Harmony (2010) is a Korean film that sheds light on the lives of women in prison. Usually, prison life is portrayed as a horrible and fearsome experience. But, have you ever thought about the inside of a Women’s prison? Harmony is an emotional tale that explores the lives of female inmates and the struggles they face. As we take a deep dive into the world of Harmony, get ready to be moved by the powerful story that lies ahead. Before you press play, let’s take a look at the movie’s synopsis.
Synopsis
Hong Jeong Hye (Yunjin Kim) is a woman who is accused of murder and sent to prison while heavily pregnant with her son, Min Woo. After her son is born, Jeong Hye struggles to take care of him while incarcerated. She shares her cell with three other women – Kim Moon Ok (Na Moon Hee), Ji Hwa Ja (Jung Soo Young), and Kang Yeon-Sil (Park Jun Myun). Despite coming from different backgrounds and facing different criminal charges, they manage to live in harmony with one another.
After a year has passed, Jeong Hye celebrates her son’s first birthday in prison, surrounded by her cellmates who love and care for her and her son. Unfortunately, their celebration is cut short by a strict prison guard, Bang (Jang Young Nam), who punishes Jeong Hye and her friends for breaking the rules.
Shortly after this incident, a new inmate, Kang Yu Mi (Kang Ye Won), arrives and is placed in their cell. Though initially cold and distant, the other inmates soon learn that Yu Mi suffers from deep-seated trauma. She was raped and abused by her stepfather and killed him in self-defense, which led to her incarceration.
One day, Jeong Hye watches a choir performance and becomes inspired to start a prison choir. Despite Bang’s objections, the prison warden approves the idea, and the inmates start practicing. With Moon Ok’s help, the choir begins to take shape, and the inmates find hope in their music.
However, Jeong Hye must give up her child, as he cannot be raised in prison. This heart-wrenching decision leaves her and the other inmates reeling with sadness. Yet, they find solace in their music and their friendship.
Conclusion
Harmony is a film that captures the harsh reality of life in prison, particularly for women. The movie shows that even in a setting as dire as jail, there is still beauty to be found. Through music and friendship, the inmates find a ray of hope that keeps them going. The relationships between the women are genuine and heartwarming. The film’s themes of love, compassion, and sisterhood are evergreen and relatable to anyone who has ever faced hardship in their life. In the end, Harmony is a touching reminder that even in the darkest of places, there is still light to be found.
