MegaboxJoongAng Plus M Presents
THE BOOK OF FISH
This film is based on the preface to "The Book of Fish" written by CHUNG Yak-jeon.
Year 1801 Joseon Dynasty
So, you are CHUNG Yak-jeon.
I suppose this exam was really just to get you to court.
You refused to enter court before. What changed your mind?
How could I serve a great king from the comfort of my own home?
King JEONGJO
There is really no need for flattery.
I can see now, the older brother is better than the younger one.
I don't mind your family's interest in "Western Learning."
But...
the others will not be so sympathetic.
Tell me, what is the most important virtue of a courtier?
Survival.
Nothing else matters than to survive.
I will be needing you and your brothers one day.
So endure, no matter what.
Do you understand?
Your wish is my command, Your Highness.
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,
I hereby baptize you John.
Our Lord Jesus Christ, and his Father, who art in heaven...
The three CHUNG brothers,
King SUNJO
Yak-jeon, Yak-jong, and Yak-yong
they are the root of "Evil Learning" that is corrupting our country.
Please order their persecution, and restore the spirit of our country.
It has not even been a year since my father passed...
They were my father's most trusted vassals.
Queen Dowager JEONGSUN
For this issue, I cannot agree more strongly.
They must be brought in immediately and be dealt harshly.
Bring them in. Now.
Are you on your way to arrest CHUNG Yak-jong?
Yes! How did you know?
I'm CHUNG Yak-jong!
You already arrested my two brothers. So I'm going to the Tribunal to be arrested.
Let's go together.
Hey! Get him!
Go tie him up! Quick!
To me the Catholic faith is the absolute truth.
So I will not renounce my faith just because the country bans it.
CHUNG Yak-jeon, CHUNG Yak-jong, CHUNG Yak-yong
My only regret is that my two brothers have refused to accept the faith.
Your fearless death wish is rather commendable.
But misplaced loyalty to your brothers, however, is completely despicable!
What does Yak-yong have to say?
I cannot deceive my king nor use my brother as evidence,
so death is my only choice.
How dare you! This is not the place to flaunt your loyalty between brothers!
Yak-jeon, are you here to put on a show too?
As for me!
Those indulging in "Western Learning" are my sworn enemies!
Just give me a few officers, and in 10 days,
I will root out these evil Catholics!
How can you say these things so confidently, when you can't possibly mean it?
I'm sorry, Brother. But even God wouldn't want a renegade like me,
to be a martyr in his name.
If Yak-jeon takes this stance, we can't justify killing his brother.
If we can't kill Yak-yong, a thousand executions won't even matter!
What about his nephew, HWANG?
We are ransacking every corner in the country.
Once we get HWANG, we'll have plenty of justification to kill them.
Let's behead Yak-jong first,
and exile the two others for now.
The sacred presence of Jesus Christ is disappearing for good in this country.
HWANG Sa-young
We must alert His Holiness so he can lead us back to salvation.
I heard that those guys don't even perform ancestor rites!
We have to eradicate those good for nothing evil-doers!
Do not mock me.
On judgment day, our pain will turn into joy,
and your laughter will turn into suffering.
So mark my words!
Pay no heed to the words of a Jesus freak!
Carry on.
I will not die looking down at the ground.
Let me die gazing up at the sky.
For the past 10 years, Joseon has seen so many martyrs,
including priests, and even government officials.
My Lord...!!!
If your excellency could manage to pressure our government,
with a few hundred ships and about 50 thousand soldiers and artillery...
This letter from your nephew HWANG is complete treason!
Catholicism is a pretext to hand over our country to western barbarians!
Don't you Catholics all have the same ideas?
You read all of our correspondences with HWANG!
So you know for a fact that we never agreed with him!
Also, you know that my brother Yak-yong
swore to our late King that he renounced Catholicism!
Knowing this, you still conspire to kill my brother.
What you really intend is to eradicate the late King's legacy!
You think the people won't discover your true intentions?
No, no... Why can't we kill that one guy Yak-yong?
Let's just send them into exile and into oblivion.
Yak-yong to Black Mountain Island,
and Yak-jeon to Kangjin at the tip of the country.
No.
Let's send Yak-jeon to the island.
It's clear now, that the older brother is a lot more dangerous.
350 km from land by boat, 13 km around the island
283 houses, 361 men and 344 women.
You mean, Black Mountain Island?
So strange. Why do I remember these numbers so vividly?
I only saw them once in the land-survey records during Youngjo's reign.
Maybe this is fate after all?
100 killed, 400 being exiled... Is being part of the 400 fate too?
Do not be ashamed, Brother.
Disgrace by death can never be rectified,
but as long as we live, we can always regain our honor.
Let's try to survive as long as we can.
Yuljung Tavern Naju
The country tavern lamplight
Its last gleam smothers blue
Against the rosy fingers of dawn
As I wake to the moment of adieu
Only our eyes remain alert
But our mouths have lost their purpose
We clear our throats with effort
But all they offer is the silence of sorrow.
Brother, how is it that you are smiling?
When I think of going to the island,
I feel more excited than afraid.
Black Mountain Island,
with nothing but endless sky and sea
O Brother, how will you survive
at the end of the world?
Hey! Did you catch anything?
Whoa, you bastard. It's a shitload!
That's not for you!
- Running a government ain't cheap! - You take everything, even seaweed!
What's left for us to eat then?
OK, OK.
You think we want to do this? Just following Boss' orders.
The Governor bought his way into office, so he needs to recoup his cost.
How is that our responsibility?
Fine, fine. Stop complaining. Here, take this too.
But what is the Governor doing out here? Something going on?
Someone special is arriving. Very special.
Over there, see?
Who's coming? Never seen the Governor greet anyone like this.
A special nobleman who was a high official at court.
I heard his brother also went into exile, to Kangjin.
I wonder what he did to be sent all the way here?
He's one of the famous CHUNG brothers, isn't he?
Oh, you know them too, eh?
He must be exhausted coming all this way.
Still, people from the mainland are so handsome...
I am the Governor on Black Mountain, EOM Bu-gil.
- Hello, I am... - Yes, I know who you are.
Now, listen to me carefully!
This man here is a traitor
who has come here after barely escaping the death sentence.
Death sentence? What did he do?
What's an evil-learning sinner?
You know, those traitors engaging in wicked studies from the West.
Ah, I see. He's one of those.
That's right. So, don't be too nice to him, OK?
I don't want any problems coming to my doorstep.
So y'all be extra careful, understand?
But... well... someone's gotta house him and feed him.
Who's gonna do this?
I'll host him. I'll be good company, I'm also a man of letters myself.
I've got a bunch of empty rooms too.
What about me? I just put in a brand new floor.
OK. Y'all making me cry.
