All language subtitles for In Front of Your Face 2021

IN FRONT OF YOUR FACE

produced by Jeonwonsa

Lee Hyeyoung Cho Yunhee
Kwon Haehyo

Shin Seokho Kim Saebyeok Ha Seungguk
Seo Younghwa Lee Eunmi Kang Yiseo

production manager Kim Minhee
production assistant Lee Soyoung sound Seo Jihoon

written and directed by
Hong Sangsoo

Everything I see
before me is grace.

There is no tomorrow.

No yesterday,
no tomorrow.

But this moment right now
is paradise.

It can be paradise.

Long time no see!

Yeah.

You don't look very
excited to see me.

Well, I'm not that excited.

I saw you last night.

You had coffee?

Tell me.

Did you always joke around
like that?

No, I'm just sleepy.

- Slept well?
- I did.

But I had a dream.
A good one.

What dream?

I can't tell you.

You can't talk about good dreams
until noon. So they say.

- They say that?
- Yeah.

- Just tell me about it.
- No, I can't tell you.

But I think it's a good omen.
It was really unusual.

- Do you dream often?
- Yeah.

I should buy a lottery
ticket today.

The dream was really strange.

- You'll buy a lottery ticket?
- Sure! Who knows?

I sure don't know.
Since you won't tell me.

I'll tell you later.

Should we go out for breakfast?
Coffee and toast?

I know a good place.

Shall we?

But will it be open?

Yeah, it opens at 9.
Our timing's perfect.

Wait, you had an appointment today.
When is it?

It's a late lunch, but...

Should I skip it?

You should go, of course.

So after breakfast,
you can go there directly.

That cafe is really crowded.
But if we go now, it'll be perfect.

Yeah, I feel like toast
for breakfast.

- I've had plenty of rice.
- Yes, you have.

I ate like a pig,
my belly's sticking out.

Don't be ridiculous!
You should eat more.

You think?

Yeah!

You're too thin.
You look sick.

You really look sick.

I see.

What are you doing?

Time to go out.
Get dressed.

Okay.

Thank you.

For this peace,
and sparing me pain.

I'll go eat something nice
and have a good day.

Thank you.

This coffee is great.
It's delicious.

Really? I'm glad.

Of all the coffee I've had here,
this is the best.

This cafe is really great.

Isn't it?

Let's come here often.
It's nice, right?

- Shall we?
- Yeah.

It's so peaceful.

I wish you lived in Korea.

Just buy an apartment
and stay here.

Why live in the US
all on your own?

That would be nice.

They're building some
new apartments.

Construction's almost done.
It'd be great if you lived here.

You could come to this cafe,

walk along the river
each morning.

That'd be so nice.

I bought my place through
the apartment lottery,

but this area suits me better.

Eventually I'll end up
out here.

That'd be nice,
living near here.

How about going to see
that apartment?

- Now?
- It's right here.

Didn't you say it was
under construction?

Yeah, but you can look
at the outside.

Get a feeling for it.

Let's go.
After you finish the coffee.

Okay.

So, it's just looking from
the outside, right?

And we'll walk
in the park next to it.

I should've moved
to a place like this.

But I was so lucky to get chosen
in that apartment lottery.

- So you were lucky.
- Yes.

The value's gone up
200 million won since then.

That much?

When did you move in?

A year and a half ago?

Sis, move back here.
Don't you have 200 million?

If so, borrow another 200 million
and buy an apartment.

200 million...

$200,000...

You have that much, right?

You must have a house there.

No, I've always paid rent.

I have no savings.

That's how everyone lives there.

But it seems people here
have a lot of money.

You have no savings?

Well, a little.
Extremely little.

From $200,000,
take away two zeroes.

Then what was your job?

In DC, you worked
in a travel agency.

I had...

What's it called?

Liquor store...

A store that sells alcohol.

Now it's up for sale.

Really? You sold alcohol?

I see...

I didn't serve alcohol.
It wasn't a bar.

I sold bottles of alcohol.
A retail store.

After moving to Seattle,

I looked for an easy way
to earn money,

and that was it.

If you get regular customers,
it's easy. I had a lot.

Really?

