Tuition was produced in 1940 by Lee Chang-yong of Goryeo Film Company
and was directed by Choi In-gyu and Bang Han-joon
The original work was written by Wu Su-yeong,
a fourth-grade student from Bukjeong Elementary School in Gwang-ju
He received the Joseon Governor-General's Award for his story
The film was discovered in the following manner:
In November 2013, the Korean Film Archive noted that there was a film entitled Tuition Fee
among a list of Korean films obtained from the China Film Archive
and immediately confirmed the film was still in existence and preserved at the China Film Archive
In June 2014, the 35mm film was copied from the China Film Archive,
and it was discovered that the entire collection of eight reels was in excellent condition
Korean Film Archive is grateful
to the China Film Archive for providing the film
Goryeo Film Company Namdaemun Studios
Winner of the Joseon Governor-General's Award
Tuition Fee
Gyeongseong Ilbo material
Producer Lee Chang-yong Planner Nishiki Motosada
Adaptation Yagi Yasutaro
Original Story Wu Su-yeong (fourth-grade student from Gwangju Elementary School)
Dialogue Yu Chi-jin
Music Ito Senji Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra
Cinematography Lee Myeong-u Sound Recording Yang Ju-nam
Costumes Gyeongseong Mitsukoshi
Theme Song Japanese Polidor Record
Japanese Supervision Ijima Tadashi
Starring:
Teacher Dashiro: Susukida Kenji (New Tsukiji Little Theater)
Wu Yeong-dal: Jeong Chan-jo An Jeong-hui: Kim Jong-il
Lee Byeong-jun: Lee Dong-seong
Park Jae-myeong: Lee Gi-Dae Kim Gyeong-hak: Huh Hyeong
Grandmother: Bok Hye-suk Father: Kim Han
Mother: Mun Ye-bong Gwi-ran: Kim Sin-jae
Landlord: Dok Eun-gi Postman: Kim Il-hae
Goldfish Seller: Jeon Taek-yi Ox Cart Driver: Choe Un-bong
Directed by: Choi In-gyu Bang Han-joon
Goryeo Film Company
Hey, what did you do that for?
Because I can.
Who said you could?
You should thank me for not kicking it far.
What? Do you want a beating?
You wouldn't dare.
You're going to be sorry!
Stop it!
What's going on?
What are you guys doing? Are you fighting?
She's asking for it!
-Hit her! -Just hit her!
Go ahead, hit me if you can!
What?
You'll learn geography when you enter the fifth grade.
You'll study it in more detail then,
but can anyone locate Suwon
on this map?
Does anyone know what this city is called?
-Me! -Me!
Wu, what's it called?
It's Gyeongseong.
Where is Suwon in relation to Gyeongseong?
-We are south of Gyeongseong. -Teacher.
An Jeong-hui, do you know where Suwon is?
Please come up here and mark it on the map.
Good, that's right.
This part here where it dips in is Incheon.
That's right.
When I was young, I took the train there with my dad.
I remember my dad drawing a map like this.
Is that right? Good job.
Look at her showing off.
An Jeong-hui! You've really been on a train before?
What are you going to do if I haven't?
You liar! You lied to the teacher!
She just saw it in an old magazine and pretended she's been on one.
Are you jealous because you don't have a magazine to look at?
That girl thinks she's so great.
And she's trying to beat Yeong-dal these days
so that she can become the top student.
How will she beat Yeong-dal? She can try, but she can't.
-Isn't that right, Isato? -Of course, she can't beat him.
Still, she's pretty tough.
Doing the laundry, I see?
Oh, it's hot. What have you got there, Grandma?
Oh my, it's hot.
What's the old woman going to do? It's enough to make you worry.
How is she going to put food on the table with her son gone away to make money?
Yes, how is she going to survive?
"Our country is
the Japanese Islands, which are the center of Asia
past the Joseon peninsula
stretching
from Manchuria to Gwandong
the Japanese Islands..."
Oh, it's you, Grandma!
I thought the landlord was back to collect the rent.
You mean he came again while I was gone?
Yes. He left, saying he'd be back.
Oh, my back.
It sure is hot, isn't it?
Oh, that reminds me. I found something nice for you.
Here!
A fountain pen!
That's right. I saw it in the garbage. Now wasn't that a big waste?
-It doesn't work. -I know.
But can't you fix it somehow?
Hmm, it's not working.
-Yeong-dal. -Yes, Grandma?
What is it?
Oh, running shoes!
That's right. Try them on.
They fit just right.
You found these, too?
Where would I get something this nice
for free?
I got them for 5 jeon.
-Go bring my pipe, will you? -5 jeon?
You'd probably have to pay 15 jeon at the store.
