A Taxi Driver (2017) - full transcript

A taxi driver played by Song Kang-Ho helps a German reporter cover the Gwangju Uprising Based on the true story of German reporter Jürgen Hinzpeter and Korean taxi driver Kim Sa-Bok.Jürgen Hinzpeter covered the Gwangju Uprising, which took place from May 18-27, 1980 in Gwangju, South Korea

"This film is based on true events"

"Song Kangho"

"Thomas Kretschmann"

"Yoo Haejin"

"Ryu Junyeol"

"Private Taxi"

"Private Taxi"

"Private Taxi"

"Private Taxi"

"A Taxi Driver"

-Lift the state of emergency.
-Lift it. Lift it.



No more martial law.

No more. No more.

What, is it an accident?

Disperse, or we will act with force.

I repeat.

Disperse.

Or we will act with force.

I wondered why today was so quiet.

Did they go to university to protest?

Enough is enough...

Those spoiled bastards need
to be shipped off to Saudi Arabia.

Work themselves to death
in the burning desert...

...then they'll realize,
"Wow, my country is great."

How can you dash at my car
so suddenly like that?



If you jump out like that...

Run. Run away, quick.

Hey, where are you going?

Hey, you. Get back here.

-Stop.
-Taxi.

Taxi.

That...

Mister, take us to the hospital, quickly.

Mister, please go faster.

Usually, 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...

No more martial law.

Oh my god. Oh my god.

Don't tell me you're that close.

Oh, whatever.

"Throw out the dictatorship
and bring in democracy"

We're here, honey.

My best driving ever.

Other taxi drivers
won't take pregnant women.

But I did. It remind's me
of my daughter's birth.

Thank you. Honey, where's my wallet?

-You packed the damn bag
-Really?

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 my business card.

Call me tomorrow, I'll pay double.
So sorry.

Pay me double instead.

Have a safe delivery, okay?

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.

Sanggu, that brat.

It wasn't Sanggu.

I really fell.

Are you gonna lie to your dad?

Kim Eunjung. Should I smack you instead?

Ma'am.

Sanggu!

Mr. Kim, just the person I wanted to see.

What do you say about this?

How could she do this
to our precious son?

But she also has…

Really, I've never seen a girl
as wild as Eunjung.

You're too soft on her
because she has no mother.

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.

100,000 won.

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

If you're four months late,
at least tell us when you'll pay.

100,000 won is big money for us too.

Sanggu, you seems sleepy.

You must have eaten too much.

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

And discipline your daughter, will you?

It beaks my heart to see my son like this.

Oh, I'm hungry.

Is it bean sprout soup?

Kim Eunjung, don't fold
the backs of your shoes.

There you go, not answering me again.

Those shoes are too small.

Dinner's ready.

Then you should've asked me
to buy you new ones.

Wow, tastes great.

You could get married tomorrow.

Sanggu's mom brought that over.

Right. No wonder I thought
it was too salty.

Lift your head.

Dad, do we have to move?

Yeah, we're gonna buy
Sanggu'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.

Kim Eunjung.

Do you want to go
on a picnic this Wednesday?

It's a public holiday, there's no school.

You should work.

There would be more customers on holidays.

Oh my, you're even worse than your mother.

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...

...and 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?

Beer and sushi again?

Hey Peter, how was the parliament today?

Same as always, nothing different.

This is Jürgen 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.

It'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.

"Kimpo International Airport"

"Name: Jürgen Hinzpeter"

I work for the Church.

I'm a missionary.

"Occupation: 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 three days
since the martial law.

Kim Daejung has been taken in...

...and they've got Kim Youngsam
under house arrest.

Gwangju?

It's a city down south.

"Report Guidelines:
Do not mention 'Gwangju' whatsoever"

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
at 3 AM on the 19th.

But now,

even the phone lines have been cut.

What about the foreign press?

Today is Kim Jaekyu'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.

I've had a rough day.

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?

-Should I throw this out?
-No, don't. I'll use it later.

Leave it.

Hey, what are you doing?

God, you're pathetic.

Pathetic?

So, the kids fought again?

I gave Sanggu a good scolding.

Ma'am. Over here.

-What?
-Another portion for us.

No, I'm fine.

Ma'am. Cancel that.