I really had no idea.

Sis, it's shameful.

Look at the two of us.

You're my only sibling,
my one sister.

But we have no idea
how the other has lived.

Do you know
how I've lived?

Well, we haven't been in contact.
And you didn't answer my letter.

When did I not answer?

- When you left for the US?
- That time, and a few others.

I don't know
what you're saying.

You left.
And we stayed.

Do you know
how I felt then?

Can't you understand?

It really upset me.
You taking off like that.

Running off with some guy
you barely knew.

You exaggerate.

I came back several times.
Up until Mom died.

Why did you come this time?

I was so shocked
when you called.

I told you.

- Really?
- What?

I just came.

I wanted to see you, and Seungwon.
And I've somewhere to go.

You wanted to
see Seungwon?

I missed him a lot.

I think of him often.

I'm thankful for that.

Of course I miss him,
he's my only nephew.

- He was such a beautiful child.
- Right.

Anyway, his rice cake shop
is doing very well.

Lots of customers,
sales are good.

That's great.
I'm really glad.

- He really liked you.
- Did he?

Wow, isn't this pretty?

Yes, they're in full bloom.

They are.

Right,
you always liked flowers.

Me? No, I didn't.

But as I get older,
I like them more.

I like them, too.

Nature is amazing.

Hey, let's take a photo!

- A selfie?
- Come here.

Will we fit in the frame?

Of course.
My arm is so long.

- Look here.
- Right.

That was a joke.

No, that's awful.
Let's do it again.

My arm's too short.

My face comes out too big.

How can I do this?

I'm sorry, would you mind
taking a photo of us?

Sure.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Here.

- Thank you.
- It's nothing.

- It came out well.
- It's nice!

By any chance,
are you an actor?

I think I saw you on TV.

Yes, that's right.
Though not anymore.

Not anymore?

A long time ago.
I acted then, but not now.

I see.
You're so lovely.

You must be older than me,
but you're lovely.

You took care of yourself.

Thank you.
It must be the alcohol.

What?

- I don't exercise.
- Really?

I don't do anything.

Is it true?

That's amazing.
You look like you do.

She was born that way.
Her figure, her skin...

- She should thank Mom and Dad.
- Yes, she should.

If you start acting again,
I'll definitely watch.

- It's great to meet you.
- Nice to meet you.

Have a nice day.

Goodbye.

- Have a good day!
- Thank you.

- Let's go.
- Goodbye.

- Look, a bee!
- Where?

You appeared on TV only once,
how'd she recognize you?

You were thinking of that?

Yeah.

You were on so briefly,
and it was an old photo.

She recognized you from that?
Amazing.

Yes, amazing.

She has sharp eyes.

She seemed like
a good person.

People watch a lot of TV,
I guess.

I'm glad I didn't do
that other thing.

But you might still act, right?

Isn't your meeting today
about that?

So you know.

It'd be good for you
to act again.

It'd be fun.

I don't know.

It'd be nice.
It could be fun.

I think you'd have fun.

Doing something you like,
and earning money!

It'll be great for you.

There's a railroad bridge?

- Oh, that bridge?
- Looks old.

Yeah, it's really old.
Trains don't run on it now.

It's a bicycle path.

A tourist course.
Want to go see?

No, I hate heights.

I can't go up anyplace high.

A phobia, you mean?

I can't even go near
the window in your home.

Really?

It must be hard for you.

Are you okay staying there?

It's fine,
it's just a short time.

I just avoid the window.

There's so much we don't know
about each other, right?

Yes.

Even after growing up together.

Wait, your dream!

You still can't tell me?

Not yet.
Only after 12:00.

It's so cool, clear,
and beautiful here.

With every step I take
on this earth,

let me accept things
as You give them.

Save me from fears about the future,
and keep me in the present.

Let me stay here
in the present.

- No need to hurry.
- Okay.

- There's a school here?
- Yeah, lots of student customers.

But it's mostly deliveries.
Especially now.

Delivery is so developed here.

- Good afternoon!
- Hi.

You came quickly.

- He went home.
- What?

Hello!

Why'd he go home?

I don't know.
He said he'd be back soon.

- He's not on delivery?
- No, he went home.

