A Taxi Driver: Masterpiece In A Beautiful Reflection Shown

NewsbyMark
4 min readOct 5, 2023

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A Taxi Driver — Korean cinema has gained international acclaim over the years, and one of the standout films contributing to this global recognition is “A Taxi Driver.” Directed by Jang Hoon and released in 2017. In this review, we will explore into the film’s cinematography, script, moras, visual effects, and the artist performances that make “A Taxi Driver” a must-watch.

Available on Prime Video

한국 영화의 걸작, ‘택시 기사: 역사의 목격자’를 만나보세요. 광주 민주화 운동의 중요한 순간을 기억하고 역사의 목격자가 되어 보세요. 용기와 우정의 진한 감동을 느껴보세요

a taxi driver

What Is the Unique Story Of Taxi Driver Kdrama?

The script is depicting the social system during 1980, a rough period in South Korean history, “A Taxi Driver” Kim Man-seob, a taxi driver in Seoul struggling to make ends meet. One day, he is hired by a German journalist named Peter, who offers a hefty sum of money for a one-way trip to Gwangju, a city in political turmoil.

Unaware of the situation in Gwangju, where the city is under siege by student protesters and the military. Kim Man-seob agrees to take Peter on the long journey. The taxi driver and the journalist become eyewitnesses to the brutality of the military crackdown on the pro-democracy protesters.

Caught in the chaos and danger of the situation, together, they navigate the unsafe streets of Gwangju, documenting the atrocities they witness. The film explores their relationship during their trip in such an outrageous environment.

Their journey becomes a powerful symbol of the strength of two individuals in the face of extraordinary circumstances.

The film is an emotional story of courage and friendship. Cinematography: Weaving a Historical Tapestry

One of the most striking aspects of “A Taxi Driver” is its cinematography which plays a pivotal role in immersing the audience in the past period. Cinematographer Go Nak-seon masterfully captures the contrast between the bustling streets of Seoul in 1980 and the harrowing realities of the Gwangju Uprising.

The framing of shots is also noteworthy. The director and cinematographer make effective use of close-ups to convey the characters’ emotions and inner turmoil, particularly the titular taxi driver, Kim Man-seob, and the German journalist Peter.

Writer Uhm Yoo-na carefully crafts a narrative that balances historical accuracy with emotional depth. The film is based on the real-life experiences of taxi driver Kim Sa-bok, who ferried German journalist Jürgen Hinzpeter to Gwangju during the uprising.

It explores themes of empathy, sacrifice, and the responsibility of bearing witness to history. Kim Man-seob’s transformation from a self-centered taxi driver to someone who risks everything for the sake of truth and justice is a compelling character arc that keeps the audience invested in the story.

What is the message of taxi driver actually?

Beyond its cinematic brilliance, it carries a profound moral message. The movie makes us think about how important it is to pay attention to terrible events in history and we make sure to hold the people accountable for human atrocities.

It is the moral responsibility of every citizen to protect the sanctity of every individual living on this planet. It also depicts the responsibility of journalists to bring the facts in public for justice in any kind of human rights violations in other countries.

In this movie, the characters faced awful things that happened during the Gwangju events, and how it is to do the right thing can be really hard.

The main message of the movie is simple: when you see something wrong happening, don’t be quiet or dumb to see it, you must have the ability to make a positive impact on society.

Visual Effects

The recreations of 1980s Seoul and the chaos of Gwangju during the uprising are done with meticulous attention to detail. From the period-accurate vehicles to the riot scenes, every element feels authentic to history.

The use of practical effects, such as the portrayal of tear gas and the clashes between protesters and the military, adds a visceral quality to the film. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most impactful visual effects are those that ground the story in reality.

Is Korean taxi driver interesting eye-opening true story?

“A Taxi Driver” stands as a cinematic masterpiece. Its cinematography, script, moral message, visual authenticity, and artist performances combine to create a film that not only entertains but also leaves a lasting impact on its viewers.

“A Taxi Driver” is more than just a movie; it is based on facts of the human spirit bringing justice to mankind.

So, hop in the taxi and take a ride through history with “A Taxi Driver.” You won’t just reach your destination; you’ll embark on a journey of empathy, courage, and profound reflection.

Stay in the Loop for Lifetime “A Taxi Driver” Collections

There’s more to say about “A Taxi Driver” and we must keep in touch to know its performance in this Korean Drama in future. We fans, to stay informed about its success and to evaluate the storyline in depth. Let’s keep your eyes open and share your thoughts in our Comments Section open-heartedly.

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