Why not? I said I'd pay.

Don't be silly, I'll pay.

What's the occasion?

Instead, lend me some money.

I figured. How much?

100,000 won.

From your secret stash,
so that your wife won't know.

Hey. I secretly gave it all away
to my sister for her wedding.

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 say things.

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.

-I 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.

Damn, and 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 Sanggu, will you?

Who does he take after?

And he eats too much.
Takes after his mom?

Wait till I get that money.
I'll teach that kid some manners.

Did you call 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.

There's no available ones,
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.

Together, let's go Gwangju.

Okay, nice to meet you.

Please get in.

Okay.

Thank you.

Be careful.

Take another taxi. This one's reserved.

Reserved? For where?

Why?

This car's going to Gwangju.

Your first time in Korea?

No. It 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 mine coal.

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 like shit.

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.

Talk slowly, okay?

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

What's the hurry?

Gwangju, don't worry. Don't worry.

I'm best driver.

It's really far. Get some sleep. Sleep.

You darling, you.

My recent luck's been shit
all for this day.

"Seoul - Busan Highway"

Hey hey, Gwangju. Gwangju.

Gwangju? Are we here?

"Gwangju 30km"

What's this? Can we go?

"No entry"

Don't slow down, keep going.

Uh, 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 slow.

Are they training?

Stop.

Is this a training exercise?

What division?

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.

You have a death wish, 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.

Salute!

Excuse me, driver.
This direction is also for Gwangju?

No, we can't go to Gwangju.
Now, we go back to 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.

The soldier said, we can't go to Gwangju.

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?

The soldier said, we can't go to Gwangju.

We can't go there.

We can't go to Gwangju.

You. What picture did you take
with your camera?

Why do you want
to go to 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, okay?

Business?

Are you a businessman?

Is that why you want to go to Gwangju?

Yes, Gwangju.

No Gwangju no money.

Shit, am I just going to waste gas money?

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 leader told us
to stay clear of Gwangju.

Over that hill over there,

there is one back road...

Where is it?

Over there…

Over that side…

This road's gonna ruin my shock absorbers.

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 back.

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, okay? In Gwangju.

What?

-Good day, sir. Salute.
-Yes.

I'm coming from Gimpo Airport.

That guy is a really
important businessman.

He had to miss his plane to U.S.
and return for important papers.

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 like, get dollars. Huh?

What's wrong?

To become a developed country...
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?

You said a hugely important...?

Tell him, not me.

Very very important paper, okay?

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 rioters.

-Rioters?
-Yes.

Yes, we'll be back in a flash.

-Salute.
-Yes.

Nice job back there.

My fare.

I want 100,000 won now.

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

Gwangju is dangerous.

So pay in advance.

First money.

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

I want the money first.

It's Korean business style.

If you don't have money now,
I'll take you back to 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.

My choice. Let's go to Gwangju, okay?

-Okay.
-Alright.

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 death"

What's going on here?

"Rescind Martial Law"

Stop the car, Driver.
What does that mean?

Huh? What?

"To the 1980s, The decade of Hope"

It says…

Hope, 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.

Hey look, it's a Seoul taxi.

Whoa, it's a foreigner.

Hi. Where are you going?

-What's he saying?
-Well...

Isn't that a camera?

Those university students
speak worse English than me.

Hey, Jaesik.
You speak some English, right?

Get over here, Jaesik.

Why me?

Hi.

Hi.

Where are you going?

Where are you from?

Germany. German broadcast, ARD.

German.

Um.. Are you a reporter?

Yes. I am a reporter.

He's a reporter from Germany,
and he came to shoot us.

We'll be on the news. Great.

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.

We're going 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.

Ah, I should've at least washed my face.

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 on.

I'll go too.

Then follow us.

Let's go.

♪We fight for justice, hoorah hoorah.

♪Live and die together, hoorah hoorah.

♪ 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.

He didn't come home last night.

Then he must have been out
drinking with his friends.

He can't drink.

And those soldiers,

they've gone berserk...

...beating and stabbing anyone
who passes by.

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?

"Gwangju Red Cross Hospital"

No, I won't take you.

Go see if they need help.

Please drive. I have to rush.

What's your hurry?

You don't write a single line
in the newspaper.

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 my.

