A Taxi Driver

Set in Korea in the late 20th Century, A Taxi Driver is a gripping and emotional film showcasing an exceptional period in Korean history known as the Gwangju Uprising in May 1980. This film, released in 2016, is directed by Jang Hoon and the story revolves around the dramatic journey of a humble taxi driver named Man-seop, masterfully performed by the well-known South Korean actor, Song Kang-ho. Other noteworthy performances include Thomas Kretschmann, a German actor who plays the journalist Peter, and Yoo Hae-jin, who portrays a heroic local from Gwangju.

The plot of A Taxi Driver unfolds in Seoul where a struggling widower and taxi driver, Man-seop (Song Kang-ho), is trying to earn a living while providing for his young daughter. He is depicted as an ordinary man concerned with the daily challenges of life, rather than the dynamics of Korean politics. His life takes an unexpected turn when he is hired by a foreign journalist, Peter (Thomas Kretschmann), who offers him a lucrative fee for a day’s work. Peter’s goal is to travel to Gwangju, a city in the southern part of the country, to report on the alarming situations brewing there.

However, the journey isn't an easy ride as they have to bypass strict martial law implementations and military roadblocks that stand between them and Gwangju. The taxi driver, initially ignorant of the gravity of the situation, finds himself immersed in what could be the most dangerous ride of his life. Setting aside his personal initial motivations for the journey - to earn enough to cover his overdue rent, the character of the taxi driver transitions in a manner that beautifully mirrors the transformation from ignorance to being a witness to the brutal reality of his own country.

Kang-ho delivers a powerful performance, bringing life to Man-seop’s character transitions seamlessly. His excellent portrayal of an ordinary man unwittingly drawn into extraordinary circumstances is simply riveting. Meanwhile, Kretschmann, portraying Peter, brings to screen the genuine concern and determination of a reporter seeking to reveal the truth to the world. The dynamic between the Korean driver and the German journalist is one of the movie's characteristic features, marked by a language barrier broken down by universal bodily gestures and two common goals, survival, and truth.

Apart from the main leads, one significant character is Tae-sul, played by the versatile actor Yoo Hae-jin. Tae-sul, a cab driver from Gwangju, is a courageous and kind-hearted local who brings them into the heart of the protest, serving as a crucial link between them and the Gwangju people.

Director Jang Hoon deserves credit for successfully balancing the elements of drama, emotion, humor, and action in the screenplay. He seamlessly switches between the lighter moments involving the taxicab and the grim events of the Gwangju protest. The film's cinematography is commendable, capturing not only the scenic beauty of South Korea but also the tense and chaotic images of the city in revolt. The dialogues, though simple, serve to make a deep emotional connection with the audience.

The film doesn't shy away from showing the reality of the historical events it depicts, portraying the spirit of resistance among Gwangju citizens and the brutal force they had to face. It brings to light the noble cause fought by the students, common people, and some cab drivers of Gwangju, who rallied against the oppressive military force with much bravery.

A Taxi Driver is a potent and moving depiction of a man who starts his journey as an oblivious taxi driver and becomes a beacon of light for a foreign journalist risking his life to expose a vital truth to the world and to his fellow citizens. It is an ode to the unsung heroes of history, a touching human drama, a thrilling road movie, and a vivid historical expose, all rolled into one cinematic masterpiece. The movie does an excellent job of not just illustrating a notable period in Korean history, but through its memorable characters, it also showcases the common man's compelling journey in the face of all odds. This allows an international audience to connect with the story, reminding us that we all are capable of making a difference, however insignificant it may seem at the moment.