Hanji 2011
Im Kwon-taek's *Hanji (2011)* dives into the quiet struggles of Pil Yong, a weary civil servant drowning in bureaucracy while caring for his disabled wife.
Director: Im Kwon-taek
Cast
Park Joong-hoon
Pil-yong
Kang Soo-youn
Ji-won
Ye Ji-won
Hyo-kyung
Ahn Byeong-kyeong
Deok-soon
Jang Hang-seon
Monk Do-am
Jeong Woo-hyuk
Section Chief
Lim Seung-dae
Sub Section Chief
Hwang Choon-ha
Clerk
Jin Kyung
Female Section Chief
Han Soo-yeon
Da-young
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hanji (2011) about?
This Korean drama follows Pil Yong, a disheartened government worker tasked with reviving the traditional craft of hanji paper-making. As he navigates his strained marriage and a prickly filmmaker's documentary project, he uncovers unexpected meaning in the art form—and within himself.
Who directed Hanji?
Im Kwon-taek, one of Korea's most revered directors, helmed *Hanji*. Known for his deep cinematic portraits of Korean culture and society, his work here reflects his signature blend of realism and lyrical storytelling.
Who stars in Hanji?
The film stars Park Joong-hoon as Pil Yong, Kang Soo-youn as filmmaker Ji Won, Ye Ji-won as Pil Yong's wife, and Ahn Byeong-kyeong in a supporting role.
Is Hanji (2011) worth watching?
While *Hanji* isn't a high-energy drama, its slow-burn approach rewards viewers seeking substance. The film's themes of perseverance and cultural heritage resonate, and Im Kwon-taek's direction adds depth to what could have been a simple tale of redemption.
How long is Hanji?
Hanji runs for 118 minutes, or just under two hours, offering a concise yet immersive viewing experience.
🎥 Trailer
About Hanji (2011) — A civil servant discovers purpose in the art of Korean paper-making
Im Kwon-taek's *Hanji (2011)* dives into the quiet struggles of Pil Yong, a weary civil servant drowning in bureaucracy while caring for his disabled wife. Buried under financial strain and marital hardship, he reluctantly takes on a government project to revive traditional Korean hanji paper-making—a craft his wife's family has mastered for generations. His reluctant partnership with Ji Won, a sharp-tongued filmmaker documenting the art, forces him to confront the beauty in fragility, both in paper and in life. As Pil Yong's understanding of hanji deepens, so does his appreciation for the resilience woven into every sheet. Set against the stark reality of post-industrial Korea, the film blends quiet desperation with tender revelations, painting a poignant portrait of redemption through tradition.
Starring Park Joong-hoon as the beleaguered Pil Yong and Kang Soo-youn as the unyielding Ji Won, *Hanji* is a meditative drama that turns the act of creation into a metaphor for perseverance. Im Kwon-taek, a titan of Korean cinema with five decades of storytelling, crafts a visually understated yet emotionally rich exploration of duty, love, and the delicate threads that hold us together. The film's muted palette and deliberate pacing mirror the slow, rhythmic process of hanji itself, inviting viewers to savor its quiet power.
