About the Film
Dubbed by some the best Korean film ever made, this 1960 piece draws from a novella translated alternatively as “Aimless Bullet” or “Stray Bullet” by Yi Beomseon. While we can debate about being the “best” as this is always a thing of personal preferences, “Aimless Bullet” is definitely a damn great film. Taken from both, a contemporary and diachronic perspective. And it is quite obvious why the 1960s government found the film too gloomy. Consequently, they first banned the film, and only later allowed a very limited release.
Synopsis
After the war is over, the usual wish the governments have is to celebrate the peace or at least boost the morals of the nation. In spite of that, the national cinemas tend to react with films infused with hardship and disillusion. And yes, that is the case here. The destroyed country offers little to none work opportunities, the pay is laughable, housing is scarce. Soldiers, often suffering from injuries or traumas, stay unemployed. That still does not mean women or those who weren't fighting are better off. PTSD took its toll from all, civilians included.
