

Our division’s readiness will affect the corps operational capabilities.

If the corps capabilities are weakened, it will

affect the entire army’s strategies and deployment.

Then if a World War III should break out,

it won’t be enough to execute you 100 times!

I, your warden, will also be shot to death

along with your captain, the battalion chief and their families!

That is all from a top-down perspective.

Now, I’ll explain in personal details.

You said you want to be promoted as an officer?

That can be easily obtained with one word from the commander.

Who can make compliments about you come from the commander’s mouth?

It’s the commander’s wife and lover, his beloved, comrade Ryu Su-ryeon.

She has the power!

I promised her I’d send a new soldier in the morning.

If you don’t change her mind by tomorrow morning, your army life is over.

Your life will be over too!

[Sombre music]

How old are you?

Twenty-three, sir.

How is a young man like you in charge of the production here?

The chief is ill, so I’ve come in his place.

What about your schooling?

I graduated from middle school.

Do you have a girlfriend?

Not yet, sir.

Oh, really?

Mu-gwang! Mu-gwang!

The accounting officer of the People’s Commune called you and I to come to him now.

I borrowed this. Go and change.

You couldn’t go to the army because of your ailing mother?

I will admit her to a hospital, and register you in the army.

Really, sir?

Thank you, thank you.

All his friends went to the army.

I was sad he couldn’t go.

I didn't know if he could join the army.

Thank you, sir!

♫ A man should go to the army. ♫

He should join.

A man who is afraid of problems can't do anything in life.

Broaden your views and knowledge in the army.

You want to become an officer for the country.

Go work hard an reach a higher post.

Then I shall give my beloved, dear daughter to marry you, son.

Salute, comrade Warden!

It’s a telegram.

Go home at once.

Mother!

If you want to please me, bring me a daughter-in-law.

I want grandkids before I die.

Did you distinguish yourself in the army?

Not yet, sir.

Didn’t enter the Party either?

No, sir.

Any possibility of becoming an officer?

I’m not sure yet, sir.

It is given that water flows down, and a man should climb up.

Father!

Please allow me to talk!

I'm giving my 100% and on that I will achieve my dream!

Even if I must die in the army,

I won’t return home unless I achieve all this!

Can you really promise that?

I’ll write it in blood, sir!

There’s no need.

[Dramatic music]

Ready for the picture?

One, two!

My father and I are waiting to hear of your promotion.

We hope to hear from you soon.

Take care.

[Incoherent chatter]

I got it!

I got promoted!

[Dramatic music]

The cook is being transferred?

Damn fools will fight to get into the commander’s house.

The warden will have fun choosing.

Why take that nasty job to be promoted a bit faster?

Why not!

That stupid jerk!

Ma’am!

I've got water for you.

How nice!

I’ll hold it for you, sir.

Get lost, donkey!

Move! Move! Move!

Get lost!

I’ll do it, sir.

Scram!

Go away!

Bark louder!

Louder!

Bark louder!

Go faster!

Go!

What's happening?

-Run faster! -Stop crawling!

Go away!

Mommy!

Hello, sir.

I love serving others.

I’m doing my duty to serve the people.

Do you think serving others is a duty for the people?

Without a heart to serve others, how can I serve the Republic?

We must serve others like our parents.

Is that so?

What do you think is the meaning of life?

To give all your blood and passion to those in need of service, sir!

A soldier must shine by working hard every day for the people!

I harvested the barely a few days ago.

I finished planting crops for fall too.

Since there’s no one to watch our son, I tied him to a tree in the shade.

I caught some grasshoppers for him to play with.

He swallowed one by accident and almost choked to death.

Good morning, my lady.

Didn’t the warden mention anything?

Yes, he did.

If I lack anything on my job again,

I’ll leave before you demand for a new cook.

No need to make lotus flower soup for breakfast.

Use two eggs to make soup, then return to your squadron.

[Closes door]

My lady!

