Snowy Road
Set during the turbulent years of World War II, "Snowy Road" follows the harrowing journey of two young girls, Choi Jong Boon (Kim Hyang Gi) and Kang Young Ae (Kim Sae Ron), whose fates intertwine in unimaginable circumstances. Living in different social classes, Jong Boon dreams of attending school, while Young Ae comes from a more privileged background. However, their lives take a tragic turn when they are abducted and forced into wartime servitude as comfort women. Trapped in a world of suffering, the two girls forge an unbreakable bond, clinging to their friendship as their only source of hope. Jang Eun Soo (Jo Soo Hyang), a fellow captive, helps them navigate the horrors of their new reality. As they endure unimaginable cruelty, they find strength in each other, refusing to let their spirits be broken. The film poignantly highlights the historical injustice suffered by countless young women during the war. Through powerful performances by Kim Hyang Gi and Kim Sae Ron, Snowy Road delivers an emotionally charged narrative that explores war crimes, female resilience, and the impact of historical trauma. The film also sheds light on the fight for justice and recognition, emphasizing the importance of remembering history to prevent its repetition. A must-watch for those who appreciate historical dramas, emotional storytelling, and strong female leads, Snowy Road is a visually stunning and deeply moving Korean film. With its poignant themes and unforgettable performances, this film remains a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 눈길
🌎 Also Known As: Snowy Road – Theatrical Version, nun-gil
🎭 Genres: Historical, Psychological, Drama
🏷 Tags: Comfort Women, Japanese Colonial Rule, Sismance, Violence Against Women, Past And Present, Off Screen Rape, Mother-Daughter Relationship, Winter Setting, Snowy Setting, Female Centered Plot
✍ Screenwriter: Yoo Bo Ra
🎬 Director: Lee Na Jung
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Release Date: March 1, 2017
📺 Original Network: KBS1 (as a two-part television special in 2015)
⏰ Duration: 2 hours 2 minutes
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ (Teens 15 or older)
Best Scenes
Train Abduction Sequence: The harrowing scene where Jong-Boon (Kim Hyang-Gi) and Young-Ae (Kim Sae-Ron) are forcibly taken and confined in a train, marking the beginning of their traumatic journey.
Silent Suffering: The film powerfully conveys the girls’ anguish without explicit depictions, focusing instead on their emotional turmoil and the aftermath of their ordeals.
Bonding Amidst Adversity: Moments where Jong-Boon and Young-Ae support each other, showcasing the resilience of their friendship in the face of unimaginable hardship.
Present-Day Reflections: Scenes featuring the older Jong-Boon (Kim Young-Ok) as she confronts her past, providing a poignant connection between history and its lasting impact.
Symbolic Imagery of ‘Comfort Stations’: The use of visual metaphors, such as the hanging wooden tickets representing the soldiers’ exploitation, effectively portrays the gravity of their situation without graphic content.
Filming Locations
Rural Korean Village: Authentic village settings depict the contrasting lives of Jong-Boon and Young-Ae before their abduction.
Historical Train Interiors: Detailed train compartments recreate the distressing transport of the girls, emphasizing their loss of freedom.
Recreated ‘Comfort Stations’: Sets designed to represent the facilities where the girls were held, focusing on creating an atmosphere of oppression and despair.
Snow-Covered Landscapes: The pervasive snowy environment symbolizes the cold and harsh realities faced by the protagonists.
Modern Urban Settings: Contrasting present-day scenes highlight the enduring impact of past traumas on survivors.
Visual Design and Costumes
Period-Accurate Wardrobes: Costumes reflect 1940s Korean attire, distinguishing between the socioeconomic statuses of Jong-Boon and Young-Ae.
Authentic Military Uniforms: Japanese soldiers’ uniforms are meticulously recreated to enhance historical accuracy.
Transformation Through Costuming: The progression of the girls’ clothing from traditional attire to worn-out garments mirrors their deteriorating circumstances.
Symbolic Use of Color: Muted color palettes dominate the film, reinforcing the somber and tragic themes.
Aging Makeup Techniques: Effective makeup application portrays the transition of characters from youth to their older selves, emphasizing the passage of time and lingering effects of their experiences.
Themes and Messages
Historical Injustice: The film sheds light on the plight of ‘comfort women’ during Japanese occupation, emphasizing the need for acknowledgment and remembrance.
Resilience Amidst Adversity: Showcases the strength and perseverance of young girls confronting unimaginable horrors.
The Power of Friendship: Highlights how solidarity and companionship can provide hope and support in dire circumstances.
Intergenerational Trauma: Explores how past atrocities continue to affect survivors and their communities across generations.
The Struggle for Justice and Recognition: Addresses the ongoing battle to bring historical truths to light and honor the memories of those affected.
Interesting Facts
Television to Theatrical Transition: Originally aired as a two-part TV special on KBS1 in 2015, “Snowy Road” was later re-edited for a theatrical release in 2017.
Award-Winning Performances: Kim Sae-Ron received the Best Actress award at the 24th China Golden Rooster & Hundred Flowers Film Festival for her role as Young-Ae.
International Recognition: The film won Best Foreign Film at the 24th Golden Rooster & Hundred Flowers Film Festival, highlighting its global impact.
Director’s Sensitive Approach: Lee Na-Jeong intentionally avoided explicit scenes to respect the victims’ experiences, focusing instead on the emotional and psychological aspects of their story.
Educational Impact: “Snowy Road” has been used as an educational tool to inform audiences about the historical injustices faced by ‘comfort women’ and to promote discussions on human rights and historical memory.
Awards
The 2015 South Korean film “Snowy Road” has received several awards and recognitions:
2015 Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival:
- Audience Award for Best International Film: Awarded to director Lee Na-jeong.
- Audience Award for Best International Actress: Awarded to Kim Sae-ron for her role as Kang Young-ae.
2015 KBS Drama Awards:
- Best Young Actress: Awarded to Kim Hyang-gi for her portrayal of Choi Jong-boon.
- Best Actress in a One-Act/Special/Short Drama: Awarded to Kim Young-ok for her performance as the elderly Choi Jong-boon.
2016 Banff World Media Festival:
- Best Television Movie: Recognized for its outstanding storytelling and production quality.
2016 49th Annual WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival:
- Special Jury Prize (TV Special – Dramatic): Honored for its compelling narrative and dramatic impact.
2016 28th Korea Producer and Director Awards:
- Best Drama: Acknowledged for excellence in drama production.
These accolades highlight the film’s powerful storytelling and the exceptional performances of its cast.
Real-Life Loves on Set
There are no public records or reports indicating that any romantic relationships developed between the cast members of the 2015 South Korean film “Snowy Road” during or after its production. The actors have maintained a professional rapport, and no personal relationships have been reported in the media.
Trailer
Snowy Road OST
Gallery
