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The Wedding Day

The Wedding Day (1956)

Nov 27, 1956 1h 19m Comedy Drama History

Master Maeng is very proud that an influential family will soon be his esteemed in-laws when his loving daughter, Mi-yeon, marries their son. A few days before the wedding Maeng hears a rumor that his future son-in-law has a cripple leg. Regretting that he can't give his lovely daughter to a cripple, he decides to marry his maid to him instead. Unexpectedly the future son-in-law shows up at the wedding hall and he is not a cripple, but a healthy and handsome youth. Feeling embarrassed, there is no way but to wed the maid to him. The Wedding Day is a recreation of A Happy Day of Jinsa Maeng, a comical play by Oh Yeong Jin. The first Korean film to win an international film award, the Best Comedy Award at the 1957 edition of the Asian Film Festival (now Asia Pacific Film Festival).

Directed by Lee Byung-il

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Lee Byung-il
Producer
  • Lee Byung-il

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The Wedding Day examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Lee Byung-il brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1956, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of The Wedding Day took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 79 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 100 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
  • The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.

Historical Context

  • In 1956, when this film was released:
  • Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
  • The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While The Wedding Day shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Four Weddings and a Funeral, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Wedding Day offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like The Mad Adventures of Rabbi Jacob and Not Here to Be Loved explore similar territory, The Wedding Day stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: November 27, 1956
  • Runtime: 1h 19m