The Book of Fish is a heartwarming tale of friendship and survival set in the 1800s. The story revolves around Jeong Yak Jeon, an intellectual who is exiled to a remote island after being accused of studying Catholicism. During his exile, Yak Jeon meets a young local fisherman named Chang Dae, who is passionate about marine life and becomes Yak Jeon’s student. The two of them embark on a journey to write a book about fish while trying to survive in the harsh conditions of the island.
At first, Chang Dae is not interested in learning from Yak Jeon because of his supposed association with the forbidden religion. However, the two men slowly develop a bond, and Yak Jeon teaches Chang Dae about the world of books while he learns about the sea from Chang Dae. As their friendship blossoms, Chang Dae must make a difficult decision that puts their bond to the test.
The film is directed by Lee Joon Ik and stars Sol Kyung Gu as Yak Jeon and Byun Yo Han as Chang Dae. The film premiered in 2021 and falls under the Black and White, Drama, Historical, Religious, and Sageuk genre.
The story is based on a novel of the same name by Lee Eung-jun, and the film captures the essence of the book beautifully. The film’s cinematography is excellent, portraying the island’s rugged and untamed beauty brilliantly. The film is also remarkable for its black and white cinematography that adds depth and texture to the film, making the movie feel like a classic work of art.
The Book of Fish is much more than just a story about two men trying to write a book about fish. It’s a touching tale of survival, friendship, and self-discovery. The film delivers a beautiful message about the value of human relationships, and how they can bring meaning and purpose to our lives. One beautiful thing about the film is how it highlights the idea of finding common ground between seemingly opposing ideologies. The conflict between Yak Jeon’s Catholicism and the islanders’ animistic beliefs is portrayed in a nuanced manner.
The performances in the film are simply outstanding. Sol Kyung Gu delivers an emotionally charged performance as Yak Jeon, while Byun Yo Han is charming and charismatic as Chang Dae. The on-screen chemistry between the two actors is palpable and adds depth to the story.
In conclusion, The Book of Fish is a beautiful film, and its themes of friendship and survival are timeless. The film’s incredible visuals, outstanding performances, and touching story make it a must-watch for anyone who loves meaningful storytelling. The Book of Fish is a testament to the power of human relationships and how they can transform our lives.
