Old Partner

Chung-ryoul Lee

Korea, Republic of

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Synopsis

A special relationship between a man and his cow, with an emphasis on the themes of loyalty and faith.

REVIEW

Old Partner broke the stereotypical assumption about documentary films, at least in Korea, that they appeal only to limited or particular audiences, and so are not successfully marketable. Unexpectedly and remarkably, this film has preoccupied the box office in Korea for several months.

"Old Partner," originally entitled "Wa-nang-so-ri" in Korean, meaning "the sound of cowbell," focuses on the special relation between an 80-year-old man and a 40-year-old cow, who is not only his farm animal but also his 30-year-long companion. It also humorously depicts the unusual relationship between the old man and his wife, and her sarcastic and jealous yet caring reaction to the cow.

One of the reasons that this documentary attracts a wide range of audiences in Korea, from children to adults, aside from the fact that it is technically well-directed and beautifully shot in a bucolic landscape, is that the subjects of the film are familiar and yet easily-forgotten people in our everyday life: dedicated farmers, a naive old couple, and a faithful domesticated animal.

The power of "Old Partner" stands out as it displays the old man's exclusive bond with the cow, and his loyal friendship and faith; it is the instinctive connection between the human and the animal. Sadly, the film also reveals the fact that the cow has only a year to survive and is no longer capable of working. This places the old man in a dilemma of whether or not to sell the cow before it dies. His moral dilemma is whether he should be adopting the position of farmer or friend when making his decision.

This documentary carries a significant cultural meaning, in that 2009 is the year of the ox, according to the East Asian almanac, but it also provides a social commentary on Korea's recent national strike against the policy of including U.S.-imported beef as part of the recent Free Trade Agreement. 

-Meera Lee