Eyelids (2018 Film)

Eyelids (Korean: 눈꺼풀; RR: Nunggeopul) is a South Korean arthouse film directed and written by O Muel. The film, which explores themes of the afterlife and remembrance, was produced as a commemorative project following the 2014 Sewol Ferry disaster.

Promotional still from the film Eyelids — A scene from the film Eyelids.

Plot

The narrative is set on Mireuk Island, depicted as a final waypoint for souls transitioning into the afterlife. The story centers on an elderly man residing on the island who spends his time preparing rice cakes intended for the deceased. The quiet solitude of the island is interrupted by the arrival of a young teacher and two students.

Production

Director O Muel filmed Eyelids in 2014 on an uninhabited island. The production was notably minimalist, involving a small crew of five staff members. The film was created specifically to commemorate the victims of the Sewol Ferry disaster. It held its world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival in October 2015 before receiving a theatrical release in South Korea on April 12, 2018.

Cast

Moon Suk-Bum
Sung Min-Chul
Lee Sang-Hee