A Taxi Driver

A Taxi Driver 2017

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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of A Taxi Driver (2017). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


In 1980, Kim Man-seob, portrayed by Kang-ho Song, is a stoic widower struggling to make ends meet as he navigates the chaotic streets of Seoul in his taxi. One day, while driving, he overhears another cab driver boast about a lucrative fare to Gwangju, completely unaware of the turmoil that is about to unfold there. Seizing this unexpected opportunity, Man-seob captures this prized passenger—Jürgen “Peter” Hinzpeter, a determined German journalist, played by Thomas Kretschmann, who is intent on documenting the escalating civil unrest. Thus, they set out on a journey that will change both their lives.

As they travel toward Gwangju, their taxi is soon halted by soldiers, but thanks to Peter’s ingenious disguise as a businessman, they manage to gain entry into the city. Once there, Man-seob and Peter encounter a group of college students who, seeing the need for solidarity, offer assistance and welcome Peter aboard their pickup truck. The situation, however, becomes increasingly intense, leading Man-seob to feel uneasy. Feeling the pull to separate from the chaotic scene, he decides to leave Peter, but not before Peter is moved by an elderly woman they meet, compelling him to convince Man-seob to seek out the woman’s missing son in a local hospital—only to discover the son is among the college students.

At a critical moment, tensions rise, and Peter challenges Man-seob for abandoning him, offering to share the fare. However, the group of college students and local taxi drivers insist they will not accept payment until the trip is complete. With a heavy heart, Man-seob submits and transports Peter along with student Jae-sik, to a protest at the Provincial Office, where they are met by generous protesters offering food and gifts. Amidst the escalating violence, Peter films the events while grappling with the threat from Plainclothes Defense Security Command (DSC) officers, who try to capture him, yet the trio manages to dodge their grasp.

As night falls, the taxi suffers from mechanical issues, pushing them to seek shelter at Tae-soo’s local repair shop. Here, they hear shocking news about a bombing at a nearby television station and choose to document the chaos. Their decision leads to disaster when the DSC officers spot Peter and give chase. In the frantic commotion, Man-seob suffers serious injuries while Jae-sik is captured, desperately pleading with Peter to ensure his footage is shared with the world.

Driven by a fierce love for his daughter and guilt over the events unfolding in Gwangju, Man-seob embarks on a dangerous journey back from Suncheon. Panic grips the city as rumors of North Korean infiltrators bubble up from the chaos. Back at the hospital, he finds Peter in shock and Tae-soo mourning for their fallen friend Jae-sik. Peter urges them to leave Gwangju and return to Seoul for Man-seob’s daughter’s sake, but Man-seob refuses, choosing instead to support Peter in his time of need.

During the height of the violence, as soldiers ruthlessly shoot at civilians trying to save the wounded, Man-seob and his fellow taxi drivers convert their vehicles into makeshift ambulances, risking their lives to transport the injured to safety. Their perilous route takes them through treacherous mountains where they’re challenged by an armed roadblock. A tough sergeant inspects their vehicle but ultimately lets them pass upon noticing the Seoul license plates. However, his colleagues, ordered to apprehend any foreigners, fire upon their taxi, forcing Man-seob into a daring escape. Local taxi drivers come to their aid, ingeniously providing cover to ensure their escape goes unnoticed.

Their paths eventually diverge at the airport; Peter pleads for Man-seob’s name and contact details, only to receive the ambiguous reply of “Kim Sa-bok” along with a random cigarette company’s phone number. While Peter broadcasts his harrowing footage of the Gwangju Uprising to the world, Man-seob reunites with his daughter. In time, Peter makes multiple visits to Seoul in hopes of locating “Kim Sa-bok,” but ultimately finds no trace.

Fast forward to 2003, Peter is honored with an award for his courageous reporting on the Gwangju uprising. During his acceptance speech, he expresses sincere appreciation for “Kim Sa-bok” and holds a glimmer of hope that they may one day reunite. Meanwhile, Man-seob continues his work as a taxi driver, reading about Peter’s triumphant achievements in the newspaper, filled with a mix of admiration for his friend’s dedication and a longing for their shared past. The film culminates with a heartfelt video message from the real Peter, extending his gratitude to “Kim Sa-bok” and expressing his yearning for their paths to cross once more.

Timeline

Track the key events of A Taxi Driver (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Introduction of Kim Man-seob

In 1980, we meet Kim Man-seob, portrayed by Kang-ho Song, a stoic widower struggling to support himself while navigating the chaotic streets of Seoul. His life is one of hardship and resilience, yet he remains committed to making ends meet as a taxi driver.

1980 Seoul

The Opportunity for a Lucrative Fare

While driving his taxi, Man-seob overhears another cab driver discussing a lucrative fare to Gwangju, a city destined for turmoil. Little does he know, this chance encounter will alter the course of his life forever.

Seoul

Meeting Peter Hinzpeter

Seizing the opportunity, Man-seob picks up his passenger, Jürgen 'Peter' Hinzpeter, a determined German journalist intent on documenting the escalating civil unrest in Gwangju. This encounter marks the beginning of a profound journey for both men.

Seoul

Entering Gwangju

As they travel toward Gwangju, the taxi is halted by soldiers. However, thanks to Peter's clever disguise as a businessman, they are granted entry into the city, setting the stage for the chaos that lies ahead.

Gwangju

Encounter with College Students

Upon arriving in Gwangju, Man-seob and Peter encounter a group of college students who show solidarity and offer assistance. They provide Peter with a ride, fueling his determination to document the unrest while Man-seob feels increasingly uneasy.

