A Film About People The film "A Taxi Driver" is a strong example of high-quality South Korean cinema that did not leave me indifferent. Director Jang Hoon recreates Seoul in 1979, during the time of a brutal military coup marked by blatant social inequality and tyranny. This is a powerful film about hardship, personal growth, and overcoming obstacles through the courage of ordinary people. The movie conveys the atmosphere of Seoul in that era very convincingly. The 1979 coup opened people’s eyes to the true state of political life and everyday social reality. The film clearly shows how difficult it was for most Seoul residents to survive during that time. The director carefully depicts the key features of the period — the streets, their atmosphere, and the characters’ behavior — allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the past and gain a complete picture of that historical moment. The film is especially memorable for its characters. They are well written and deeply developed. The main character, Man-seop, who at first seems like an ordinary city resident, reveals himself as a true citizen in the face of unfolding events — a man willing to go very far for the sake of his beliefs. Actor Song Kang-ho creates a powerful portrayal of a person who gives all his strength to save others. Thomas Kretschmann also deserves special mention for his excellent performance as the reporter. His character commands respect: he is willing to risk a great deal to fulfill his professional duty — and even more than that. He wants to show the world the horrifying situation unfolding in the country. One of the film’s defining strengths is its screenplay. The story is filled with numerous events and many vivid, detail-rich scenes. The director builds an engaging narrative framework and, together with strong cinematography, delivers a compelling and well-told story. "A Taxi Driver" contains many deep and philosophical ideas. The film clearly demonstrates that, despite the hardships along the way, a person can find the strength and courage to continue fighting for their rights and freedoms. This work stands as a strong achievement, important not only as a story about the past, but also as an instructive example for the future. Personally, the film left me with very positive impressions. The movie turned out to be solid and highly watchable. It is a strong reconstruction of the past that successfully portrays individual destinies, personal struggles, emotional experiences, and hopes for a brighter future. 8 out of 10