The owner does deliveries?

If there are a lot of orders.

- He has to pay for each delivery.
- I see.

This is his girlfriend.
She's nice.

- This is Seungwon's aunt.
- Nice to meet you.

They look similar,
don't you think?

They look completely
different to me.

Really?

We won't stay long.
Just stopping by.

He rushed out
just after you called.

- Something to drink?
- Sure.

Shall we have something cool?
Soda?

Sit down here.

Give him a call,
see where he is.

He left his phone.

Oh my.

- He won't be long, it's not far.
- Sure.

Have you got time?

- Want to try some tteok-bokki?
- Tteok-bokki?

It's a lunch appointment.
Is it spicy?

A little, but it's good.
Made with broth.

Give it a try.

It's really spicy?

- A bit? I like it.
- Okay.

Could you make us
some tteok-bokki?

- Sure.
- Just a little.

- She has a lunch appointment.
- Yes, coming right up.

She brought two cans!

So refreshing.

What?

Did you spill?

- Did you spill a lot?
- Just a little.

- I'll need water or a wet nap.
- Just a minute.

- Can you bring us a wet nap?
- Yes.

Or just run a cloth
under water.

- Something clean.
- Yes.

I doubt that will come out.

Maybe you better go
change clothes at home.

- Should I?
- I don't think that will come out.

- Let's go.
- Okay.

You're going?

Thanks, I'll come again.

- We'll see Seungwon later.
- Yes, for sure.

- Bye.
- Goodbye.

See you.

- Watch over the shop.
- All right.

Mom!

There you are.

You're leaving?

- Hello.
- She has an appointment.

We stopped in
to see the shop.

Really?

- You stained your clothes?
- No, it's fine. Just a small spot.

Really?

Since you came,
I should have treated you.

I have a lunch appointment.
I'll come again soon.

Take this.
I bought it before, but it's new.

A gift?

It's nothing big.

I just thought
it would suit you.

Take it when
you go traveling.

Can I open it?
I'm going to open it!

Sorry to give it
to you here.

That doesn't matter.
How does it open?

Like this.

It's pretty. A wallet?

It's so cute.

You like it?

- There's money inside.
- Right.

What's this?

I put in $100
to make you feel good.

That's so cute.

- Thank you, really.
- It's nothing.

Doesn't this leather
look nice?

Sure, it looks really nice.
Lucky you.

- I'll give you a gift later.
- All right.

You'll be in Korea
for a while?

Sure, I'll be around.

Then see you next time.

- I left the shop empty.
- Sure, go on back.

- Thanks for the gift.
- It's nothing.

- Goodbye, Auntie.
- Seungwon.

- See you again soon.
- Bye.

Bye, son.

Let's go.

I'll just go there directly.

It's a bother
to stop at home.

And why should I change
my clothes for him?

Really? You sure?

You can't even see it.

I never worried about
such things in America.

What difference does it make?

You're right.

No one will notice,
unless they stare at it.

Right!

Just flag a taxi for me.
I'll go now.

Okay then.

- Hey...
- What?

What a sweet present, right?

It was, wasn't it?

- Right?
- Yeah.

But I can take you there
in my car.

No need for that.

Don't bother.
Where can I get a taxi?

Right up here.

Thank You.

I'm grateful for his generosity
to give me this wallet.

Help me to be the kind of person
to deserve such generosity.

And help me to stay vigilant
at this meeting.

I'll stay vigilant.

This is Song Jaewon.

The raw fish restaurant I reserved
isn't answering.

So instead,

I made a reservation at
'Novel' in Insa-dong.

The owner will
open it at 3:30.

If it's okay with you,
let's meet there.

The address is
Insa-dong 4-gil 12-4.

Sorry for the inconvenience.
Please confirm.

Sorry, but can I change
my destination?

Where do you want to go?

To Itaewon.

Okay.
Where in Itaewon?

- I'll tell you when we get there.
- Okay.

How far is Insa-dong
from Itaewon?

To Insa-dong?

- 15-20 minutes without traffic.
- Thank you.

Hello?

Oh, hello.

Can I help you?

No, I just stopped in.
Is it okay to look around?