I don't care who hosts... Just don't come to me for provisions!
We are so, so poor on Black Mountain Island
I barely feed myself twice a day.
I'll host him, and share provisions with the village people.
How is that for everyone?
Mrs. Gageo!
Why are you so quiet?
You got a separate studio and a farm.
- You're perfect for the job. - What on earth are you saying?
To a woman living all by herself. What if something happens?
Nothing's gonna happen.
Show him to your place. C'mon!
I'll come visit.
Make way!
Chang-dae just caught a big skate.
Don't know if you should be doing this.
What?
The Governor said don't be nice to him.
He may be a traitor to our country but he's still a guest in my house.
I see, we got a saint in our village!
Is Mrs. Gageo named after Gageo Island at the western tip of the country?
That's right. It's even farther than Black Mountain Island.
- She came a long way. - Yes, I came from afar.
But my husband hurried off to an even farther place...
This is fresh skate. Please try some.
Thank god your in-laws died quickly too.
Otherwise, you'd take care of them all this time, by yourself!
True... And if they didn't leave me that patch of farmland.
Otherwise, I'd already be...
Anyway, not sure if you like skate...
Fresh-caught skate is completely new to me.
Well, fresh skate is the real deal,
but by the time it reaches Naju, it loses its edge.
So land people have no idea what it tastes like.
Hmmm... This is different.
I never even dreamed that it would taste like this.
Really? Meaty and tasty, right?
Wait, where is Chang-dae?
The skate was his catch too.
Yes, he should be the first one running up to you.
So, there's this young man, Chang-dae. He's memorized all the basic texts:
Thousand Character Classics, Lesser Learning, and even the Precious Mirror Treatise.
He's run out of books to read in this village.
By the way, who first taught him the Thousand Characters...
That would be me!
Stop bragging, will you?
Those who follow the heavenly mandate will flourish,
- Those who go against... - So frustrating!
What's so difficult about taking a trip to Naju?
Naju? I don't even piss in that direction.
You, damn shithead! What's the use, all this reading?
Sure, when you were young, you read books to impress your father.
But now what's the point of reading books?
Does it put food on our table?
- You really got a sailor's mouth. - What?
Shithead? What'ya mean shithead?
Don't you know the principle of the "Three Obediences"?
Now I am the man and head of this household.
Tone it down a notch, will ya?
You? Head of the house?
- Your father isn't dead. - Maybe to you he isn't...
But to me you're the only one...
Shithead... You little... You're full of shit.
Oh my, my, my!
What in the world are you doing? Give it to me.
I'll prepare breakfast soon, so please wait inside.
It's okay. I should earn my keep at least.
What does he do with that big brain on his shoulders?
Wasting time, day after day, by the seaside...
Drinking water runs down from that side
and the sea is calm in this inlet. It's a perfect spot for a village.
Yo, asshole! You goin' out to catch fish?
Whaaa! Listen to that girly mouth. You can't call me that, you wench!
There's something called manners, even if we're childhood buddies...
Butt-ies? What butts? Ox butt?
- Or Pork Butt? - Oh boy...
Whatever. Totally my fault for trying to talk to you.
Go on!
I said go, OK?
Wow, total asshole...
You there. Why don't you come over here.
Come on.
What do you call this thing?
It's called "Hong-Mi-Jal". (Sea anemone)
What does it mean?
"Mi-Jal" is a butthole, and this hole is red...
"Hong" for red, so "Hong-Mi-Jal," meaning red butthole.
He's letting me know he's angry.
Can you eat this?
We never tried it, go ahead if you'd like.
Chang-dae!
That is your name, isn't it? I guessed right.
Very interesting indeed!
Damn it!
Damned pine!
Why on earth are you digging up such young pine shoots?
If it grows it can be part of our country's wealth.
You almost gave me a heart attack. You surprised me!
Wealth for the country, but bill for me.
Can you explain?
These pine trees are going to be the end of us.
They won't let us cut any of them down.
But they charge taxes for every little shoot!
Could you, maybe write an appeal to the King?
Appeal?
An exiled traitor? Writing an appeal?
Die! You little rascal...
Chang-dae!
Stop walking, I said!
For a grown young man, you seem awfully timid.
I'm not such a difficult person. So come around for some teachings.
But not for free.
Maybe you could bring a few of your catches?
Thanks a bunch, sir.
But I have zero desire to learn from you.
What?
- See you around. - You lowly churl.
What is your reason?
Because you are an evil-learning sinner.
For 400 years this country upheld Confucian ideals.
A country without a king or ancestor worship...?
How is that not treason?
I don't want you to rub off on me.
- Auntie, you better watch out too! - Oh my my! That idiot shithead!
I'm gonna sew your mouth shut!
The power of Zhu Xi Confucianism runs really deep.
The Vatican just sent an order through Beijing Cathedral...
...banning ancestor worship.
We should alert the faithful as soon as possible.
What?
How can you forbid ancestor worship in a Confucian country?
Even Joseon's most loyal servants will surely follow the Vatican's orders.
They would probably even burn ancestor plaques!
That will result in all of them killed!
I'd rather renounce Christianity than betray my own country!
The power of Zhu Xi Confucianism runs really deep.
Mrs. Gageo! More wine, please!
Coming!
This is the last bit left.
You seem pretty upset.
Do you mind that I'm an evil-learner too?
- You think I'm weird, eh? - No, not at all...
I think... you're handsome.
What a moon tonight.
Let's go talk to the moon.
The North wind carried me
until I met the sea.
A stronger wind took my brother
into the deep dark sea.
The wife I left behind became a widow,
the child I parted with became an orphan.
Palpable was his joy
as he set sail into the unknown.
There's gonna be lots of anchovies with a bright moon.
Why didn't you stay home? Stop following me!
Who's following who, you asshole?
You're not the only one fishing. Don't you dare come near me!
Absolutely not! And watch your mouth!
The heart with a hero's spirit
rises up again one hundred times.
Two bowls of rice, wherever it came from
gifted me a life to live.
Even the Emperor, in his opulent palace
Lives, in essence, just like this.
The Black Mountains are so remote
that your eyes cannot see them.
And merely five years it took
for the noblest family to plunge mercilessly to disgrace.
Whoa, this is scary.
Time to go home.
Bok-rae, look someone's there!
Why would anyone be out here?
Oh my! He disappeared!
What would have happened if Chang-dae didn't go night fishing?
I can't stand looking at him like this, lying here refusing food.
Long exile journey must have been really hard on him.
I know! So what the fuck was he...?
I mean... what inspired him to be so courageous...
A slow-cooked croaker stew would totally set him right...
Whoa, holy shit!!
I ask for a croaker, and I get an octopus!
Croakers are for summer heat and octopus for strength.
It says in the Eastern Medicine Encyclopedia.
