Cheonnyeonhak

A musical story told mainly in flashback from 1956 onwards, two men share their stories over a night of drinking. From childhood Dong-ho and Song-Hwa, are taught to be the drummer and singer in the old Korean pansori style by a domineering stage-father. The boy eventually leaves to make his own way and loses touch with the (foster) sister and father. The three of them run into more than their share of misfortunes and hardships, and travel independently across the breadth of Korea, every few years they meet briefly. Pansori didn't appear to be the way to riches. Lots of the periodic singing and grand scenery, floating cherry blossoms, mountains, wind-blown grasses, artistic trees, some real nice photography here. The music and singing are very emotional. A lamentation for better times past, this movie is a good portrayal of the Korean psyche.