What a mess.

-A high school student?
-Careful.

Go call a doctor.

Doctor.

Please find my youngest son.
I beg you, please…

Where are you, Yongpyo?

That was so close.

Child, can you see this?

Oh, Yongpyo. My son…

It's not him.

Are you okay?

Mom?

Mom.

Yongpyo.

What are you doing here?

Oh, you wicked boy.

I thought something
awful happened to you.

Are you okay?

This ain't nothin' 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.

I 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.

Yongpyo, 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.

I took what? 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's not what happened.

People saw you take a U-turn.

Hey, Yongpyo. 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 this and go.

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.

Whose side are you guys on, anyway?

How dare you start shouting.

Taesool, 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'm not receiving anything, alright?

Let's go.

Get in.

Kid. Are you gonna
ride around in my car all day?

He asked me to translate...

Do your parents know what you're doing?

Why are you chewing me out?

Didn't you see back there?

Your mother must be worried sick.

Paying that expensive tuition, did
you go to university to 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 students think other countries
are nice like ours?

Try go to Saudi Arabia.
In that hot, burning...

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.

We'll go back to Seoul at 7, okay?

Okay.

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.

Oil... Gas...

Stop, stop.

3,000 won's worth, but like a full tank.

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 gonna pay more?

I may be an out-of-towner,
but this is outrageous.

I don't care.
I'm only gonna pay 3,000 won.

Look at this guy.

What are you so angry about...

...me giving you a bit more gas
when it's all free anyway.

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

Free?

You think Gwangju people
are all like you?

Ouch.

Gee…

Why didn't you say it's free?
I'd have filled the tank full.

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 days.

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. A news reporter is here.

He came all the way from Seoul to report,
so please make way.

Thank you, thanks.

That's a reporter.

A foreigner?

Thank you.

He flew all the way here?

Make way, people.

Best to set out on a full stomach.
Have some.

What's this? Thank you.

-Are 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 gonna pay?

Hey.

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.

♪ We'd rather die standing
than live on our knees.

♪ We fight for justice.

♪ Citizens of Gwangju, unite.

♪ Citizens of Gwangju,
citizens of Gwangju,

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 welcomed.

If they find out you are here,

the government will hunt you down.

And the people helping you as well.

What, you want one?

Have a bite. Nothing happening there.

No, 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, stay here.
It's dangerous down there.

It's safer here.

You stay, we'll go down.

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

Where are you going?

What's going on?

It's dangerous.

If you're gonna 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.

-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.
Let's go!

Mister, this way. This way.

Over here.

Hurry.

Huh? Isn't she…?

Mister.

Mister, hurry up.

That's why I kept saying it's dangerous.

Is that thing expensive?

I've never seen one before.
What should I do? Should I ask him?

No, don't ask. Stay quiet.

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 back to 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.

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?

Jaesik. Gu Jaesik.

Gu Jaesik…
Practice on your singing, okay?

I'll watch your song contest on TV.

Okay.

Have a safe trip.

Come on, not again.

Did it break down?

What happened?

Isn't that…?

I told you it was him. The Seoul driver.

You were right.

Is your car 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…

It's his daughter.

Pretty, isn't she?

Ah, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to…

Don't touch.

Are you ready?

-Yeah, just a sec.
-Okay.

Ready. Try starting it.

Give it a go.

This car already ran over 600,000km.

How'd you drive all the way here?

-The transmission is too old.
-Then, should we change the starter?

That's a bummer.

I heard the repair shop's
all out of parts.

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.

-What to do? It'll take at least 2 hours.
-Yeah.

You better leave for Seoul tomorrow.

The 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're 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.

She's so young to be left alone.

Oh my.

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?

It's dangerous and 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 it's dangerous.

Bullshit. Like hell I did.

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

What?

Just take the money.

Take the money. Take the money, here.

Get that away from me.

Get it away.

Oh my.

Just stop it.

Just calm down, stop it.

My, oh my…

My, oh my…

His young daughter is at home alone.

But he can't go back to Seoul.

He cannot call her .

Jürgen Hinzpeter, Asia Correspondent
for Germany's public broadcaster.

He came in from Japan.

What are those assholes
at the airport immigration 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.

Dad.

Goodness, why are you back so late?

There was a lot going on.