Thank you, Chang-dae.
This is amazing! You're really the best!
Please try, even a little.
You will feel much better. Please.
I'll help you up...
Here, up you go.
Oh my...
How inappropriate, whew!
Just three... three spoonfuls.
Just take three spoonfuls, OK?
Just three, then.
See? Don't you feel better?
Octopus trumps even wild ginseng!
You're alive now!
I never thought fresh octopus could taste like this.
The abalone too, just melts in my mouth.
Who caught these rare things? The famous diver-maids?
It's Chang-dae! He's one of our best divers.
That bastard saved me twice.
- Hey! Hey! - Hey Chang-dae!
What about the book? Did you get it?
Calm down, lad. I couldn't get a new one.
It's a teeny bit worn, but you can read all the letters.
Oh yeah, I can!
Thanks a bunch!
He's writing calligraphy... She's preparing dinner...
Totally looks like we're married.
- Did you say something? - No, nothing.
Guess what I am writing now?
I'm writing about that pine tree tax problem you told me.
Thank you. For the inspiration.
Chang-dae!
Come over here, will you?
Great Learning
- What's that book? - It is the Great Learning.
You sure you can read all that by yourself?
You shouldn't worry.
I'll be fine with a Chinese dictionary.
Why do you bother studying?
Plebs can't write the national exam, nor have money to buy into office.
I study to be a better human!
You got influenced by wrong stuff and exiled here.
Because you didn't learn Confucianism properly!
What?
You punk! I've mastered all four categories of the Eastern Classics.
And you're lecturing me?
What's the use? All the learning you did is crooked!
You lowborn dumbass.
I'm not a lowborn.
Chang-dae's father is a nobleman!
So, there's this Magister JANG in Naju. A really big shipping merchant...
That's Chang-dae's father.
A concubine's child.
Chang-dae's mother had really wicked luck.
She lost her husband at sea just after the wedding.
Then Magister JANG came here to shake down the island for skate
- But ended up... shaking her down. - I get it. He ditched them.
Well, when Chang-dae was young he used to send them rice,
and even visit from time to time. But it's been 10 years since...
"Dae-Hak-Ji-Do" is "Jae-Myung-Myung-Dok,"
and is "Jae-Chin-Min" and also "Jae-Ji-Eo-Ji-Seon."
The way of Great Learning has brightness...
Bright virtue, and is "Jae-Chin-Min"... oh wow...
to the people...
with the people, yeah...
It is "Jae-Ji-Eo-Ji-Seon."
Where the utmost decorum is found...
Whoa... I sort of read it, but damn, this is really hard!
How are we going to eat if you take away our cooking pot?
You have any idea what happens if you don't pay tax?
- This is too much! - If you take everything...
Ma! What are you doing?
What are my children going to eat?
The family has to pay for the missing person!
It's the law!
OK... fine. I'll leave the pot, but we're taking this, OK?
- What? - Just take this! Quick!
Stop crying! Nobody's dead!
- How can you do this? - Mind your own business!
Don't you see the children?
This is all because Confucian ideals are going to shit.
What the heck am I supposed to do with this shit, huh?
I have to pay taxes and pay the Naju Commissioner, too.
Then what's left for you guys? And...
And what about my expenses?! Huh?
Why did you bring this useless crap? Why, huh?
This shit! For what?
You gotta bring commodities, OK?
We need to pay government taxes.
Should we really be taking from a dead guy?
Stop thinking so much!
You wanna starve too? Keep going!
Hey! What are you doing?
Father! Father!
Let me die! I don't want to live to see this shit no more!
Is it not enough that I buried my only son?
Bok-rae, let go!
Father!
What happened?
My brother died 3 years ago, and they're still taking tax from him!
That's outrageous! I'm going to complain to the Governor!
Don't!
This is all because we're losing our Confucian ideals!
According to the Precious Mirror of the Bright Mind,
"Those who follow the will of the heavens flourish..."
"...and those who go against it will perish."
Also, "Cheon-Myung-Ji-Wi-Song" and "Sol-Seong-Ji-Wi-Do!"
I haven't read that part yet. But it's in the Doctrine of the Mean!
That means, "Heaven's mandate is Nature, and following Nature is the righteous path!"
So I am here to ask you,
what kind of righteous path is the Governor following?!
Whatch'all waiting for?
What are you waiting for?
Hah! That feels great!
Wait, how many?
Let's just do five biggies. Hang in there!
You're supposed to mind your own business!
One!
Number two!
Precious Mirror of the Bright Mind
Number three!
Number four!
Hey, you OK?
Why the heck quoting characters and shit?
He's only read the Thousand Characters, and can barely write his own name!
Eat up, punk!
Damn rain!
The Governor's wicked temper is notorious.
That dumbass just added fuel to the fire!
So, what happens to Chang-dae now?
That bastard got some balls!
This is perfect. I can return the favor now.
To what do I owe your visit?
Are you already in trouble? You've only just got here.
Let's cut to the chase. Let the kid Chang-dae go.
I won't forget that I owe you one.
I knew you came for him.
Got it, 'kay? So get outta here before meal time!
We're strapped here, so don't expect a free meal.
How long are you going to keep him locked up?
Until I memorize every single character in the Precious Mirror text.
I got this dumb-ass brain so it's probably gonna take months.
Well then...
I'll just leave you with this...
What's this?
It's a letter to the Jeolla province Consul.
Back when I was the Head of the Defense Department,
I had a special relationship with the Consul.
I put in a very good word for you, so when he receives the letter,
he will be very very happy.
What y'all doing? Bring out the wine and food!
Yes, sir!
Please come on up...
Hello, Auntie.
Oh, sir! I think you should come on out here.
We're a bit strapped, so this is the best I could do.
Please accept it with "perdurable empathy of rivers..."
No need to use fancy characters. You could just say "Thank you".
I was just craving a drink. This is great!
Skate and rice wine were a heavenly combo!
Oh, I couldn't catch skate today. This is a stingray,
but it tastes almost as good.
It looks the same to me?
It's totally different.
A skate has a pointy nose, but stingrays are flat-nosed,
and have slightly different colors. But they have a lot in common.
The biggest ones get 7-8 ft wide. Females are bigger than males
and, the males have two penises.
That's where the expression "Skate pricks galore" comes from.
The nose is on the head side, the mouth under the nose...
between the head and the belly.
The wings have a grippy surface,
when they're mating, the male doesn't let go of the female,
and sometimes you catch them both at once.
I'm learning from you more than from the Natural History Treatise.
What are you bringing, now? Don't you have a family to feed?
I caught some herrings, so I brought a few.
Wait, you have herrings, too? Here on the West coast?
Yes, we do. It looks similar.
But East herrings have 74 spinal bones, and here they have 53.
