Synopsis

Bunt tells the story of 11-year-old Dong-gu, who has an IQ of 60, and his father Jin-gyu, who runs a small fried chicken shop. The father and son lead a simple but content life. At school, Dong-gu’s only task is to fill his classmates’ cups with water, but to him, school is the happiest place on earth. His father, whose greatest wish is to see Dong-gu graduate, is simply grateful that his son can attend. When the school decides to transfer Dong-gu to a special education facility, both father and son are devastated. Upon learning that members of the school’s struggling baseball team are automatically allowed to stay enrolled, Jin-gyu urges Dong-gu to join the team. Bunt, the directorial debut of Park Gyu-tae—best known as the screenwriter of Hi, Dharma!—offers a heartfelt look at two protagonists who face hardship but ultimately find hope through their father-son bond, a theme that has become increasingly prominent in Korean cinema. The film avoids melodrama and clichés of heroism. Instead, it highlights the quiet, human moments that restore our faith in life, even when life lets us down. Just like Dong-gu and Jin-gyu cherish the small miracle of a bunt more than a grand home run, the film celebrates the beauty of life’s humble victories. (Jin Park)

Director

Park Gyu-tae

Park Gyu-tae made his directorial debut with Bunt, and was already well known as a screenwriter for films such as Baby Sale (1997), Peking Banquet (1999), and Hi, Dharma! (2001). As expected from a seasoned screenwriter, Park shows strong storytelling skills in his debut feature, delivering a deeply moving message about the importance of family and the power of love.