A Little Pond (작은 연못)

This film is based on the true events that took place in Nogunri, Korea.

The characters and events have been reconstructed.

On August 15, 1945, World War II ends. Korea is freed from Japan but divided in two: North occupied by Soviets, South by the U.S.

On June 25, 1950, the Korean war begins when N. Korean troops storm across the border.

On June 27, the U.S. Decides to send in air and naval forces. The North captures Seoul on June 28.

The U.S. Decides to send in ground troops on June 30.

On July 5, Americans suffer defeat in the first battle

with the N. Koreans and are sent retreating South.

July, 1950 One month after the start of war

Heard they took in some comrades in town, yesterday.

They won't come way up here.

I think I'd better run away.

Again? Where?

Maybe go to the American camp.

The Americans?

Bet they could use someone who speaks English.

You converted to the South.

Aren't you safe?

Doesn't matter, it's a war.

How much longer on the run, then?

Don't know.

Hope the war ends soon.

This way! Hurry!

You'll wake Jayun.

- Hurry! He'll run away! - Jayun...

What's that sound?

Go! Hurry!

This way!

Sungun!

Come out, right now!

Who's there?

Sungun!

I know you're home, pal. We came to ask ya somethin'.

Mr. Moon? Send out your son-in-law!

Father's at the shop in town.

We know Sungun's here!

Come out, Sungun!

Find him! Go!

A Little Pond

Attack North for Unification -

Make sure you eat all your meals, Miss.

Hurry off to my father, then.

Staying overnight, again?

I'm on night watch.

I'll come back for you in the morning.

- No need. - How's your toe?

It's fine. Good day.

- Bye. - Bye.

Be careful!

- You too. - Bye.

Ta-da!

Ma'am!

Oh my! Here so soon?

Yes!

- Have a seat. - I only run errands at home.

I said I'm coming to practice for the singing contest.

- Where are the boys? - Not here, yet.

Probably splashing in the stream.

- Have you been well, ma'am? - Have you been well, ma'am?

- Were you bathing? - Yes.

Silly boys.

This is for you, ma'am.

Why thank you, Jjang!

I wish everyday was vacation day.

Silly! School's temporarily closed.

Same thing, stupid girlie!

Silly boys.

Stupid girlie!

Stop calling me girlie!

Then you're a boy?

No. I'm Jaya.

Enough!

Do you know why people sing?

Why do we sing?

- Don't know, ma'am. - Silly.

Why you little!

Stop fighting, kids.

People sing for peace. Understand?

Yes, ma'am.

When's vacation over, ma'am?

I don't know.

We're going to Seoul after harvest, right?

Right.

- Kyunghee? - Yes?

- Jungju? - Yes?

- Jjang? - Yes?

- Gaby? - Yes?

- Jaya? - Yes?

- Jiwon? - Yes?

- Sulan? - Yes?

What will we do in Seoul?

See the Royal Palace!

See the South Gate!

Go to the National Children's Singing Contest.

Right. And what will we do at the contest?

Sing!

- Silly. - Girlie!

Stop.

How will you sing?

- Well! - Win!

Can't we go to the palace?

Of course we'll go.

Let's go by train.

Sure we'll go by train. Then what should we do?

Practice hard!

Then let's practice!

Okay!

Are you ready, Jaya?

*The morning sun over the hill

*Shining brightly through the clouds

*With the blue endless sea at its feet.

*Dear villages under the hills, have you slept well overnight?

*The leaves fly past...

- After 'em! - After 'em!

Here, here.

How are ya feeling, today?

Eat up.

Get off the can and make your move.

Quiet.

- Have you eaten, sirs? - Sure.

Coming from the field?

- Have some rice wine. - Thank you, sir!

Give me more!

Grandpa!

- My little angel! - Coming from school?

Go play.

Dani!

- See you later! - See you later!

- Let's play house. - Sure.

- Make your move. - Have you eaten, sirs?

- Have you eaten, sirs? - Hi, boys.

Gahee! Let's go home.

Dani! Hold on.

Boo!

Can't you do better than that?

Why you!

- Grandpa! Jjang made her cry! - Did not!

- Kooli! - Stop bothering 'em!

- I didn't do nothing! - Let's go.

- Have you eaten, sirs? - Stop fighting.

- Going to the field? - Yes, sir.

- Hard working lad. - Have fun, sir.

Kooli bastard!

What did I do!

- You made her cry! - Did not!

Get lost!

- Let's go. - Put 'em up!

Let's go.

You bastard!

Kooli bastard!

Let's go!

Have you eaten, sirs?

- Coming from the field? - Yes.

Stop fighting, Jjang and study hard!

How could you!

You little...

How could you!

With your father gone, you'd better act like a man!

Go on in!

Boys don't hide in kitchens!

Come out, now!

Darlin'!

I won't do it again!

I'll die if ya want me to! Please!

- I'll be right back, Father. - Sure.

Have you eaten?

- Something wrong? - It's nothing.

They're always fightin'.

That's part of bonding.

Bonding? What good will gambling ever get ya.

The hell you care? Lay off my son!

Why you...

- Hello, there. - Hi.

Everything going well, Mr. Min?

Come to stay at your brother's house?

For now.

Has the attack come to town?

Not yet. Hope nothing bad happens.

We'll catch up, later.

Sure. Let's go.

Darlin'!

They're at it, as always.

He probably gambled, again.

Guess old habits die hard.

Let's go.

- Have you all eaten, sirs? - Hello.

- Who's this? - Jjang's aunt's family.

Say hi, kids.

- Came up to stay? - Yes.

- Go on up, then. - Have fun, sirs.

Let's go up.

- Anybody home? - Hello?

- Welcome! - Bow to her, girls!

- No, need. - Hello.

They're so pretty.

- No... - Greet them, Yun.

Have you been well?

- Hi. - Greet them, Jjang!

You're all grown up, little man!

Come back, here!