I’ve brought your soup.

Leave it there and go.

Tell warden to send a new soldier soon.

My lady.

Even if I cannot stay here any longer, please eat this soup before it gets cold.

Allow me to serve you?

[Dramatic music]

Please eat this.

This is a self reflection I wrote for you.

If it doesn’t please you, I will rewrite it.

Know what you did wrong?

Yes, I do. Please give me another chance.

There’s no chance of improvement.

Return to your squadron.

I’ve already told the warden.

You’ll be discharged by the end of the year.

Go home and be with your wife.

Please give me another chance!

If I can’t serve properly for the people, let me be hit by a car or get shot to death!

This is do or die for me.

How will you serve the people?

I’ll do anything you say, my lady.

Then strip naked and run around the training court 3 times.

You must serve the people.

Strip now!

Are you not a great soldier at your base?

Who said?

The captain, the warden, and everyone compliments me.

Then why?

Why are you groping my body like a shameless fool?

But it’s our first night...

I am disappointed in you.

You’re my wife.

If you won’t let me do it, I’ll have to do it by force.

I don’t mind you doing it.

First, kneel before me and promise

to listen to your superiors and work hard through the woes

and get promoted to make me happy.

I already wrote that in the pledge.

No.

That pledge was to my father.

Write it in blood for me now.

In blood?

Yes.

You must pledge to me in blood.

But he said it wasn’t necessary.

It is to me.

I’m the one giving you not my father.

Right.

That’ll do for tonight.

I trust you.

When you return to the base, you must work hard.

I promise I will.

You’ll make achievements, right?

I will!

And listen to your superiors?

I said I will!

Maybe you should finish writing the pledge in blood.

Are you crazy?

[Telephone chimes]

Hello?

Madam! It’s the warden.

Shall I send a new soldier?

After you scolded him, the cook has become more thorough. I’m satisfied.

Thank you, madam!

If his work ethic has improved, that means we’ve all improved.

I will.

You may leave for today.

What happened?

I want to be alone.

I only found one button.

I’ll find it.

Commander will come today so you don’t have to come at dawn.

Must I dress you?

[Foot steps]

Getting off work already?

No, sir!

I’m headed to the market.

Don’t try to buy everything like the capitalists.

Try digging wild greens yourself for the food.

Good morning, captain!

Get up! Go on!

Take your squad out now!

Go!

Shin Mu-gwang!

You’re smoking now?

Tired?

No, sir.

You avoided punishment alone.

When we went to work reformation, you’re tired?

No, sir.

You look tired.

You even have nice cigarettes?

What’s so hard?

With the commander gone, you’re free to mess around with her.

Tell me!

Damn it!

I was joking, you bastard!

If you say that again, I’ll rip out your tongue, shove it up your ass,

then pull it out of your mouth!

Shit!

Damn it!

Hey! Stop!

I said, don’t hit the face.

Fool.

Think you’ll work under her forever?

If you squeal on this too,

you’ll be parting with your head forever.

Got it?

[Bugle plays]

Shit!

I report, madam!

I will not come upstairs as of today, madam.

Come in. I can’t hear you.

[Closes door]

Madam?

My lady.

What do you want to say?

I won’t come upstairs as of today.

You already did.

The soldiers keep...

They keep what?

I won’t come up even if I die.

Even if you die?

Who do you want to kill you?

[Pleasant music]

Mu-gwang... I’m so dizzy.

Shit!

I tried to wake you up.

I even kicked, but you wouldn’t wake up.

You must have worked really hard.

[Incoherent sounds]

Excuse me.

Sorry!

So sorry!

Oh, no! I’m so sorry for sleeping in!

Come and sit here.

I’ll make breakfast quickly.

Just sit.

It’s my turn to serve.

I made it.

[Pleasant music]

[Gasps]

Want to pick wild greens before the rainy season comes?

I can’t leave the residence.

Why not?

The commander won’t allow it.

