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View the film source Availability and pricing vary by region.Peppermint CandyA movie brief.
1999 / Tragedy / Directed by Lee Chang-dong
A life unraveling in reverse chronology
What is Peppermint Candy about?
The film follows Kim Young-ho's life in reverse, from his attempted suicide to his youthful encounters. Each segment reveals a pivotal moment in his life.
Five things to know.
Setup
The film opens with Kim Young-ho's attempted suicide and unfolds in reverse chronology, exploring key events from his past.
World
The movie is set against significant historical events in South Korea, including the Coup d'état of May Seventeenth and the Gwangju Uprising.
Pressure
Young-ho's life is marked by increasing cynicism and brutality, particularly during his time as a police officer.
Craft
Lee Chang-dong's direction weaves together themes of historiography and psychoanalysis through Young-ho's experiences.
Viewing Note
The film's non-linear narrative requires attention to detail and reflection on the consequences of Young-ho's actions.
A thought to take with you.
The story moves backward through Kim Young-ho's life, letting each earlier period change how the audience understands the person seen at the beginning. The reverse chronology connects his private memories to political upheavals that shaped South Korea.
Is it your kind of movie?
Choose it for a Korean-language drama told in reverse chronology, linking one man's life with modern Korean history. It begins with suicide and contains distressing themes.
Sources & scope
This AI-assisted brief is based on the linked secondary reference. Facts and interpretation are separated; it does not claim personal viewing or independent expert review.
Source details checked October 10, 2026. Suggest a correction · Our editorial approach