Heartbeat 2022
In Lee Chang-dong's poignant short drama *Heartbeat (2022)*, eight-year-old Chul's quiet afternoon takes an unexpected turn when his school-induced anxiety sends him darting out of class.
Director: Lee Chang-dong
Cast
Kim Gun-woo
Cheol-yi
Jeon Do-yeon
Cheol-yi's Mother
Sul Kyung-gu
Cheol-yi's Father
Park Bo-kyung
Elevator Mom
Lee Jung-ok
Police Officer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heartbeat (2022) about?
*Heartbeat (2022)* follows eight-year-old Chul, whose school anxiety drives him to impulsively rush home midday, believing escape is his only option. What begins as a simple act of rebellion quickly becomes a poignant exploration of childhood pressures and the search for solace.
Who directed Heartbeat?
The film was directed by Lee Chang-dong, a celebrated South Korean filmmaker known for his emotionally resonant storytelling.
Who stars in Heartbeat?
The film stars Kim Gun-woo as Chul, Jeon Do-yeon, Sul Kyung-gu, Park Bo-kyung, and Lee Jung-ok.
Is Heartbeat (2022) worth watching?
While *Heartbeat* is a short film, Lee Chang-dong's direction and the raw performances make it a compelling watch for fans of character-driven dramas. Its brevity doesn't compromise its emotional depth, though it may not appeal to those seeking fast-paced narratives.
How long is Heartbeat?
*Heartbeat (2022)* has a runtime of 28 minutes.
About Heartbeat (2022) — A Boy's Fleeting Escape in Lee Chang-dong's Short Drama
In Lee Chang-dong's poignant short drama *Heartbeat (2022)*, eight-year-old Chul's quiet afternoon takes an unexpected turn when his school-induced anxiety sends him darting out of class. His impulsive dash home, disguised as a bathroom break, becomes the lens through which director Lee explores childhood vulnerability and the weight of unseen pressures. With a runtime of just 28 minutes, this film distills raw emotion into a compact yet powerful narrative, weaving themes of escape, innocence, and the fragile boundaries between childhood and adulthood. Starring Kim Gun-woo as the wide-eyed protagonist and Jeon Do-yeon in a supporting role, *Heartbeat* captures a fleeting moment of escape that lingers long after the credits roll, offering a haunting reflection on the pressures even the youngest among us face.
The film's understated atmosphere is heightened by Lee Chang-dong's signature sensitivity, transforming a simple anecdote into a meditation on how small choices shape our lives. With Sul Kyung-gu and Park Bo-kyung rounding out the cast, *Heartbeat* delivers a story that's as much about what isn't said as what is—a testament to Lee's ability to craft deeply human stories in minimal time.