How do you know so much about fish?
Well, obviously to catch'em.
Only the skate knows the path of the skate,
and only the stingray knows the path of the stingray.
Huh!
Has anyone written down what you just told me?
What for? Who would write a book like that?
I wouldn't think it's worth...
I definitely brought my thank offerings, right?
You can't go around later, calling me an ungrateful bastard.
Only the skate knows the path of the skate
and only the stingray knows the path of the stingray.
You are so deep in thought, instead of eating.
Here, stingray stew.
Try some.
Anyone home?
Who is it?
I'm your brother's pupil, LEE Kang-hwe, from Kangjin.
Your anticipation about going to the island,
I hope it was well placed.
I have our mother's family nearby,
and already have a few pupils, so it hasn't been lonely at all.
Exile has been good for reading and writing.
I am sending you my first draft of On Governing the People.
Please send me back your detailed critiques and commentaries,
so I can perfect the manuscript.
I, too, am enjoying my exile.
A new place is a perfect place for someone as curious as I.
And I am writing a book as well.
It was inspired by the islanders' predicament regarding pine trees,
so I am calling it the Pine Policy Discourse.
But from now on, I will study the marine life here
and plan to write an illustrated book on it later.
I met a young man, who happens to be very knowledgeable about fish.
But, he really did a number on me!
All this time, I studied Neo-Confucianism, Laozi, Zhuangzi, even Western Learning.
It was all in order to learn the proper path of mankind.
But as it turns out, I know less about humans...
...than he knows about fish!
So instead of never-ending, obscure learnings about human nature,
I will now turn to clear and precise studies about objects.
I intend to forget about myself through the nature of things.
Hey, Chang-dae!
A nobleman like you shouldn't be running like a crazy goon.
From now on, I'm going to study fish.
Not just fish,
but various seaweeds, crabs, shrimp, sea anemone, and...
...also sea insects! I'm going to study them all,
and write an illustrated manuscript on marine life.
I already have a Chinese character name for that "Hong-Mi-Jal".
"Seok" for stone, "Hang" for anus, and "Ho" for oyster,
"Seok-Hang-Ho" What do you think?
Why would you bother writing a book like that?
You said, "the skate knows the path of the skate".
You can share your knowledge with the other...
Sounds like a swell idea, but aiding and abetting a traitor...
I'm not sure I wanna do that.
You! Lowborn dumbass!
"Dae-Hak-Ji-Do" is "Jae-Myung Myung-Dok"
It is "Jae-Chin-Min" and "Jae-Ji-Eo-Ji-Seon".
Same phrase, over and over...
Hey, even I can recite it.
"Dae-Hak-Ji-Do" is...
The way of the Great Learning is in brightness,
so bright is the virtue and virtue is bright.
And so it's "Jae-Chin-Min," and the people...
This great virtue...
Shit... This is fucking hard...
"Dae-Hak-Ji-Do" is "Jae-Myung Myung-Dok"...
Damn... Really killing me...
What the dickens is that weirdo doing...
- Whatcha doing there? - Uh, hello.
- Do you normally throw this away? - No, of course not!
That goes into medicinal use.
I know you're curious and all, but you're one of the highest noblemen.
You shouldn't touch that dirty smelly stuff, like a lowbrow!
So this dirty lowbrow thing, why do you catch it and I eat it?
- Obviously 'cos I'm a fisherman... - Let's get it straight.
Let's exchange my book knowledge and your fish knowledge.
You're not helping me. This is a transaction.
This is clearly... Just a transaction, right?
Great. Good decision. First, let's go see some fish.
Wait a minute!
Please translate this for me, first.
I feel so frustrated.
Sure... "Dae-Hak-Ji-Do" "Jae-Myung-Myung-Dok,"
"Jae-Chin-Min" and "Jae, Ji-Eo-Ji-Seon."
The purpose of great learning is to make the bright virtue brighter.
To renew the spirit of the people, and to reach the Common Good.
How... did you do that so easily?
Simple characters, but tricky to translate.
"Myung-Dok" here...
In the 'Kango' chapter, it's translated as "Virtue was brightly proclaimed".
In the 'Taegap' chapter, it's "Heaven's brightness is obvious".
And in the 'Yojeon' chapter, it says "the greatest virtue was brightly discovered".
Why? Cat got your tongue?
Let's go.
From now on...
Could you please be my mentor?
Hah... really? OK then.
- Let's start with the Analects. - Isn't the Great Learning, first?
Zhu Xi wrote the Great Learning later to establish Neo-Confucianism.
So, you should first read Zhu Xi's teacher, Confucius.
"Ja-Wal-Hak, Shi-Seup-Ji" "Bul-Yeok-Yeol-Ho"
"Yoo-Boong-Ja-Won, Bang-Rae" "Bul-Yeok-Nak-Ho"
Do not worry that others don't give you recognition.
What's that thing?
Worry about not recognizing others.
It's my study time, you bastard!
- What is that? - That's a mudskipper.
We catch'em to feed the chicken. We don't eat it.
- We can't? - You could try.
Chicken and pigs eat them and don't die.
Mudskipper?
Proper Chinese characters for it... What would that be?
They got crazy bulging eyes, so something about that?
I got it!
"Chol" for convex, and "Mok" for eye.
"Chol-Mok fish" How about that?
Oh! It's a Snapper!
This is pretty common, so we can open it up later.
No, still there's always something new.
We have to record every single detail
for it to be a true record.
You're right. I bet people don't know snappers eat jellyfish.
Snappers eat jellyfish? How?
Slurp! Like this.
Like that? But why do they eat jellyfish?
Probably 'cos it's edible?
Did you see it happening?
Of course, I did! I dive too once in a while.
Then are there more snappers if there are more jellyfish?
That, I'm not too sure...
- Then when's the jellyfish season? - Summer.
Warm is good for jellyfish...
Do jellyfish disappear when the water gets cold?
So many questions!
You can't study without questions!
Blindly memorizing things is what messed up this country!
But now I'm busy memorizing the Classics, so questions later.
"Hak-Bul-Sa-Jeuk-Mang" "Sa-Bul-Hak-Jeuk-Tae."
If you learn without thinking, it is vague without order.
If you think without learning, it is then dangerous.
How did Confucius put it so elegantly?
If you're talking about words, Zhuangzi trumps Confucius,
and Buddha trumps even Zhuangzi.
Oh, wait. There's another.
"To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also."
Do you know what that means?
What does it mean?
It means that you should forgive, you raging idiot.
What an honorable teaching. Who said that?
Heavenly God's son, Jesus Christ.
Before Jesus, no one had explained forgiveness in this way.
My master is a Catholic fanboy. I gotta wash my ear.
Master CHUNG!
You have a visitor from mainland!