My child, did you stay up
waiting for Daddy?

My precious boy.

Who are they?

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

-Yes, but there's not much to eat.
-Kimchi will be good enough.

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

It's okay if we have kimchi...

Get in.

Oh, my.

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

Seriously…

Don't worry. Your neighbor will
look after your daughter.

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.

Water.

-What?
-Water.

It's 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 did 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.

I'm a reporter here for the news
something like that…

Is that right?

Yes.

You're amazing. I never would've guessed.

Ah...

Why did you become a reporter?

What's that? A poker card?
I used to play, too...

Not that, money. He means money.

He means he did it because of the money?

Yes.

Where do you spend your money?

He got a hole in his 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.

There's no turning back
after this. So if anyone…

Are you the only reporter here?

We've all made up our minds.

Open the door.

Break it down.

Turn off the press.

Block them.

Get out of the way.

Blocking us won't solve anything.

Reporter Choi, are you trying
to bring the printing company down?

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

Shouldn't we at least try
to tell the people...

...what's happening here?...

...why is it happening?

It's our duty to report.

What change would it make?

They will shut us down,
and drag us all off.

Come on, get them out.

Chief. Chief!

Get rid of the newspapers.

Will this stop bullets?

Of course not. It's to cover the lights.

Right.

It's time for the evening news.

Why bother watching useless crap?

They're just spreading false news..

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.
-Hey, quiet.

...with student radicals and
gangsters gathering in Gwangju...

...and spreading groundless rumors.

To date, one civilian has been killed...

...and five members of the military...

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 pass...

...when the soldiers
were 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, okay?

By the sound of it,
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 song contest.

We'll judge if you deserve
a prize, so sing.

-Oh, no way.
-Give it a go. Don't be shy.

I play the guitar, not sing.

What's the difference?

Give him a hand.

Ah, this is hard to take…

What should I do?

Wow, looking good.

What? Why did you do that?

Students may protest against you,
to stop you from singing.

You can't sing. What are you going to do?

I told you, I play guitar.
But I'm not that bad.

I shouldn't have asked him to sing.

Is that a new song?

I guess I'm no good.

You're really a bad singer.

But there's something striking about him.

See, I told you.

Oh, my. He looks just like your brother.

-That's right.
-Yes, they're similar.

-You mean Sangchul??
-Yeah.

Who is that?

Right, why didn't I see it before?

I have a younger brother.

You look just like him.

What do you think?
Do we look similar?

-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.

Taesool. People are gathering
over by the TV station.

The taxi drivers are
all heading there, too.

-Really?
-Yes. I'll see you there.

It's the foreign reporter. Get the radio.

Jaesik.

Mister, look out.

They're plainclothes soldiers.

What? Plainclothes?

Damned commies.

Go hide up there. I'll bring it up.

Hurry.

Where is he?

He went away already.

-He didn't come this way.
-Hush...

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 Jaesik too.

If we give it up, we're safe.

Let's give it to him.

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?

We need to give him this.

They're coming up.

Watch out!

Give me the bag.

Hurry, run 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 communist.

You prick. Damn commie.

I'm really not a communist.

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

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

Yeah.

I know.

The Seoul taxi driver.

You're that commie
who brought in the German reporter.

The shit bastard
who sold his country for a 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 Jaesik?

Wasn't he with you?

Huh?

You know...

I earned some money in Saudi Arabia.

But my wife got sick and
I spent it all on hospital bills.

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

She said she has no hope...

...so I should look after our daughter.

We could have tried more medications...

...but I didn't argue.

That's the kind of guy I am.

The rest have to on living, right?

Because after my wife died,
I got drunk every day.

One day...

...I woke up.

And saw...

...my daughter 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 troopers are
searching for a Seoul taxi.

You should've said you're leaving.
You don't even know the roads.

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?

It's those bastards who should be sorry.

It's a damn fine weather.

Come visit with your daughter someday.

We'll take my son and go on a picnic.

Take care of yourself.

You take care.

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?
- Dongsu, is my daughter there?

Manseob, where have you been?

Is she with you?

She just fell asleep.
Should I 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.

I left 2,000 won in my drawer.
Please give it to Eunjung…

She's been up all night waiting,
so why make promises.