Looks like a flower shop.

- Yes, it's fine.
- Thank you.

We sell clothes and other things.
Take a look inside.

I see.

You didn't know this shop?

I used to live here.
Very long ago.

So I stopped by just in case.
The house is still here.

You live here?

Yes, my mother lived here,
then we remodeled it.

I see.

But the yard is the same.
It's amazing.

I remember being here.

In that corner.

- You came from abroad?
- How did you know?

- You said it was a long time ago.
- Yes.

Want to come inside?
Or do you prefer it here?

Sorry to impose,
dropping in like this.

Not at all.
I'm glad you came.

I'm surprised to meet
someone who lived here.

Yes.

Stay for a while.
I'll bring you something to drink.

No, I'm fine.

Please stay.
We have delicious plum tea.

- Here you are. It's tasty.
- Thank you.

It really is good.

It's so nice meeting
someone who lived here.

Was it long ago?

A very long time ago.
When I was this big.

So you live here too?

No, we live quite far away.
Incheon.

- That is really far!
- Yes.

We suddenly got
an apartment there.

- I see.
- Yes.

I see an ashtray there,
can I smoke?

You'd like a cigarette?
Yes, go ahead.

Thank you.

I smoke here, too.

I'll take one.

This yard is so nice.

But it's so small.

Long ago,
it seemed really big.

I really like this yard, too.

Yes, the yard...

Okay, first choice
is pork cutlet.

Pork!

Second choice, pasta.

- Pork!
- Pasta!

- Pasta?
- Pasta!

- Pork or pasta?
- I want pasta!

Let's do rock scissors paper.

Rock scissors paper!

Then it's pork.

- No!
- No? But you lost.

One more time.

Once more? Shall we?

Rock scissors paper!

It can't be helped.

Then tomorrow!

Okay, pork today,
and pasta tomorrow.

The memories in my heart
are so heavy.

I don't know why
I came here.

It was wrong of me.
I won't live this way.

Let me see what is
in front of my face.

- What's your name?
- Suh Jieun.

- How old are you?
- Six.

- You live in Incheon?
- Yes.

Then you came here
to visit?

No, this is our home.

You have a home
in Incheon, too?

No, this is our home.

I see.

- Good girl.
- Thank you.

Jieun.

Come here.

What a good girl.

You're a good girl.

Here you are.
Is coffee okay?

Yes, thank you.

I thought we'd have lunch,
but it's a bar.

You were expecting lunch?
What to do?

There's a Chinese restaurant nearby.

Shall we order from there?
It's quite good.

- Really?
- Yes.

Sorry, since we changed the time,
I thought you'd eat first.

I see.
But I'm not hungry.

Shall I bring the menu?

- Yes, would you?
- Sure.

I apologize.
Changing the time like that.

No, it's fine.

But this place is nice.

A very cute bar.
It's cozy.

Glad you like it.

But were you thinking we'd drink?
In the afternoon?

No, eat now,
and we'll drink later if you want.

I just thought
it'd be comfortable here.

It is.
You come here often?

No, but if I'm in the area,
I drop by.

- It's an interesting name.
- Yes.

"Novel"

Your films are like novels.
Short stories.

- You watched my films?
- Of course.

I searched them out after you called.
I thought I should!

Thank you.

They were very nice.
Like short stories.

Really?

- Anyway, we've finally met.
- Yes.

What took you so long?

- The owner stepped out.
- Really?

Please choose.

- What'll you have?
- Anything is fine.

Really?

The deep fried shrimp and
sweet & sour pork are good here.

No meaty smell.

Since I'm not that hungry,
order what you want.

Shall we?

Then, deep fried shrimp?

And sweet & sour pork.

Any rice dish?

This should be enough.

Order one if you want.

- Any rice for you?
- It's plenty already.

- Right? Then order what you want.
- All right.

Any alcohol?

Chinese liquor?
Not something from here?

Sure.

Chinese liquor for Chinese food.
Two bottles?

All right.

I'm happy.

About what?

- Just happy to see you.
- I'm happy, too.

You declined at first,
so I'm grateful you met me.

- I wanted to see you.
- I wanted to see you too.