Welcome!
- How is my brother in Kangjin? - He is well.
- How have you been? - Good.
This must be that lowborn student that you mentioned.
Say your greetings to my younger brother's student.
Nice to meet you. Looking forward to getting to know you.
- Let's go inside. - Sure.
Your critique was so clear and detailed,
and perfectly aligned with my ideas,
I was literally jumping with joy.
I'm so relieved that my brother didn't hate my commentary.
My teacher is preparing another book apart from On Governing.
He's calling it Kyung Sae Yu Pyo.
"Kyung" for management, "Sae" for world,
"Yu" for leaving and "Pyo" for revealing...
Oh, you know some letters too?
I guess it's a book about managing the world?
What does he manage the world with? Benevolence? Or Justice?
What is this fish called? It's tastier than blowfish.
People here call it monkfish.
They have wide open mouths, as if they're starving.
Tomorrow you can try the mudskipper stew.
Normally we just feed those to the pigs,
but our master has really strange taste...
He eats that too.
Thanks to him, we now have more things to eat during the winter.
It's tastier than it looks!
We would never have tried it, if it weren't for him.
I see, your draft is coming along.
Oh, it's still far from it!
Fish with scales, fish that are scaleless,
and here you see, shelled crustaceans,
also, sea insects, sea birds, sea animals, and sea plants.
Not sure if I'll finish before I die.
You are really amazing.
Shall we finish dinner, and do some poetry?
Of course!
My teacher must be thrilled to see your poetry after long time.
Sure thing.
What about you? Are you into poetry?
He's still on the four basic texts, so not ready for poetry.
Oh, are you going into town?
There's a ship coming in. I'd go take a look.
My brother sent me some money.
- Here, for expenses and food. - Oh my...
Thank you so much for your thoughts.
But you're my guest. I really couldn't.
But it's yours anyway.
Treat yourself to jewelry, candy or whatever you'd like.
If you refuse, I'm going to find another place to stay.
If you keep on staring...
- I might have crush on you. - Oh my...
Wow, Bok-rae! You brought so much!
Nah, not even close! I need a lot more for father's medicine.
I bet it's gonna get you some money.
I better catch a lot of fish, I can't even make poetry.
Otherwise, I'd be completely useless!
Being versed in poetry but not knowing how to fish
Being versed in fishing but not knowing poetry
These are not different.
This village is gonna be eating real rice from mainland today!
Oh? Who's that?
Oh my! Who's that?
How does a man who died five years ago...
- Who is that? - That's MOON Sun-deuk.
He's a fish merchant from Wooii Island...
Five years ago, I set out from Black Mountain,
with a ship load of skate.
Then I met this damn storm!
I drifted all the way past Jeju Island and further down to Okinawa.
So after spending three months there,
finally trying to get back to Joseon, I managed to get on a boat to China.
But within a few days I met another fucking storm!
So?
So then, storm kept on pushing us far down, down...
All the way to a place off this map, called Philippines.
Where is Philippines?
It's a place that's crazy hot and has a ton of islands.
Anyway, there I even learned their language.
After 9 months of suffering, I decided to get the fuck home.
To avoid the storm, this time I decided to go by land.
I went through Macao, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Beijing...
Barely managing to keep alive, I walked the whole fucking way back.
Barely alive, and penniless, I had no idea what to do.
Then I hear that people from Philippines were lost on Jeju Island.
Now these people too, were lost after a storm.
Being the only dang person in Joseon who spoke their language,
I went down there, and sent them back to their country.
The government, as a recognition of my work,
they presented me with these second rank nobleman papers!
Nobleman papers? No way!
You lowborn punk!
That's how I became a real nobleman! Look at this!
Here. Look closely!
Oh, it's a second rank certificate.
After this, nobody ignored me.
It's just like a sheriff's badge!
I can go anywhere!
I am going to write a book about your story.
Now tell me everything without fail.
Prepare the calligraphy.
You just heard his story. Why bother writing it?
Your brother writes noble stuff like governing people, managing the world...
- Why do you write... - You clueless punk!
When the western ships came to Japan
the Japanese learned how to make guns.
Just look at how they laid waste to our lands since then!
What are you waiting for?
Pyo-Hae-Shi-Mal.
How about the title for MOON's travel adventures?
Master, a book is supposed to represent the universal truth
that no one can refute like the Analects or Mencius.
Regardless of East or West...
That's enough. Why not go get us a jewfish?
What about one of those giant ones that go over 200 lbs.
Do I just look like fish to you?
Am I your student or your slave?
Why are you shouting, boy?
If I don't finish these books and learn to make poetry,
no one will take me seriously!
Just like you dismissed me in front of your brother's pupil!
You're having other thoughts.
You want to study to succeed in the world, right?
But you know what?
Lowborns can't take the exam, nor have money to buy into office.
You think poetry comes from memorizing books?
Good poetry comes from cultivating the mind,
and learning how to see the world properly!
Confucian values are going to shit because of people like you!
Where are you going? All dressed up like that, huh?
I asked you where you are going!
When I was a boy, I read books to impress you, Father.
When I grew older, I studied not to embarrass you,
and not to be called a fatherless idiot.
And so?
But no one could care less.
Now I want to be a nobleman too, and finally live like a human being.
Nobleman? How's that gonna work?
Did you record me in the family books?
- No. - That's good.
Put me as an adopted son, not a bastard.
That way I can enter into the exam.
How far are you in your studies?
I'm studying Mencius now... So almost done with the Four Books.
What? My gosh!
From your attitude I thought you already finished the Four Books,
Three Classics, and also the Record of Rites and Annals!
You, nitwit!
What's that? Is that a pig bladder?
Hey, get that thing out of the water.
Stay until it gets closer!
- There are pictures! - Let me see.
This weird thing here, I think that's a character, isn't it?
- Nope, don't think so. - Wait a minute.
This must be Indian letters!
That means it's from the west...
I thought you were off to catch a striped jewfish?
Master CHUNG, look. They fished it up from the sea.
What is it?
It's called an 'Earth globe'. It probably fell from a western boat.
I've seen some really big boats! That must be it!
Chang-dae, are you there?
I'm not gonna catch you any fish.
I'd teach you only as much as you teach me.
Have you seen this before?
We just found that at sea.
- Have you ever seen a western ship? - Sure.
It was humongous.
This too, was made by western people who made that humongous ship.
This is where we live, Earth.
You're saying that earth is round?
Westerners came all the way here, because they knew the earth is round.
Otherwise, how could they come so far by sea?
Master, if you keep going like this, you'll be exiled from here too!
While you are memorizing the Four Books and Three Classics,
they are constantly discovering something new. Doesn't this scare you?
Westerners still believe in God knowing that the earth is round.
And I learned geometry and mathematics through my Confucian training.
