Epitaph

A woman, referred to as the 'Girl,' lies in a hospital bed, her life hanging in the balance due to the Japanese invasion that has ravaged her homeland. As she struggles to survive the brutal treatment by the occupying forces, the Girl begins to hallucinate, experiencing vivid and often disturbing visions that blur the lines between reality and fantasy. The film unfolds in three distinct yet interconnected narratives, each a testament to the horrors of war and the Girl's desperate attempt to hold on to her sanity. The visions serve as a coping mechanism, a coping device that allows her to momentarily escape the harsh realities of her world. In the first tale, 'The Old Mantis,' a young Korean couple tries to make the best of their situation amidst the chaos of war. They are forced to navigate the complex web of oppression, exploitation, and resistance that surrounds them. The couple's plight serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of Japan's occupation on the Korean people. As the Girl's visions unfold, her mother, who was killed in the war, begins to appear in her dream sequences. Her mother, a beautiful and fiercely independent soul, represents hope and resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity. Through her mother's presence, the Girl finds solace and strength, even as the cruel reality of war threatens to consume her. In the second tale, 'The Old Mantis,' the same couple from the first story finds themselves at the mercy of the Japanese military. The wife is forced to make a choice between her life and her love, a decision that will forever alter the course of their fate. This tale serves as a poignant reminder of the countless innocent lives torn apart by the brutality of war. As the Girl's condition worsens, her visions become more erratic and intense, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. Her mother's presence becomes more pronounced, often manifesting as a gentle whisper in her ear, urging her to hold on. Despite the dire circumstances, the Girl finds comfort in her mother's spirit, drawing strength from the deep bond they share. In the final tale, 'The Old Mantis,' a young girl is forced to confront the harsh realities of war when her sister is brutally killed by Japanese soldiers. This heart-wrenching tale serves as a stark reminder of the countless atrocities committed during the Japanese occupation of Korea. As the Girl's visions reach a crescendo, her mother's presence becomes overwhelming, a poignant reminder of the love and sacrifice that sustains her. In the midst of unimaginable suffering, the Girl finds solace in her mother's unwavering love, a love that transcends the boundaries of death and war. The film culminates with the Girl's eventual collapse, her body ravaged by the physical and emotional toll of her ordeal. As she lies dying, her mother's spirit envelops her, a final act of love and compassion that sees the Girl through to the end. The camera lingers on the Girl's face, a testament to the indomitable human spirit that has seen her through even the darkest of times.