A Broad Bellflower Explained

A Broad Bellflower
Director:People's Artiste Jo Kyong-sun
Producer:Korea February 8 Studio
Screenplay:Kim Il Sung Prize Winner Ri Chun Gu
Native Name:
Child:yes
Hangul:도라지꽃
Hanja:桔梗
Rr:Dorajikkot
Mr:Torajikkot
Story:Kim Il Sung Prize Winner Ri Chun Gu
Starring:People's Actor Kim Ryong Jo
Merited Actress O Mi Ran
Merited Actress Song Yon Ok
Music:Hwang Jin Yong
Cinematography:Pak Se Ung
People's Artiste Choe Thae Guk
Editing:Ri Sun Sil
Distributor:Korea Film Export and Import Corporation
Mokran Video
Runtime:92 minutes
Country:North Korea
Language:Korean

A Broad Bellflower is a 1987 North Korean movie directed by People's Artiste Jo Kyong Sun. People's Actor Kim Ryong Jo, Merited Actress O Mi Ran, and Merited Actress Song Yon Ok star as lead roles within this movie. The film was screened at the Melbourne International Film Festival.[1]

Plot

The film centers on two orphan sisters, Song Rim (played by O Mi Ran) and Song Hwa, who live together in a rural mountain town. Song Rim aspires to develop their underdeveloped town. However, her lover Won Bong, who lives in the city, does not show much excitement for her plans, leading to their breakup. While Song Rim tries to expand the town she dies in a mudslide caused by a rainstorm. Song Hwa continues the work of her late sister, and the town's development plans end up being successful. Won Bong eventually regrets breaking up with Song Rim, after her success in the endeavor he initially criticized.[2]

Background for production and reception

The film was produced by the Korea February 8 Film Studio. It was made in the context of the 1980s trend of North Korea, which aimed to honor "hidden heroes". Kim Jong-il inspected the demo film himself in 1987.[2] The film tries to provide a solution to the problems of urban-centric developments, which led many young people to go to the city. The film was well-received by critics and audiences alike. Oh Mi-ran won the award for best actress in 1987 Pyongyang International Film Festival.[2]

Notes and References

  1. http://miff.com.au/festival-archive/film/24698 Melbourne International Film Festival
  2. https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Contents/CategoryNavi?category=field&keyword=%EC%98%88%EC%88%A0%C2%B7%EC%B2%B4%EC%9C%A1/%EC%98%81%ED%99%94&ridx=49&tot=281 도라지꽃(도라지꽃)