Don't you want to learn other things with that smart brain of yours?
Confucius is hard enough. How can I do more?
You can learn it all together.
Confucianism and Western Learning are not enemies, but companions.
The more you learn of your friend, the more you understand yourself.
Westerners still believe in God knowing that the earth is round.
And I learned geometry and mathematics through my Confucian training.
The more you learn of your friend, the more you understand yourself.
Oh my...! What kind of jewfish is this?
How did you catch such a gigantic jewfish?
Do you see the shark in his mouth?
Usually! You have to get lucky with jewfish!
You only get them when you catch sharks...!
But I, from the start... targeted this on purpose!
So I made new fishing ropes, and a new spool, also...
- Put it down! - Put it down!
Some water, please.
Let's open him up.
A jewfish has a stone in this part, just like brown or yellow croakers.
Whoa, this has got to be more than 200 pounds!
But why do fish carry around stones in their heads?
Not in the head, it's in their ears.
What? Fish don't have ears!
Of course they do! There are a ton of sounds in the water.
You have no idea how good their hearing is!
Take a break and have some corn!
Here's a good one.
The corn looks thick and juicy. You've got a good variety.
But actually the soil is more important. I fertilized it well.
But Master CHUNG, I see you're not so different after all.
I was hoping you'd be different.
What do you mean?
People care only about the seed and not the field.
What use is memorizing the Analec- or whatever?
You only care about the seeds from the father.
No one cares about the mother who bears the baby.
Like everything in this world, the father's seed is the true origin.
What use is the origin? Or just sprinkling seeds?
If the field is shit, the seed can't sprout,
and even if it does sprout, without proper soil it won't grow.
What's the point of all your studies?
You sons all need to learn how to value your mothers!
I'm saying, men need to appreciate women too!
I am learning so much from you, Mrs. Gageo
You are not just a kind heart,
but your smarts are just like Lady HEO!
Me? Smart?
But who's this Lady HEO? A courtesan?
Hey, you can drink with me, you know?
What are you doing in the kitchen?
You always insisted men didn't belong in the kitchen.
People live also on the bottom side. But why don't we fall?
That's because the pulling force of the earth and the moon is that strong.
- Wow, that's so cool! - Pull? What's pulling?
Is there some kind of rope between the earth and the moon?
All I'm saying is that if we understand the principle,
we can triple the fish, seaweed, and salt, so my teacher says...
Fucking nonsense.
- You should listen too, you idiot! - Listen to what, you wench?
All these fish, they're given by the Sea King!
- You ever see that King? - You think I'd be here if I did?
Maybe you should go meet him!
Otherwise, go get some fish, or pick some clams!
You fucking bitch! You, come here!
Go away!
Oh... how did that get there...
I'm fine... But what kind of attitude is that to your husband?
It is said that an intelligent woman venerates her husband.
That's called Hyo... Hyeo...
You mean, "Hyeon-Nyo-Kyung-Bu"?
"Hyeon-Nyo-Kyung-Bu!" Yes! That's right!
But I don't think this is the right situation for that word.
The saying goes: "The idiot husband fears his wife..."
"and the intelligent wife respects her husband".
But here, this idiot man doesn't fear his wife,
why should the intelligent wife respect her idiot husband?
You lecturing again? Huh?
Let's get you to the office again, so you can teach me there!
Forgive me. I'm just doing my lowly duty seeing you seem awkward.
Awk... Oc... what?
Ah... you mean octopus!
Sure thing! Octopus is our specialty in Black Mountain.
Completely hopeless...
Master, can you please teach my child?
Chang-dae's a different person now, thanks to his studies.
Can you please teach mine too?
Master CHUNG, I think we need to open a school.
Chang-dae, this is all yours. You teach!
Me? Teach?
BOK SEONG JAE
- According to the Odes, - According to the Odes,
- my father made my body - my father made my body
- my mother raised my body. - My mother raised my body.
But why aren't we learning the Precious Mirror in the original Chinese?
Listen up.
There are more important things to learn than Chinese characters.
- Got it? - Yes.
And do you know what 9 times 9 equal 81 means?
That means... first of all...
Let's go play!
Ready?
Aren't you going fishing, asshole?
Wow, looking awfully pretty today.
- You! What did you say? - Why, what's wrong?
You... saw me naked a few years ago in the water, didn't you?
Yup! Saw everything. I think you gotta marry me now.
We've got loads of abalones.
Exchange of Bows...
Exchange of Libations...
On this joyful day, are we going to just sit around?
No!
Then here we go, let's make some noise!
It's been two years since I've written to the Jeolla province Consul
and there's no reply.
He probably transferred out to some other place.
What am I going to do?
From now on, don't you dare take one step outside of your house.
After all, this is a place of exile. You do know what "house arrest" means, right?
But I still have a lot of work to do around this Island.
So please don't say things like that...
I never go back on my words.
Because I'm a man.
Just read this for me, will you?
The new Jeolla province Consul, Master YOON is asking after me.
Master YOON and I go way back. Really good to hear from him.
Re, re... really?
I will compose a reply, so tell me if you have any requests to make.
Help me get out of these boondocks... Please!
Still not over?
Look! Master CHUNG is losing!
I gotta feed my husband some herbal remedies!
Can you help me with this passage?
"Even a mouse has a face to show"
"So a man without integrity..."
"...is better off dead". Get it out of my face.
Thank you, dear.
Bon appetite...
Daddy! Daddy!
Be well!
Have a safe trip!
CHUNG Yak-yong's Academy, Kangjin
I just came from Black Mountain... Is Master CHUNG around?
Master CHUNG is at the White Lotus Temple...
My research on marine life continues,
and my room is overflowing with sheets of paper everywhere.
I intended to call the book "Heuk-San (Black Mountain)" Marine Life
But instead decided to call it "Ja-San (This Mountain)" Marine Treatise.
My student insisted that instead of the negative term "Black Mountain"
I use the abstract term "This Mountain". What a clever pun,
since two "Black" characters make the brand new character for "This".
Your teacher is full of your praises.
My praises?
My teacher must be joking...
But how is it that you are with a monk at a temple?
- I'm his student too. - What? Student?
A Buddhist monk met a Confucian teacher and became a total poser!
So Master CHUNG even composed a poem like this.
There was once a monk, in the kitchen, by the bamboo garden,
Day by day, his hair, his beard, started growing, but it was not to be feared,
Since the Buddhist order, he renounced,
Now that he catches fish, fresh pounced,
And makes us such delicious stew!
Why don't you try composing one?
I'd like to see what my brother taught you.
I... really can't. I've never tried.
Besides I'm just going to embarrass my teacher.
It's OK. Why don't you match his rhymes.
Pardon?
You really mean...
