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| Child actor Lee Kyung-hoon, left, and actress Lee Hang-na in a scene from "Beyond That Mountain" / Courtesy of Little Big Pictures |
By Kwak Yeon-soo
"Beyond That Mountain" is a biopic that portrays the early life of the late Stephen Kim Sou-hwan, Korea's first Roman Catholic cardinal.
Kim (played by Lee Kyung-hoon) was born in the city of Daegu in 1922, the youngest of eight children. His father Kim Young-seok (played by Ahn Nae-sang) was a pottery dealer, and so poor that he was often unable to provide food for his family.
In the film, Kim's father dies because he cannot be given proper care as the family is unable to afford herbal medicine. This triggers young Kim to dream of becoming a dealer of ginseng, one of the most frequently used ingredients in herbal medicines.
However, Kim's devoted mother Seo Jung-ha (played by Lee Hang-na) expresses her wish for her two younger sons to become priests. Kim begins to look deep into his heart and moves on towards the priesthood. Overall, the film focuses on Kim's relationship with his mother, and how he makes the decision to become a priest.
The movie also tells the story of Kim's grandfather, a convert to Catholicism, who died in prison during the persecution of Catholic converts in Korea during the 19th century.
"This film is set for release in May, which is considered a family month (in Korea). Enjoy this heart-warming film with family and love each other," child actor Lee said at a press screening held in Seoul, Monday.
"Cardinal Kim was more than a religious person, he was a saint," Ahn said.
Although the film is a biographical account of a prominent religious leader, it avoids an overbearing focus on religion. Rather, it concentrates on family and the importance of inner strength. It features many child actors, including Lee, who plays the main role of the young Kim.
He was chosen from among 260 candidates who auditioned for the role. Actress Lee Hang-na, who plays Kim's mother in the film, presents her character as a strict but caring person.
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| Poster for "Beyond That Mountain" / Courtesy of Little Big Pictures |
Cardinal Kim was appointed cardinal in 1969 by Pope Paul VI and became an advocate for democracy. In 1987, while the country was mired in anti-government protests, Kim allowed student activists to take refuge in Seoul's cathedral.
His efforts helped the country, which had been ruled by a military dictatorship for more than a generation, to move towards democracy.
He was an advocate of the poor and took an active part in societal and democracy issues, gaining respect from all sections of society. The religious leader passed away in 2009. "Beyond That Mountain" will hit local theaters April 30.
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