That’s why you have no shoes.

I have my army boots.

They are very expensive, so he doesn't let me keep them out.

Maybe he fears someone will steal you.

Who would dare steal the commander’s wife?

It’s because he’s embarrassed to divorce a second time.

What?

[Gasps]

Would you like to sneak out?

How?

Where are you going, sir?

To the market.

What’s this?

She told me to buy some corn, but now wants them exchanged for yams.

She makes me work hard.

May I have one, sir?

No one will know it’s missing.

No way!

How will they not know?

I have to give a perfect count.

How will they know just one is missing?

Even if they do, they’ll just curse her in secret.

Because the commander is away, you’ll disgrace his wife’s dignity?

If she loses her dignity, the commander will lose his too.

If so, the commanding general will lose his dignity.

If so, the Minister of Defense and the Premier will lose their dignity!

If that happens, and World War III erupts,

Our enemies will kill us. They'll be done with us.

Your family will also be shot to death with your

captain, battalion chief, the commander, and general!

Please go, sir.

Work hard.

If I eat two corns, the whole world would have ended.

[Gasps]

[Pleasant music]

[Pleasant music]

[Pleasant music continues]

[Pleasant music continues]

Look! It’s a rainbow!

Want me to take you there?

[Pleasant music]

Give it to me.

Why just me?

Let’s do it together!

[Chuckles]

-Hey! -Wait!

Stop.

Captain is here. All clear on duty, sir!

Oh, no!

[Dramatic music]

What are you doing?

I was doing the laundry, commander!

Think you can fool the commander?

[Gun shot]

[Sombre music]

[Gun shot]

[Sombre music]

Ass!

[Gun shot]

[Trigger recoils]

[Dramatic music]

[Foot steps]

What’s the matter?

The commander was shooting me in my dream.

If you didn’t wake me, I would’ve died.

I’m sorry.

For what? You saved me like this.

It’s just a dream.

In reality, I’m but a mere soldier.

Don’t worry.

I’ll promote you to an officer.

I promise.

That’s not what I want to hear.

I wish you were my husband.

All the women in the world are jealous of you for marrying the commander.

The commander is just a commander.

He’s not a man.

What?

Craving anything?

Let’s celebrate today.

What do you want? I’ll make it.

I must serve you too. I’ll cook for you.

Sure.

Only the people can create great history.

Let’s cook quickly.

Let’s see who cooks better.

-Ready? -Yes.

[Pleasant music]

I think what I made tastes better.

No way! What I made tastes better!

Remember? I was sent here to work. That means I’m the best cook!

Confidence makes people progress, but overconfidence makes them regress.

You’ve delighted the eyes of the people!

Your soup is beyond comparison!

I’ll never be able to make such a beautiful, delicious dish.

Ever tried wild ginseng ale?

I've seen people drink it.

When the Scud missile test was successful,

I saw the commander drink it to celebrate with other officials.

Let’s drink it.

Let’s celebrate too!

Celebrate what?

That I wasted my life.

If I drink this, tell me how you came to marry the commander.

You really want to know?

Drink it.

You know.

I’m an avid student of the Premier’s books.

I was the best of all female soldiers in memorizing the Premier’s quotes.

I once recited more than 100 quotes before the commander without a single mistake.

He told me right there that he was really impressed by me.

That’s why I married the commander.

That’s it?

I really wanted to get married to the commander.

He treated me like a true gentleman.

But the commander is just a commander.

I never dreamed he would not be a man.

[Telephone chimes]

Yes, commander!

Yes, sir!

He was only 14 when he entered the Party.

He was injured 4 times during the anti-Japanese war.

During the War of National Liberation, bullets struck through his groin.

There are still 2 bullets left inside his body.

So he received boxes of the Order of Merit.

Do you think I can divorce the commander?

You shouldn’t have married him in the first place.

His hair turned grey while fighting for the revolution.

But he knelt before me and cried like a child.