Why? Are you embarrassed to match rhymes with a lowborn?
Well, since you ask, of course, I'll bear the embarrassment.
Four-line pentameter or eight-line lyrics?
For the sake of time, let's do pentameter, two lines at a time.
- Why don't you pick a character. - Two lines at once?
- Why, too much for you? - No, I'll try my best.
Since food is always the bane of our people,
why don't we try "Shik" for eating?
Sure. I'll go first, then.
"Yu-Sok-Mu-In-Shik," "Da-Nam-Pil-Hwan-Ki."
Some have plenty grain and no one to eat it.
But others have many mouths to feed and no food to eat.
"Dal-Guan-Pil-Chang-Oo," "Jae-Ja-Mu-So-Shi"
Highborn officials are mostly idiotic
And talented lowborns never even get a chance.
"Ka-Shil-So-Wan-Bok," "Ji-Do-Sang-Neung-Ji"
Rarely one house gets all the blessings,
And true justice is always difficult to realize.
"Ong-Saek-Ja-Mae-Tang" "Bu-Hye-Nang-Pil-Chi"
The father may be frugal, but the son is always wasteful.
If the wife is wise, the husband is always an idiot.
Ah...
Hmm...
Man-Wol...
"Man-Wol-Bin-Chi-Un" "Hwa-Gae-Pung-O-Ji"
If the moon waxes, the clouds come out.
If the flower blooms, the wind messes it up.
"Mul-Mul-Jin-Yo-Cha," "Dok-So-Mu-In-Ji."
All affairs in life have their own reasons.
Just as no one knows what your smile signifies.
You're pulling my leg! Never tried poetry?
He totally did a number on me!
Already done?
No one trumps their older brother!
Even our late King said that the older brother is better!
Well, as a teacher, you are so much more accomplished.
During the same exile period, you wrote nearly 200 books.
But your brother only wrote two.
The Pine Policy Discourse and the Sea Adventures.
That's so strange.
Even our great teacher here asks his older brother
whenever he gets stuck!
I always wondered too. Why does he not write more books?
Why don't you ask him yourself? He might tell you after all.
Good to see you back in one piece.
Master, I am curious...
What is it?
Why don't you write other books?
Your brother writes on real events, but also on principles and rites
even Confucian treatises...
That's because...
My brother and I have different philosophies.
How so?
I have a copy of his draft of On Governing here somewhere.
Here, why don't you translate this passage.
When the "Yun-eum" arrives, you must personally read it
so as to make the people understand the King's blessings.
This "Yun-eum," means the voice of the King.
But "Yun" can also be used for a fishing cord.
So why is it that fishermen like you can't use this character,
and it's only reserved for the King?
I'm not really following...
What I want is a country where there are no noblemen nor lowborns,
no bastards nor legitimate children, no masters nor slaves.
I want a country without a king.
So tell me. How could I write a book like that?
I am already a traitor in exile. They will surely kill my entire family.
Then why does our school banner show Neo-Confucian core ideology?
Western or Confucian, doesn't matter. All good things must be accepted.
I accepted Catholic studies into my Confucian learnings.
But this country couldn't even accept me.
Our country's Confucian ideals, who is it for really?
Does the country belong to the People?
Or to Confucianism?
I don't think that's a question I can answer.
In a country that doesn't need a king, why does it matter who it belongs to?
He came especially to see you.
Apparently, your skills in letter is the talk of the town at Naju.
If you don't want to bow, it's fine.
You should all move to mainland, and it's time for your exams now.
Really, do you mean it?
Of course! Are you going to let your son rot in the boondocks?
Don't be so cheeky! Quick, bow to your father.
This is not just about you. Think of your children.
It's fine.
Chang-dae. We're going somewhere, you and I.
I knew it! From the very beginning!
I recognized that integrity and courage, and let him go right away!
By the way, how much skate are you taking this time?
What skate? I came to see my son.
Young man, your future is guaranteed now!
With your skills and a father like him backing you, you're set!
Just pass both exams and get yourself to court already, yeah?
And when you're there, don't forget this face, OK?
He said he would come visit you here first thing.
No need. I will wait for him at Wooii Island.
You here?
Good news. My master in Kangjin was finally released from exile.
Is that so?
What about our master then?
I am sure... he'll be released soon too.
It took fourteen years...
Chang-dae,
We are moving to Wooii Island.
Wooii Island?
It's closer to the mainland, and my exile will end soon.
But do you really have to go?
Come with me.
Why don't you stay with me until my exile is released,
so we can finish the book?
I can't do it without you.
Master CHUNG. What does this marine treatise really mean to you?
What do you mean?
Never mind.
Ready to go live on mainland?
Yes, I'm so excited!
What takes you to mainland?
I'm leaving, Master, for good. This is a farewell visit.
I intend to follow a different path than the one you are leading.
It will be dangerous for my future to be associated with you.
What future does a fisherman have?
I am choosing the path of Reason.
Crawling back into your father's bosom, I gather.
You mean the King's bosom.
Because that is the only way I can make a difference.
You sure know how to say goodbye.
Please, Master. How do you not see that this is madness?
What country can be without a king?
If you don't stop you will end up killing your entire family!
Shut up!
Just be honest.
You learned enough so you want to succeed and earn some money!
Now you guys won't ever have to catch fish, OK?
So you passed the lesser exam and got your Jinsa degree.
I'd say go to the capital and finish off the greater exams, too.
When will I see you again?
Wooii island isn't that far. I'll be coming back, promise.
Don't skip any meals, and take care of yourself, OK?
You too, take care.
Be good and listen to your parents, all right?
If you leave, what will happen to me?
The Jeolla province Consul changed three times, and I'm still stuck here!
Once I am released from exile, I promise I'll inquire.
Good bye and take care of yourself!
"Pu!" "Seon-Yang!"
"O!" "Ho-Yeon-Ji-Ki!"
Your skills have nothing to do with the greater exams.
Every minister is clamouring to get their own sons through.
Jinsa degree will get you far. Just stick with me.
Hey, Magister JANG Jr. Have a drink.
Now you're officially a nobleman. Wear it like a badge.
We even walk differently than the plebs. Got it?
Later, I will buy you a regional superintendent post.
But first, under the Commissioner, learn how things are done.
"Incorrect rites must be rectified."
"But if you cannot change them, at least do not follow them."
If your father buys you a position, could you govern the people?
Just watch. I'm going to do exactly as it says here in On Governing...
"People cultivate agricultural lands,"
"and the government cultivates its people."
Kangjin master, you are damn impressive.
Three times as many croakers. Four times the abalone.
Why are you collecting this much?
Are you joking?
Commissioner complains that even this isn't enough.
Taxes don't just go to the palace.
There are a host of bureaucrats to pay!
Then what about us petty officers?
