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South Korean Cinema

With a Girl of Black Soil (2007 Film)

With a Girl of Black Soil (Korean: 검은 땅의 소녀와; RR: Geomen tangyi sonyeo oi) is a 2007 South Korean drama film directed and written by Jeon Soo-Il. The film explores the hardships faced by a family living in a remote, declining mining community.

Film poster for With a Girl of Black Soil
The official poster for the 2007 film With a Girl of Black Soil.

Plot

The story follows nine-year-old Yeong-lim, played by Yoo Yeon-Mi, as she navigates the disintegration of her family life. Her father, Hye-geon, is an unemployed former miner who has received no compensation for his job loss and struggles with alcoholism and depression. Her older brother, Dong-gu, is mentally handicapped. As their home faces demolition and their neighbors depart, Yeong-lim attempts to maintain stability by stealing food and seeking educational opportunities for her brother. Her efforts to improve her father's health, however, lead to tragic consequences.

Scene from the film
A scene depicting the daily life of the family in the mining town.

Production

The film was produced by Jo In-Sook with a production budget of approximately US$ 400,000. It features cinematography by Kim Sung-Tai and has a runtime of 89 minutes.

Still from the film
Yeong-lim in the rural setting of the film.

Reception and Awards

With a Girl of Black Soil premiered at the 12th Pusan International Film Festival in October 2007, where it received the NETPAC Award. In 2008, the film was screened at the 10th Deauville Asian Film Festival, where it won the International Critics’ Award.

Still from the film
A moment featuring the character Dong-gu.
Still from the film
The family home in the film.
Still from the film
A scene showing the rural landscape.
Still from the film
A scene depicting the characters in the mining area.
Still from the film
Yeong-lim in a quiet moment.
Still from the film
The father, Hye-geon, in the film.
Still from the film
A scene showing the interaction between the siblings.
Still from the film
A scene showing the environment of the mining town.
Still from the film
A scene showing the characters in the film.
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