-Hey, 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.
-Yes.

I thought you went bill collecting?

It was wasting my time.

Ma'am, another bottle of soju.

Sure.

Why? The 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.

A few innocent soldiers were killed...

...in a violent college student protests.

No, someone really saw
people getting killed there.

It was in the news.

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?

Why are they killing innocent people?

"Protests in Gwangju"

"Rogue groups and rioters"

You must've been really hungry.

Try this, too.

It's delicious...

Delicious.

Taxi, taxi.

So pretty.

I always bought her sneakers,
never a nice pair of shoes...

Eunjung will love these.

Eunjung, what should I do?

What do I do?

One more phone call, please.

Eunjung, 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 don't fight with Sanggu.

Where has he gone to?

The hospital.

The hospital?

Why is this happening?

Why did you come back?

The troopers 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 these.

You promised, to tell people about this.

It needs to be broadcast
so people will know.

You're a reporter, shoot this.

Jaesik, and this too.

Open your eyes.

How can you leave me?

And our unborn baby.

Make way.

Over here, Doctor. Please help over here.

He's been shot.

Taesool, what do we do?

They're really trying to wipe us all out.

People were singing the national anthem...

...when the troopers
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.

Hey, hey.

You paid me the fare.

We'll go together.

I'm a taxi driver.

And you're my customer.

Okay?

Okay. Together.

"Dear Citizens of Gwangju"

"One: Stay at home
Two: Don't believe in rumors"

He needs a hospital, now.

Get hold of yourself.

Why are they shooting us?

Don't go out.

Over there. 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.

This won't do.

Let's drive our taxis in.

Wait...

Here.

I can drive well.

Let's go together.

Look. The taxi drivers.

Thank you.

Yongpyo.

-Yongpyo.
-Are you okay?

Hey, take cover.

Let's help them.

Let's save the wounded. Come on.

Don't lose focus.

Come here.

Are you okay?

Please help me.

Taesool, get in here.

Gently.

Here, over here.

Hold on for a bit more.

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, do it 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 Jeonnam taxi.

Where's your home?

Why?

Answer, you bastard.

And why don't you have a Jeonnam 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 have to go back to Seoul.

He came on 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 celebration.

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.

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.

How thrilling.

Run them over.

Bastards.

Shoot them all.

Go faster.

Don't worry about me.

Come on bastards, let's go at it.

What's going on back there?

I'm sorry...

Take care of yourself.

Don't worry about us.

Step on it.

Step on it.

"Kimpo International Airport
Security Management"

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.

Hi.

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.

I forgot to buy cigarettes.

Please.

"Sabok Cigarettes"

Here you are.

Hey, stop that.

You're a good man.

You did a good job.

You... you did good job too.

Learn Korean, before you come next time.

When you come back, speak Korean, okay?

Okay.

Go on.

The curfew starts soon.

Did your dad run off?

Because he's so poor?

Kang Sanggu.

Stop bothering your friend.

But she hit me first.

How'd you end up that way?

Eunjung, come have some fruit. Get in.

Daddy.

Eunjung.

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...

...we can witness the violence
done to protesters...

...in the last two days.

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 Sabok"

So even the number is wrong.

Kim Sabok may not be his real name.

It might be better not to look for him.

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 Sabok.

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.

Hey, wait.

Without him, news of
the Gwangju Uprising...

...would have never reached the world.

I'm afraid my words fail
to express my gratitude...

...but you're always in my thoughts.

Mr. Kim, my dear friend.

"General Knowledge"

Thank you.

I've missed you.

I'll keep waiting.

I hope to see you again soon.

"He said, if not for Kim Sabok"

"He could never have made the report"

"And wishes to see him again"

I'm more grateful to you.

Thank you, thank you.

I wanted to see you again, too.

At least I see you like this.

You've grown old too.

Hello, where to?

To Gwanghwamun, please.

Gwanghwamun, okay.

"The footage Hinzpeter
risked his life to shoot"

"With the help of Kim Sabok
was broadcast to the world"

"Exposing the military
dictatorship’s oppression"

"Hinzpeter tried several times
to find the Taxi Driver, Kim Sabok"

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

"The late Jürgen Hinzpeter
In November 2015, Ratzeburg"

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...

...and then meet you once again...

...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.