How could I not marry him?

Here.

Let’s have another drink.

If you drink this, I’ll recite 100 quotes by the Premier.

If you can’t drink this, you’ll have to recite 100 quotes.

Please don’t recite but sing.

♫ Our youth is the red sun ♫

♫ Like the sun of the morning ♫

♫ Be strong and bright ♫

♫ The world belongs to you and I ♫

♫ Our red hope ♫

♫ is up to us to achieve ♫

One more song.

Okay.

♫ To the overflowing red sky ♫

♫ Sing aloud for our Republic ♫

How dare you sit and clap!

If I sing, you'll have to sing too.

You do the exercises.

♫ Comrade! Let’s go to spread our will! ♫

♫ March toward our country! ♫

♫ No storm, no threat ♫

♫ will ever harm us! ♫

♫ I will protect my family! ♫

♫ Live self-sufficiently! ♫

Is that all you can do?

♫ Oh, great Chollima Movement! ♫

-The poor fool has it rough. ♫ -Sons and daughters of the revolution! ♫

March out strong!

Is that all you can do?

Is the rainy season starting?

[Pleasant music]

[Car engine sounds]

Why aren’t you standing guard?

To the training court, sir.

It’s an emergency. Didn’t you know?

No one will take your shift?

No, sir.

What’s suddenly happened?

Didn’t your squadron soldiers tell you before they left?

Right. I heard.

Turn around!

March forward!

Away with American imperialism!

Away with American imperialism!

Here, sir.

I can’t take that!

I saved it from bartering. Please send it to my wife.

Okay.

Here.

No need to pay me.

-It’s an empty envelope. -What?

You asked for an envelope for officers to write a letter to your son.

Oh, right!

It’ll look good for him to receive it in this.

By the way,

did you hear?

I heard there’s trouble at the border.

What do you mean?

It’s just a rumor I heard.

Open up!

[Laughter]

There’s poo on your head, sir.

Do you know who I am?

Even the warden salutes me now.

Even my captain asks me for favors!

How dare a new soldier talk to me like that!

I know, sir.

You’re Shin Mu-gwang, a model soldier, sir.

I work at the commander’s residence. If you need anything, let me know.

I shall keep watch, sir!

You’re only supposed to salute like that to the commander!

I know, sir.

But you seem as high as the sky to me, sir!

Eat it.

It's important to keep the body healthy.

Hey! Wash this for me.

What?

I’m so hot.

Please go and wash my clothes.

My pine nuts!

I forgot to buy them.

What did you give the guard at the gates?

Did you monitor me with binoculars?

I was watching and waiting for you.

You said you’re my wife.

Even the commander never

And you said it like I'm your maid.

Let go of me!

[Glass shatters]

What did you do?

The Premier gave this to me.

Your arm hit and dropped it.

You picked me up by force.

If I call the authorities, your life will be over.

Can you really do that?

I can do it or not as I choose.

You told me to come upstairs!

Since when did I tell you to come upstairs?

You pointed to the plague in the kitchen just now!

I meant for you to look at it and come to your senses!

I didn’t move the plague from its original location.

I have worse origins than you.

Thanks to that, my family split up and faced death many times.

Some have died.

There is no one here.

I wish we could live here without our clothes on for life.

I wish we could eat and sleep and embrace each other.

When the commander returns, our dreams will be broken.

I’ll quit being a cook and do any work at the base.

Why?

How can I dare meet the commander?

How can I dare face the commander?

I want to live too.

What did you buy at the market?

Oil, salt...

Soy sauce, vinegar...

How long can we eat with that?

It’ll last us more than a month.

[Latch sounds]

[Foot steps]

It’s me.

When are the warden and captain returning to the base?

What training is it that they took my security soldiers?

Without even telling me!

I’m scared to be alone, so I’ll make Shin keep watch at night.

Tell them to expect a word from me!

Understood?

Why are you dressed?

Look at me.