I was curious.

Why you are so interested
in someone like me.

Ah, that?

Remember a scene you shot
with Lee Seongsoo in the early 90s?

Sitting on a bench, taking in
all the desolation of winter.

And the moment
you stared at the pigeons.

I remember it so vividly.

You stretched your hand
out to the pigeons.

Your face then...

It was like a blessing.
It was so amazing.

I saw it as
a university freshman.

It felt so fresh,
and so beautiful.

That film engraved itself
in my heart.

Thank you so much.

And just a year later,
in the spring of 1991...

What was that actor's name?
It doesn't matter.

That scene with him
in a taxi.

In that vibrant
yellow-green dress,

your face staring at
the falling white snow,

I remember it all.

It was an honesty
I'd never seen on screen.

I felt a true authenticity
behind your purity.

You know how much I stared
at your face in that poster?

You are really something.
That was so long ago.

No, for me it was
truly memorable.

Thank you so much
for remembering that.

I'm really happy
to meet you now.

Did I tell you already?

- I'm glad to meet you.
- You did.

Novel

Where is the owner?

She left me the key.
I'll lock up on the way out.

- She doesn't do business?
- No customers these days.

She's going somewhere today.
Tongyeong, maybe?

I guess she trusts you.

I've known her a long time.

I'd like to meet her
sometime.

She seems to have
faith in people.

She's a good person.

And a great singer.
Come meet her next time.

That's why
there's a guitar.

- You play guitar?
- No.

I studied a little,
but I quit.

Really? Then play something.
Just a second.

Why'd you send your assistant away?
He wanted to stay.

It's not that.
He had work at the office.

No, he said
you told him to leave.

Well, it's your business.

But did you have any particular
inspiration for making

a film with me?

I mean, I'm old now.

- I'm all wrinkled.
- No, you're not at all.

I'm not sure.

But I feel like I should
make a film with you.

No particular inspiration.

It's just that
I believe in your soul.

I want to create a character
that has your strength and light.

I'll write a good story
to bring out that character.

How long will it take?

A first draft usually takes
6 months to a year.

If we hurry, 3 months?
I think it's possible.

Is it because of
your return to the US?

So filmmaking takes longer
these days…

If you agree to do it,

you can go to the US while I write,
and come back for shooting.

You know...

I don't think I can.

It's a real pity.

You seem like a good person.
But I'm sorry, I can't.

I see.

Is it the schedule?
If so, we can...

I have no time.

It's a bit awkward
to say this,

but I don't have
long to live.

What?

Are you okay?

Maybe I shouldn't
have told you.

Is it true?

It is.

I won't live long.

This is a secret.
Just between you and me.

It's really true?
Are you okay?

Yes, I'm okay.

They say I have
5-6 months.

If the doctors say it,
it must be true.

I'll just be happy with
that much time.

At least that much.

But you don't look sick.

- Really?
- You don't.

I see.

Actually, I'm not in pain.

Thankfully.

I guess it will hurt later.

This is really hard.
What do we do?

I won't go to the hospital.

I'll continue my life
at home.

If there's work,
I'll do it.

I'll go out.

Later if I feel sick
I'll take painkillers.

I'll endure it...

and then die.

Yeah.

That's why I met you.

If it's possible,
to take part.

Or to help if I can.

That's why I came.

Another glass?

Fuck, life really sucks...

Don't speak that way.
It's nice here.

What can we do?

Where are you going?

Give me a cigarette.

Say something.

What's with this rain?

Right, the weather
is so strange.

- Are you cold?
- A little, but I'm fine.

- Should I turn on the heat?
- No, it won't be long.

When is your assistant coming?

Soon.
I think he's caught in traffic.

Have another?

Let's drink to the death.

Yes.

Are you scared of dying?
Aren't you sad?

Do I have to be sad?

I have this strange
sort of belief.

I believe heaven is hiding
in front of our faces.

Really?

In front of our faces?

I decided to die once
when I was 17.

I had a different reason then.
Have you ever?

No, not yet.

We're different,
sure enough.

I went out to die,
and passed by Seoul Station.

The faces of the people in the plaza
suddenly looked so beautiful.

