Dongju: The Portrait of a Poet (Korean: 동주) is a 2016 South Korean black-and-white biographical period drama film directed by Lee Joon-ik and written by Shin Yeon-shick, starring Kang Ha-neul as the titular character, and Park Jeong-min. It was released in South Korea on February 17, 2016.
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Plot
During the Japanese colonial period, when names, language, and dreams were forbidden, Dong-ju and Mong-gyu, cousins of the same age, were born and raised together. Dong-ju, a young man who dreams of becoming a poet, sees Mong-gyu, who acts fearlessly for his beliefs, as both his closest friend and a figure difficult to surpass.
The two leave their chaotic homeland to pursue studies in Japan, which forces them to adopt Japanese names. There, Mong-gyu becomes even more devoted to the independence movement, while Dong-ju continues to write poetry, mourning the tragedy of their times. This deepens the conflict between them, as Mong-gyu is driven by action, while Dong-ju expresses his despair through words.
Cast
Kang Ha-neul as Yun Dong-ju
Park Jeong-min as Song Mong-gyu
Kim In-woo as Detective
Choi Hee-seo as Kumi
Shin Yoon-jo as Lee Yeo-jin
Min Jin-woong as Kang Cheo-Joong
Choi Hong-Il as Dong-Ju's father
Lee Bit-na as Yun Dong-Ju's younger sister
Moon Sung-keun as Jeong Ji-yong
Reception
The film was fifth placed on its opening weekend in South Korea, grossing US$1.14 million.