The Piper (2015 Film)

The Piper (Korean: 손님; RR: Sonnim, literally "Guest") is a 2015 South Korean fantasy-horror film directed by Kim Gwang-Tae. The film reimagines the classic German folktale of the Pied Piper of Hamelin within the historical context of post-Korean War rural society.

The Piper promotional poster — Promotional poster for the 2015 film The Piper.

Plot

Set shortly after the Korean War, the story follows a musician named Woo-Ryong (played by Ryu Seung-Ryong) who is traveling to Seoul with his son, Young-Nam (Goo Seung-Hyun), to seek treatment for the boy's tuberculosis. While traversing a remote mountain region, they discover an isolated, prosperous village. The community is led by a village head (Lee Sung-Min) and suffers from a severe rat infestation. Woo-Ryong, who possesses the ability to control animals through his music, strikes a deal with the village leader to exterminate the pests in exchange for a significant payment. As he integrates into the village, he develops a relationship with a young shaman named Mi-Sook (Chun Woo-Hee), but the situation takes a dark turn as the village's hidden secrets are revealed.

Production

The film was directed by Kim Gwang-Tae and produced by Kim Dong-Woo, Lee Han, and Kim Kyoung-Joon. Principal photography for the project commenced on May 22, 2014, and concluded on September 4, 2014. The film was distributed by CJ Entertainment and released in South Korea on July 9, 2015.

Ryu Seung-Ryong as Woo-Ryong — Ryu Seung-Ryong portrays the protagonist, Woo-Ryong.

Cast

Ryu Seung-Ryong as Woo-Ryong
Goo Seung-Hyun as Young-Nam
Lee Sung-Min as the Village Head
Chun Woo-Hee as Mi-Sook
Lee Joon as Nam-Soo
Jung Kyung-Ho as Chul-Soo's father

Reception

The film was screened at the 20th Busan International Film Festival in 2015 as part of the Korean Cinema Today: Panorama section.