Mu-gwang.

Do you want to marry me?

Yes.

I want to marry you too.

But that’s impossible.

You don’t want to leave the commander’s side, right?

You’re attached to him.

You have your wife and kid too.

I’m satisfied with the thought that you want to marry me.

I’ll promote you to an officer no matter what.

Whether you do or not, I’ll live thankful to you for the rest of my life.

I’ll cherish you deep in my heart.

Such sweet talk...

You don’t believe me?

If you don’t, call the authorities and report me.

If you do, I’ll be shot to death or spend my life in prison.

Because you say you can’t forget me,

think I won’t forget you too?

As you’re the commander’s wife,

there’s nothing I can do if you forget me.

Do you want me to swear I won’t?

Words of promise and swearing are useless.

What are you doing?

Now, can you believe me?

If you can’t, report me to the authorities.

We’re both avid students of the Premier’s books

who damaged his portraits.

You broke his statue by accident, but I broke his portrait on purpose!

Thus, I’m a great anti-revolutionary and you’re a minor one.

Now,

can you believe Shin Mu-gwang will live in Ryu Su-ryeon’s heart forever?

I’m an anti-revolutionary.

I deserve to be executed twice.

Are you a greater rebel or am I?

Do you think you can beat me?

Of course!

Do you think you can win?

[Dramatic music]

Spare this.

Why spare that?

I just want to save it.

Then I’m the greatest anti-revolutionary.

I’m the ultimate female spy in the Party!

Buried in the line of revolution, more powerful than the atomic bomb,

10 times stronger than a hydrogen bomb,

admit that I’m a great time bomb.

I am love you more than your love for me

is a hundred times stronger. Admit it!

What if I say that is not true?

If you don’t, I’ll smash this to pieces.

Okay. I concede.

Then repeat what I say 3 times.

my love for you is more than mine for you.

I love you more than you love me

is a hundred, a thousand, a million times stronger.

More than Shin Mu-gwang’s love for Ryu Su-ryeon,

Ryu Su-ryeon’s love for Shin Mu-gwang

is a hundred, a thousand, a million times stronger.

More than Shin Mu-gwang’s love for Ryu Su-ryeon,

Ryu Su-ryeon’s love for Shin Mu-gwang

is a hundred, a thousand, a million times stronger!

More than Shin Mu-gwang’s love for Ryu Su-ryeon,

Ryu Su-ryeon’s love for Shin Mu-gwang

is a hundred, a thousand, a million times stronger!

My dear man, I am hungry.

My dear wife...

I shall prepare food for you.

My dear husband, I’m thirsty.

My good wife...

I shall bring you water.

I’m a bit cold.

Wear more clothes.

No. I want something else.

What do you want?

I came to pick fresh vegetables to make food for you,

but I got distracted.

I’ll take any punishment you give me.

Wow!

It’s so bright.

It’s a full moon.

How many days have we been together?

Do you miss home?

A soldier doesn't think of house!

Don’t you miss your wife and son?

Is there something that worries you?

I think I’m pregnant.

What did you just say?

I didn’t say anything.

You said you think you’re pregnant.

Yes, I said I could be pregnant, but I may not be

I'm not totally sure.

What?

I have my period around this time every month.

But I didn’t get it this month.

Because we rolled around like crazy in bed,

my menstrual cycle could be pushed back a few days.

Mu-gwang...

The commander’s meeting ended earlier than expected.

He’ll return tomorrow.

Tomorrow?

Did he call you?

Didn’t you hear the ring?

My lady.

I want to go back home.

Are you afraid?

Don’t be afraid of anything.

I'll take care of everything.

And I’ll give you a long vacation.

Go home and stay with your wife and son.

Don’t return here until you get a letter or a call from the base.

You can stay here tonight.

Think of me as your wife back home.

I want to do my best for you on our last night.

So you won’t ever forget me.

So you won’t forget my body for life.

