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1987: When the Day Comes
1987
2017 129 min South Korea 16+
★7.7
Drama, History, Thriller
Director: Jang Joon-hwan
Trailers
Description
In 1987 Korea under an oppressive military regime, the unlawful interrogation and death of a college student ignite ordinary citizens to fight for the truth and bring about justice.
Budget:
$12.31M
Worldwide:
$49.38M
Starring
Kim Tae-ri
Actor
Park Hee-soon
Actor
Oh Dal-su
Actor
Awards
Asian Film Academy 2018
— Best Actor
Key opinion
1987 is a compelling and serious dramatization of South Korea's democratic uprising, effectively capturing the tension between civil courage and systemic brutality. While its dense ensemble cast and reliance on specific historical knowledge present a barrier for some, it remains a powerful portrayal of collective resistance against authoritarianism.
| Theme | The narrative avoids heavy-handed political speechifying, instead allowing the moral weight of civil courage to emerge through the characters' actions. | |
| Screenplay | The film constructs a taut, engaging crime-detective structure that successfully translates historical events into a suspenseful thriller. | |
| Cinematography | The visual approach utilizes classic framing and attractive composition that remains steady and unobtrusive to the viewer. | |
| Accessibility | The story assumes prior knowledge of the June 1987 protests, creating a significant barrier to entry for viewers unfamiliar with South Korean history. | |
| Acting | The massive, rotating ensemble cast leads to thin individual character development, making it difficult for viewers to keep track of key figures in the first half. |