I had absolutely
made up my mind to die,

but for the first time ever,

I saw how incredibly beautiful
the world is.

A man walked by with
a filthy, greasy face,

but his face
was amazingly beautiful.

So beautiful I could
have licked it. Really!

Is that so?

But I wasn't just being emotional
in the face of death.

I felt in my heart
what reality was.

I saw things properly,
as they really are.

- Really?
- Yes.

After that I just
forgot about it.

For a very long time.

But it came to mind
again recently. Luckily.

It is lucky.

If I can just properly see
what's before my face,

I'm not afraid of anything.
Truly.

Everything is before me.
All complete.

Nothing to add or take away.
Perfectly complete.

It's just grace.

That's a relief.

You don't understand me?

I'm relieved, anyway.

From the moment I felt it,

I don't fear anything,
and I'm much freer.

I've never felt that myself,
but I'm curious.

You've been blessed.

I think you're so pure-hearted,
you've been blessed.

You think so?

- Yes.
- Thank you.

How about making a short film?
That would be nice.

- A short film?
- Yes.

When?

Well, tomorrow even.

I just want to capture
you on film somehow.

I'd like to shoot you.

How about just traveling for
a couple days and shooting?

Sure, let's do that.

Really?

We can shoot with my camera,
and edit on my computer.

- You have a camera?
- Yes.

You operate a camera, too.

I always carry it with me.

We can edit it there,
and watch the finished film.

That's really great.

Then where?…

We'll go tomorrow?

Yes, we'll go tomorrow.

Where should we go?
Where do you want?

Anywhere is fine. There must be
some place you want to go.

Me?

Well…

Tongyeong is nice.

- Or Yangyang.
- Yangyang?

Yes, in Kangwon Province.

- Kangwon Province...
- Yes.

That's a pretty name.
Yangyang.

It's really nice there.

This time of year,
it's beautiful.

- Must be nice.
- Yes.

For real, tomorrow?

Yes, shall I pick you up
in the morning?

- Very well.
- Okay then.

Tell me...

- Are you married?
- Yes.

I see.

- Any children?
- One son, all grown up.

A happy family?

I wish him the best.

So you have a son.

It'll be nice to go
traveling tomorrow.

Yes.

You want to sleep with me,
don't you?

Yes.

I see.

If you don't mind.

I know.

Thank you.

Thank you, too.

Are you all right?

Sure, thanks for coming.

- Sorry, was it hard getting here?
- Not at all. Are you okay?

Of course.

- But you'll have to drive.
- Sure, give me the keys.

Right, it's in the parking lot.

- You're both okay?
- Yeah.

- Then shall I bring the car?
- Would you?

I'll lock up.

- Want me to lock up?
- No, I can do it.

Do you have an umbrella?

- Use that one.
- What about you?

Okay, thank you.

- I'll wait for you.
- We'll be out soon.

Shouldn't we clean up here?

Just leave it.
I'll call later and apologize.

Why? Should I clean up?

- You stay seated.
- No, I'll help.

No, it's fine.
I'll do a rough cleanup.

If you're going to clean up,
do it properly.

You think? Very well.

All right, let's go.

- What a cute lock.
- Isn't it?

- I enjoyed this place.
- Yes.

Just a minute.

Want to smoke?

This is Song Jaewon.

I wasn't sure whether
our promise yesterday

was realistic,
or a byproduct of the alcohol.

Forgive me.

What I promised yesterday
can never happen.

Thank you so much for
opening your heart yesterday.

I wish you happiness,
with all my heart.

This is Song Jaewon.

I wasn't sure whether
our promise yesterday

was realistic,
or a byproduct of the alcohol.

Forgive me.

What I promised yesterday
can never happen.

Thank you so much for
opening your heart yesterday.

I wish you happiness,
with all my heart.

Jeongok.

Jeongok.

Are you dreaming?

cast Lee Hyeyoung Cho Yunhee Kwon Haehyo

Shin Seokho Kim Saebyeok
Ha Seungguk Seo Younghwa

production manager Kim Minhee
production assistant Lee Soyoung sound Seo Jihoon

written, directed, photographed and composed by
Hong Sangsoo