Buy your wife some clothes on your way home.

Buy your son some toys and food as well.

My lady.

Will I ever see you again?

Go. They are waiting outside.

[Sombre music]

[Door closes]

[Sombre music]

-Keep it safe with you. -Yes, sir.

Take it with you even to the bathroom.

Stop the car!

[Car engine sounds]

Go.

All clear on duty, sir!

[Dramatic music]

Leave it there and go.

I'll keep it inside, sir.

Leave it there and scram!

Okay, yes, sir!

[Closes door]

[Dramatic music]

Is something wrong?

What do you mean?

It’s weird that you don’t want to do it.

Is it because there wasn’t much progress in the last 6 months?

I wrote a pledge to you in blood.

If I am not promoted to an officer,

I won’t touch you even if I should return home.

After 5 years, I’m still not an officer.

What are you doing? Give it to me.

Why get your hands wet!

Get out. Go on.

Just go.

What are you doing!

A man shouldn’t do this!

It’s 3:00 AM. What are you doing?

Ah...

I was just thinking of my base.

Staying home does not feel comfortable as being on the base.

-Come down. -Okay.

Kids!

Wait.

Hey!

Wait!

Is there a letter for me?

No, there isn’t!

How about a telegram?

I told you if anything comes, I’ll get it to you right away!

Okay.

Stop! Stop!

Are you sure there is no letter or telegram for me?

Damn it! Have you gone crazy?

Why didn’t you get treated on the base?

My hat! Damn it!

[Cow moos]

Shit.

You little twerp!

Are you okay?

Son!

Get up!

Daddy!

Are you insane!

[Wails]

It’s okay.

It’s okay, son.

Where are you, sir?

Sir!

-I don’t understand it at all. -What happened?

Mu-gwang!

Your vacation is over. Why haven’t you returned to base?

Did you cause a problem and get kicked out?

If not, then go back now.

Understood?

Why you!

I must been crazy!

Why did I give my daughter to a fool like you!

Why did you do this?

I don’t believe this!

Damn it!

What damn pledge!

Father...

I’m sorry.

Fool!

Why are you sorry?

Damn it!

[Sombre music]

If you’re sick,

return to the base and get treated.

There’s no doctor or medicine here.

You don’t even have money.

Staying here like this is not only harmful for you, but your wife and son too!

Damn it!

We don’t want to leave our division!

[Sombre music]

Hey! What is going on here?

Why are you back? Where are you going?

Come back here!

Shin Mu-gwang!

We didn’t call you back. Why’d you come?

During the commander’s military tasks,

some of our soldiers killed two U.S. soldiers.

What?

The commander who ordered it volunteered to take responsibility.

What does that mean?

Our division will disappear and this news is celebrating like forest fire.

Why? When heroes killed the Americans?--

We almost went to war with the U.S.

So when the entire division left, it wasn’t for training?

Then what will happen to me?

Fool.

The officer position, you so wanted, has gone down the drain.

Damn fools!

Then I’m...

You will no longer work at the commander’s residence.

Wait here for further instructions. Understood?

Don’t go near the commander’s residence.

How can he dissolve the division and the soldiers to save himself?

Call that a commander?

He’s no commander!

Someone could hear you, sir.

Let them hear me, damn it!

He did this to be promoted!

Why should we pay for this!

Because we’re soldiers, sir.

The fate of soldiers...

Shut up, you fool!

Do you want to die!

Come inside!

Shin Mu-gwang!

Have you forgotten that you’re the son of a peasant?

Did you forget you’re dealing with the commander’s wife?

Not only did the commander spare you punishment...

Shin Mu-gwang!

Don’t worry and go home. The others shouldn't know about it.

Here you are!

You owe me a drink.

The Party has approved of your new job and will move your family to the city.

Really, sir?

Yes.

Upon Madam’s recommendation,

your family will work at the largest electricity plant in the city.

What is even more surprising?

You’ll be the new manager of the plant.

