Lump of Sugar

The 2006 South Korean film Lump of Sugar, directed by Jeong-hwan Lee, stars Lim Soo-jung, Oh-seong Yu, and Il-seob Baek. It is a heartwarming drama that captures the timeless love between humans and animals, reflecting the true meaning of companionship and dedication. The movie centres around the life of the young and determined Si-eun, and her relationships with horses and the people around her.

The story begins by introducing us to Si-eun, played brilliantly by Lim Soo-jung. Si-eun grew up on a horse farm managed by her father. Hers was a tough childhood filled with fond memories of growing up in the midst of these majestic animals. Tragically, Si-eun loses her mother at a very young age, but the memory of her mother buying her a horse-shaped lollipop (the “lump of sugar”) is an enduring memory and encapsulates the sweetness and sadness that pervades her life.

The memory also becomes a dominant theme and symbol throughout the movie as Si-eun, in her youth, believes that horses can taste sweetness - a belief primarily sparked due to her mother’s kind gesture and love for the horses. As a way to preserve the love for her mother, Si-eun also harbors a dream of becoming a jockey, choosing to follow in her father's footsteps despite the family's financial struggles.

Later in Si-eun's life, she meets a magnificent horse named Cheondung, which translates to "Thunder" in English, a horse with a ragged, unloved past. They eventually develop a deep bonding, reflecting the beautiful symbiosis between animals and humans. Si-eun sees hope in Cheondung, giving it the love and affection it hadn’t received before, and in return, Cheondung assists Si-eun to get closer to her dream of becoming a jockey.

The film dwells onto the various aspects of Si-eun's life, her journey as an aspiring jockey, taking a closer look at her hardships, growth, overcoming societal pressures, resilience during failure, and eventual success. The movie seamlessly encapsulates her friendships, romantic pursuits, and her trainer's role, played by Oh-seong Yu, who significantly influences her life and career.

The film is more than just a cinematic recount of the life of a young jockey; it is a profound exploration of friendship, love, aspirations, human-animal connections, and the challenges women face in predominantly male professions. Oh-seong Yu's character, that of a supportive trainer, adds a different layer to the narrative, considering the individual struggles he faces beyond the racetrack. Si-eun's father, played by Il-seob Baek, also plays a crucial role in molding Si-eun's outlook towards life, teaching her to persevere through the hardships she encounters in life, be it financially, socially, or career-wise.

The natural and gripping performances by the cast make the movie an emotional roller coaster ride for the viewers. Lim Soo-jung's portrayal of Si-eun is both perceptive and touching. She excellently embodies the character’s dreams, despairs, and the unyielding spirit, making the audience root for her throughout her journey.

Lump of Sugar focuses on the relationship between animals and humans, with horses playing a pivotal role in the narrative. Director Jeong-hwan Lee beautifully demonstrates the special bond between Si-eun and her horse. This relationship is more than just human-animal companionship; it is about emotional support and a shared dream that the audience gets to witness as the story goes on.

The cinematography adds beauty to the narrative, capturing the passion, intensity, and spirit of the horse racing world, combined with the peaceful countryside backdrop of the horse farm, making it visually appealing.

Lump of Sugar is a beautiful and inspiring story of dedication, friendship, love, and the unyielding spirit to achieve one’s dreams despite the countless hurdles. The movie gently reassures viewers about the universal fact that we might lose races in life, but what's important is not giving up the race. It will leave you with an unforgettable cinematic experience and instill in you a sense of admiration for these majestic creatures and the bond they share with humans.