Gwangju

The Pull to Leave

Feeling overwhelmed by the escalating situation, Man-seob contemplates leaving Peter. However, a chance meeting with an elderly woman whose son is missing compels Peter to persuade Man-seob to search for him in a local hospital.

Gwangju

Conflict Over Priorities

Amid rising tensions, Peter confronts Man-seob for considering abandonment and offers to share the fare. However, local college students and taxi drivers insist on completing their mission without payment, pressing Man-seob to continue.

Gwangju

Chaos at the Provincial Office

They arrive at the Provincial Office, where generous protesters offer them food and gifts amidst the increasing violence. Peter films the events, contending with the ever-looming threat from government officers trying to capture him.

Gwangju

Shelter at Tae-soo's Repair Shop

As night falls, their taxi encounters mechanical failures, leading them to Tae-soo's repair shop. Here, they hear alarming news of a bombing at a television station, prompting them to document the ensuing chaos.

Gwangju

The Pursuit of Peter

After being spotted by the DSC officers, Peter is pursued as chaos erupts. In the resulting fracas, Man-seob sustains serious injuries while Jae-sik is captured, pleading with Peter to ensure his footage reaches the world.

Gwangju

Man-seob's Risky Journey

Driven by love for his daughter and guilt over the violence, Man-seob undertakes a dangerous journey back from Suncheon. Tension grips the city as rumors swirl about North Korean infiltrators, reflecting the panic of the times.

Suncheon

Finding Peter at the Hospital

Arriving at the hospital, Man-seob discovers Peter in shock and Tae-soo devastated by Jae-sik's death. Peter implores them to leave Gwangju for the safety of Man-seob's daughter, yet Man-seob chooses to stand by his friend.

Gwangju

Transforming Taxis into Ambulances

During the violence, Man-seob joins local taxi drivers to transform their vehicles into makeshift ambulances. They risk their lives to transport the injured, navigating treacherous mountain routes amidst armed obstacles.

Gwangju

Daring Escape

As soldiers fire upon their taxi, Man-seob must execute a daring escape. Local taxi drivers rally to provide cover, ensuring their safe passage through the chaotic streets, solidifying their commitment to each other.

Gwangju

The Reunion Years Later

Fast forward to 2003, Peter receives an award for his reporting on the Gwangju uprising and expresses gratitude towards 'Kim Sa-bok' during his acceptance speech. Meanwhile, Man-seob reads about Peter's achievements, feeling a mixture of pride and longing for their connection.

2003

Characters

Meet the characters that bring A Taxi Driver (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Kim Man-seob

Kim Man-seob is a stoic and resilient taxi driver navigating the chaotic streets of Seoul. As a widower struggling to provide for his daughter, his journey evolves from self-preservation to a courageous commitment to helping others. His character embodies the transformative power of compassion and courage in dire circumstances.

🚖 Taxi Driver 💔 Widower 💪 Resilient

Jürgen 'Peter' Hinzpeter

Jürgen 'Peter' Hinzpeter is a determined German journalist dedicated to unveiling the truth behind the Gwangju Uprising. His unwavering commitment to documenting human rights violations showcases his bravery and moral conviction. Peter's character reflects the critical role of journalists in championing the voices of the downtrodden.

📰 Journalist 🌍 Truth-Seeker 💪 Brave

Jae-sik

Jae-sik is a college student who displays profound courage and a sense of responsibility during the unrest. His conviction to assist others and willingness to take risks for the greater good makes him a key figure in the narrative. Jae-sik's character underscores the impact of youth activism in societal change.

🎓 Student ✊ Activist ❤️ Compassionate

Tae-soo

Tae-soo is a local mechanic who provides shelter and support to Man-seob and Peter during their perilous journey. His character embodies the spirit of camaraderie and local knowledge, aiding their survival amidst chaos. Tae-soo becomes a symbol of the collective effort to resist oppression.

🔧 Mechanic 🤝 Supportive 🏠 Local Hero

Setting

Uncover the settings of A Taxi Driver (2017), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

1980, 2003

The film is set against the backdrop of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, a significant period in South Korean history marked by protests against authoritarian rule. This time was pivotal in shaping the nation's democratic trajectory. The story also revisits this context in 2003, reflecting on the lasting impact of those events and the recognition of those who courageously uncovered the truth.

Location

Seoul, Gwangju, Suncheon

The movie primarily takes place in Seoul, a bustling metropolis known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Gwangju becomes a focal point during the civil unrest, renowned for the Gwangju Uprising and the fight for democracy. Suncheon, though mentioned briefly, adds to the geographical milieu, symbolizing the broader context of the tumultuous events.

🏙️ City 🏞️ Nature

Themes

Explore the core themes of A Taxi Driver (2017). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


Courage

Courage manifests in various forms throughout the film. Both Man-seob and Peter display immense bravery as they navigate through violence and fear to stand in solidarity with the oppressed. The theme of courage not only highlights their personal struggles but also emphasizes the collective bravery of ordinary citizens in times of crisis.

🌍

Truth

The pursuit of truth is another central theme, as Peter seeks to document the unfolding events amidst chaos. The film underscores the importance of bearing witness to injustice and the role of journalism in challenging oppressive regimes. It reveals the sacrifices made to ensure that the stories of the marginalized are not forgotten.

👥

Solidarity

Solidarity emerges as a vital theme through the relationships formed during the turmoil. Man-seob's interactions with Peter and the college students demonstrate the power of community in the face of adversity. Their collective action and support for one another highlight the strength found in unity during moments of despair.

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