You don’t believe me?

A plant manager is general-level with more pay than a corps commander!

Go and pack.

You must report to your post in two days.

You’ll have to take the night train to arrive there on time.

Award!

Comrade Shin Mu-gwang worked for the revolution over personal gains

and served as an example in the fight to realize the socialist ideals.

Awarded by Commander Pi Chul-jin. October 27th, 1976.

[Claps]

If you serve the people with all your heart like Shin Mu-gwang,

the people will remember you and be moved by you.

The Party will consider your future and ideals

and assign you to jobs to devote to the socialist work.

Say a few words.

I have...nothing to say.

Congratulations, sir

Congratulations, sir

Congratulations, sir

I’ll become an exemplary soldier to serve the people like you, sir!

Congratulations, sir.

Congratulations, sir.

Congratulations, sir.

Congratulations, sir.

Let go of his hand.

[Sombre music]

Please stop the car!

-Why? -Shin Mu-gwang!

Stop right there!

If you set foot in the residence, I’ll punish you!

Don’t forget you’re still a soldier!

Your new register will be sent out tomorrow!

The commander will be in his office.

Let’s allow Mu-gwang to go and say goodbye.

It’s the right thing to do.

I’ve always told tales or said conventional things to people.

But since you’re leaving today, I’ll be honest with you.

No matter what people say, the ultimate goal is to live well.

Those from working, peasant families want to rise in rank to officers.

Those born to ordinary officer families want to reach higher ranks.

Mu-gwang.

There is one last favor I want to ask you.

I knew there was something between you and Madam a long time ago.

But I didn’t tell anyone for your sake.

Not only that, I even stopped your senior from reporting you.

If he did, we’d all be dead.

So when you go inside, tell her that I’ve made no mistakes

and was recognized as a model warden every year.

Please tell her that I’m a man of outstanding political ideals.

I heard today that they’ve decided to discharge me.

Really, sir?

Next year will be my 25th year, so I can be a battalion warden.

I can’t be discharged now.

If I become a battalion warden, my wife can live in residence too.

I can’t be discharged now...

Let’s go in.

I’ll be honest.

I made a pledge as I married my wife

that I’ll have her live in residence no matter what.

I know it’s not the right time, but mention me to Madam?

Please?

I report!

I report!

Who’s there?

It’s me.

The warden, ma’am.

Ma’am, as a warden, I pay careful attention with reason.

When I work, like the rain moistening the ground,

I handle things accordingly to the situation and time.

Go in.

Go.

Go inside and mention me.

What is it?

It’s what you want.

My lady.

Can I ask you a favor?

As the warden escorted you here, he must want you to ask me to have him stay, right?

I’m sorry, but I can’t help him with that.

Tell your captain and the warden to come to me for help once discharged.

The commander will return from his office soon.

Now, go.

Warden.

Go and make sure he doesn’t miss the train.

[Sombre music]

[Gun shot]

[Gun shot]

[Gun shots]

Right.

More to the right.

That’s it.

Are you all right, manager?

Are you all right, sir?

Are you sure you’re okay?

-I’m fine. -I’m sorry, sir.

Please go to the hospital.

May I help you, sir?

I’ve come to see the lady of the house.

When the general was a commander 15 years ago,

I was a cook in his residence.

Do you have an appointment?

If I didn’t, how would I have passed the gates?

Please tell her that Shin Mu-gwang is standing outside the door.

She says she’s getting her hair done and can’t come out.

She said you can’t come inside, and asked to read her letter.

She said if you need anything, she’ll take care of it.

Please give this to my lady, Su-ryeon.

My lady? Su-ryeon?

If you need my help, write it on this paper.

If you need money, write how much and the address to send it to.

[Sombre music]

Then I’ll go here.

-I’ll take this. -Okay.

I’m going to visit my hometown.

Though my parents are gone, I want to visit my siblings.

[Foot steps]

[End credit music]