We don't get paid at all.
Sure you don't get paid.
That's why you can afford to live with a few concubines, right?
This isn't right.
It's been ages since the King promised your release, and still no news.
Government affairs are slow like that.
You cough is getting worse.
What the hell are you doing?
What?
Two more scoops.
Why are you mixing sand into the rice?
Are you really asking me because you don't know?
How is this fair?
You collect three times as much rice,
and when you return 'em, they contain more sand than rice!
Sand mixed in the rice? That can't be possible.
Were you really unaware?
What are you implying? Are you humiliating our King?
What do you mean...?
What is a commissioner? It's a representative of the Palace!
If you say the commissioner knows, then the King knows too.
You better watch your mouth.
The petty officers are probably just pilfering for themselves...
Those uneducated brutes are disgracing the King...
But there's always a thing to learn from them too.
If you want to catch the eel,
sometimes you have to go into the mud...
In your last letter, you said you could no longer eat meat.
It makes me so worried about your health.
Please don't over-exert yourself and keep your books at a distance.
Keeping your books and brush near will certainly make you work.
My brother worries about me, instead of his own hardships.
Has Chang-dae still not visited?
He has no reason to.
I heard he's doing well for himself in Naju.
If he is doing well, I'm truly grateful for it.
We were going to invite you.
But thank you for inviting us first. Let me pour you one.
These drinks are on me, so get comfortable and let's talk.
I don't think you're ready...
Magister, if you drink like this for a month or so,
you will learn everything naturally.
So here, take some more.
Well, we got a long way to go.
Commissioner doesn't like us working too hard either.
Magister, we'll make sure you get your share.
Just leave it to us now.
In the beginning, it's normal to be confused.
And we already know what you're gonna say.
Definitely a waste of money.
Why are you getting up?
- Going so soon? - So much left to eat!
Magister! Leaving already?
We were having fun...
Please, sir!
What are you doing here?
Come to pay more tax?
Sir, my boy here is a mere infant. Military tax for him is not fair.
Just be thankful that we aren't taxing your dead father!
Please sir, I am begging you!
We're already paying for 4. You're telling us to die!
Nobody's dying! I know you have a cow!
If you don't pay up, we'll confiscate your cow, OK?
This is just too much! He's just a baby!
So, who told you to give birth!
Please, why don't you rest?
I'm telling you, you'll never make it to the Capital at this rate!
Have some medicine.
Are you worried?
About what?
I wonder if this is the right way.
I don't feel like myself in these fancy clothes.
And I feel like you're no longer yourself either.
Commissioner, Magister JANG Jr. has arrived.
Tell him to come in.
I heard you had too much fun with the officers yesterday.
So, you think you're getting the hang of how it works?
Sure thing.
Get'em ladies, and abuse yourself? I'm happy to hear that.
You're learning properly how to be a man... No?
Sure, I'm learning how people are plowing the fields.
And how the government is plowing the people.
What?
Explain yourself.
The officers are taxing dead people and babies.
How can I do this job seeing only distorted records?
You just let them do their job!
And your only job is to make sure the papers are clear!
Junior Magister... You've still got so much to learn.
How could you handle the higher position?
Don't be too harsh. He's got a good heart.
Cuttlefish have long spines, and the flesh is extremely soft.
Inside they have a pouch that carries ink.
One can use that ink to write, the letters are luminescent and deep.
But after a while, it peels off and leaves no trace.
Did you have a good meeting?
If you put it back into the sea, traces of the ink come back again.
Here it comes! He's a good fat one!
Commissioner! I'm here to see the Commissioner!
What the heck y'all doing!
Why the fuck am I having all these kids?
How the fuck am I supposed to pay all the tax?
Catch him, quick!
Do you hear me?
From now on, I'm done being a man!
So stop fucking taxing me!
Get him out of here, quick!
What the...!
Oh my god!
Get him out! Now!
Commissioner!
Look at this! You all look!
What's all this racket?
Isn't the military tax to be levied on men older than 16?
How are you taking from a month-old infant?
Oh, that's nonsense.
What's in your hand?
It's my husband's penis!
It's his fucking prick! His only crime is being a man!
Where do you think you are?
Come here, you bitch!
What the fuck are you gonna do?
Get out!
Are you human? You fucking assholes!
Are you human?
Die!
The bone of the cuttlefish heals open wounds,
and helps the growth of new skin.
Especially flesh injuries on horses and donkeys
are impossible to cure without the cuttlefish bone.
Master. Do you know that conch shells cry on their own?
What's that about?
If something sad or frustrating happens in the village,
this thing cries out loud.
How does a dead thing make noise?
Just think about it for a moment.
You punk!
I'm not lying! I heard it with my own ears.
The sea urchin's exterior is similar to a porcupine,
and when it moves all the needles move in unison.
The shell is soft and breaks easily.
The parietal opening has a mouth and is big enough for a finger.
Chang-dae told me
he once saw a baby bird crawl out of the urchin's mouth.
"The bird was fully formed with a head and beak,"
"and soft moss-like hair on his head."
"I touched it thinking it was dead, but it was alive and moving."
You are lucky he didn't die, otherwise you'd be joining him.
Accepting you as a son cost me a great fortune.
How are you going to pay it back?
Was it worth all this studying?
Why the hell did you do that?
If you can't live up to your learning, you should live the way you're meant to.
"I never saw what's inside the shell,"
"but it transformed into a blue bird."
"I believe this is why people say that chestnuts turn into birds."
Chang-dae said so.
Don't you think we should stop by Wooii Island?
What took you so long...
He waited for you until the end.
He passed while writing that book.
I don't know why it meant so much.
I met many people around the island in order to write this treatise.
But everyone's words were different, so I couldn't write them down.
There was a young man named Chang-dae.
He was exceptionally bright.
And being too poor to buy books was the only hurdle for his studies.
But he had the most earnest heart
and precise knowledge about fish, sea plants and birds
from careful observations and deep understandings of their nature.
So I was able to trust his words fully.
After many years of effort, I was able to finish it with his help,
and hereby titled it 'Ja-San' Marine Treatise.
He told me to give this to you, if you ever come by.
Dear Chang-dae,
I was actually afraid of the name "Black Mountain"
But since I met you, my fear subsided and instead
I found once again my curiosity, which I had lost on my road to exile.
Thanks to you, I was able to discover
not the dark and treacherous Black Mountain
but the peaceful and lively place, This Mountain.
Chang-dae, you may want the lofty life of the white crane.
But life as This Mountain that embraces dirty splashes of the world...
Don't you think that's meaningful, also?
Darling, I'm happy we're returning to Black Mountain.
Not Black Mountain.
It's This Mountain.
SUL Kyung-gu BYUN Yo-han
Directed by LEE Joon-ik