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Do You See Seoul? (2008 film)

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Do You See Seoul?
Official poster
Hangul
서울이 보이냐?
Revised RomanizationSeour-i boinya?
McCune–ReischauerSŏuri poinya?
Directed bySong Dong-yoon
Written bySong Dong-yoon
Produced byHeo Jae-cheol
Starring
CinematographyHur Eung-hoi
Edited byKyung Min-ho
Music byKim Chang-su
Production
company
Line Pictures
Distributed byCinema Service
Release date
  • May 8, 2008 (2008-05-08)
Running time
85 minutes
CountrySouth Korea
LanguageKorean
Box officeUS$299,631[1]

Do You See Seoul? (Korean: 서울이 보이냐?; RR: Seour-i boinya?), also known as Unforgettable, is a 2008 South Korean drama film, written and directed by Song Dong-yoon.[2] It stars Yoo Seung-ho, Lee Chang-hoon, Oh Soo-ah and Kim Yoo-jung.[3]

The film was released on May 8, 2008, and drew a total of 50,956 admissions.[4]

Plot

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The story unfolds as a journey through time, intertwining the life of Gil-su, now a teacher in Seoul, with the vivid memories of his childhood on the island of Sindo.[5]

In the present day, as the summer vacation approaches, Gil-su dreams of taking his students on a trip to Sindo. However, facing opposition from skeptical parents, he embarks on the journey alone, reminiscing about his childhood and his cherished teacher.[6]

The narrative transports us back to 1976, where the boy Gil-su shoulders the responsibility of caring for his little sister while his dad struggles with alcoholism and his mom has left the family seeking a better life in Seoul. In the small school of Sindo, the caring Eun-yong is the only teacher.

A burst of excitement happens for the island's children when a Seoul cookie factory invites them for a visit. But their parents, worried about money[7] and the city's impact on the children, resist. Despite parental disapproval the kids, captivated by the chance of seeing a real bicycle in the big city, and encouraged by their teacher, join forces to earn the necessary funds on their own. For Gil-su the trip holds an even more special meaning as he hopes to find his mom in Seoul.

After numerous challenges the parents finally agree and the kids are on their way to Seoul travelling with a train for the first time. However, the journey takes an unexpected turn when Gil-su, his sister, and their friend Yoon-bok get lost in the big city, creating serious challenges for their dedicated teacher.

Cast

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Production

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The film marked Yoo Seung-ho's last work as a child actor.[10][11]

The shooting of the film took place at the picturesque island of Haui-do, located in Haui-myeon, Mokpo-si, Jeollanam-do. The place perfectly matched the atmosphere of 1970s, which is the background of the movie, with its small population, clear sea water, sandy beaches, mud flats, and the very school depicted in the storyline. The filming process embraced the authenticity of the island, utilizing nearly everything in its natural state.[12]

Prior to the film's release, a blog was created, serving as an informative source for the fans providing an overview of the film's making, insights into cast members, behind-the-scenes stories and news.[13]

Originally named "My Teacher", the film underwent a title change to "Do You See Seoul?".[14] This decision of the production company was motivated by a belief that the latter title was more suitable and attractive to the audience.[15]

The poster shooting for the film took place at Gokseong Station where a train that had originally operated in 1968 was located in order to preserve the authentic ambiance of the 1970s — the historical setting of the movie.[16]

Release

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Although the film was originally shot in 2006, its official premiere was postponed for two years.[17] The release date was scheduled for May 8, 2008. It was strategically chosen because of the relations between children, parents and teachers, subject of the film. May is recognized as the Family Month in Korea, celebrating Children's Day on May 5, Parents’ Day on May 8, and Teachers' Day on May 15.[18][19][20]

References

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  1. ^ "Unforgettable (2008)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
  2. ^ Yi, Chang-ho (April 21, 2008). "Child actor YOO Seung-ho returns to the big screen". Korean Film Biz Zone. Archived from the original on August 12, 2017. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
  3. ^ "Unforgettable". HanCinema. Archived from the original on July 15, 2023. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
  4. ^ "Theatrical Releases in 2008". Koreanfilm.org. Archived from the original on May 11, 2023. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
  5. ^ "서울이 보이냐 소중했던 기억들… 내 추억이 보인다". Busan Ilbo (in Korean). January 10, 2009. Archived from the original on December 29, 2023. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  6. ^ "새영화 옛 시절 향수 듬뿍 담긴 '서울이 보이냐'". Jjan.kr (in Korean). May 9, 2008. Archived from the original on December 29, 2023. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  7. ^ a b "이주일의 개봉영화 서울이 보이냐 (지난 8일 개봉)". Busan Ilbo (in Korean). January 11, 2009. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
  8. ^ "If child star Kim You-jung comes out, it goes well". HanCinema. May 15, 2008. Archived from the original on July 15, 2023. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
  9. ^ "'무려 13년 전' 아역배우로 3명이 함께 출연했다는 영화 한 편". Naver (in Korean). April 9, 2021. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
  10. ^ "'서울이 보이냐' 2년만에 관객 앞으로". Kmaeil.com (in Korean). April 30, 2008. Archived from the original on December 29, 2023. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  11. ^ "유승호 서울이 보이냐, 방울토마토 탄력 이을까?". NoCutNews (in Korean). May 5, 2008. Archived from the original on December 29, 2023. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  12. ^ "'서울이 보이냐' 촬영 전용 섬, 신도". NewsWire (in Korean). April 17, 2008. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  13. ^ "유승호의 '서울이 보이냐', 공식 블로그 오픈". Chosun Media (in Korean). April 20, 2008. Archived from the original on December 29, 2023. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  14. ^ "'서울이 보이냐'". KHan (in Korean). May 2, 2008. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  15. ^ "<서울이 보이냐>". JoyNews24 (in Korean). October 17, 2008. Archived from the original on December 29, 2023. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  16. ^ "'집으로' 유승호, 서울 상경기 '서울이 보이냐' 5월 8일 개봉!". HanKyung.com (in Korean). April 16, 2008. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  17. ^ "유승호 주연 '서울이 보이냐' 크랭크업 2년 만에 개봉". eDaily (in Korean). April 16, 2008. Archived from the original on December 29, 2023. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  18. ^ "유승호, '서울이 보이냐'서 4년전 앳된 모습 공개...팬들 기대". Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). April 25, 2008. Archived from the original on December 29, 2023. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  19. ^ Lee, Hyo-won (May 8, 2008). "Unforgettable: Return to Innocence". The Korea Times. Archived from the original on February 7, 2015. Retrieved June 23, 2014.
  20. ^ "What 'Family Month' means in Korea". Korea.net. May 7, 2021. Archived from the original on December 29, 2023. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
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