Yes, How do they fit?
Great. Although this side is a little big.
That's all right.
When your mom and dad come back,
I'm sure they'll buy you new ones.
I wonder how they're doing.
They haven't sent any letters or money lately.
They're probably busy with their business.
If they're busy with business, doesn't that mean they're making a lot of money?
And the tuition is due in a few days.
Yeong-dal, let's just wait a few more days, all right?
What if my grades drop
because I can't pay the tuition?
Oh, that would never happen.
I'm sure the teacher knows our situation.
But I haven't paid for three months already.
Tuition for June due today
All rise!
Bow!
Be seated!
You were kicking up quite a storm.
You think I don't know who's doing what? I know everything.
So no one's absent?
We will collect the tuition before we begin our lessons today.
The tuition is due today.
Everyone has remembered to bring it, right?
Teacher.
It slipped my mind.
Those of you who forgot, please stand up.
Ko, your mother came and dropped it off,
so you can take a seat.
Lee, why did you forget?
You didn't remind us...
You should be aware of the collection date.
That's your responsibility.
I shouldn't have to remind you of every little thing.
Yes, Teacher. I'll bring it tomorrow.
You may sit.
How about you, Park?
My father said we can't afford it right now,
but he'll be sure to pay it next month.
All right.
How about you, Wu?
-You haven't heard from your father yet? -No.
How long has he been away?
Six months now.
I see.
Go ahead and sit down.
-How about you, An Jeong-hui? -I didn't tell my parents.
-Why not? -Even if I did, there's no money.
Is that right? Okay, then.
For those of you who brought the tuition,
come up in single file and hand it in.
In single file!
In order!
In single file!
What's this? I like science class better.
Me too. I like science class.
Suwon Maehyang Shimsang Elementary School Practicum
Carefully observe the cucumber flowers.
Boys, stop horsing around!
Look carefully.
A lot of flowers have bloomed, haven't they?
What is the shape of the flowers?
Who knows what function the stem plays?
Lee, why don't you tell us?
It fights hard so that it won't snap in two.
Not fights.
It supports itself so that it won't collapse.
You idiot.
Why don't you observe the flowers this time?
Do all the flowers look the same?
-No, they're different. -How are they different?
There are flowers that produce cucumbers and flowers that don't.
I see that you're sketching.
That's good. You've differentiated them very well.
An Jeong-hui, do you like science?
No, I like drawing.
An Jeong-hui thinks she's all that.
Did you see how hard she tried to get the teacher to notice her?
She wants to be the top student, that's why.
On our way home, let's follow her and show her a thing or two!
But she's a girl...
An Jeong-hui!
I saw it first!
But I picked it up first!
It belongs to whoever saw it first!
Who says? I was the one who first picked it up!
You're a real pain these days, you know that?
-Why don't you act like a man? -What?
Say that again!
I'll say it again and again, so listen up!
-Hey, look at the minnows! -Come on!
Slowly, slowly.
They'll get away if you do that.
Come over here.
I have a can. Let's put them in together.
You like magazines, right?
Like? I love them.
Then I'll give you one.
My grandma always brings home good magazines.
-Really, you mean it? -Yes, of course.
What's wrong?
The postman didn't stop by our house.
Is it because there's no letter from your father?
-Yeah. -Don't worry. I'm sure it will come soon.
You think so?
I'll wait for it with you.
-Grandma, are you okay? -Is that you, Yeong-dal?
I'm fine.
It's probably because I was out in the sun all day.
-Are you going to be all right? -I'll be fine.
-I don't like it when you get sick. -Don't worry.
I'm fine.
Mother and Father aren't here, so you can't get sick!
Don't worry.
I just need to rest for a few days and I'll be fine.
Look at the goldfish.
Move.
Get out of the way, you rascals. Go home.
-Goldfish! -Goldfish!
-Goldfish! -Goldfish!
-Goldfish! -Goldfish!
Why are you following me instead of running off home like I told you?
-Goldfish! -Goldfish!
-Goldfish for sale! -Goldfish for sale!
Why are you following me?
-Goldfish! -Goldfish!
You rascals! Get lost!
Goldfish! Goldfish!
Goldfish!
Goldfish!
Goldfish!
Anyway, you have to pay up today.
What can we do?
I know I've asked you before,
but can't you wait
until my son comes back?
I beg of you, please?
This is shameful to admit,
but never mind the rent,
we're running out of food.
Are you saying I have to worry about what you eat now?
But what are we to do?
Just think you're sparing our lives
by waiting a little longer.
Once this old thing gets better,
I'll do anything and pay you back,
even it's just a little.
Fine.
It's okay, don't come out.
Then I'll give you some more time,
but make sure you have it next time.
I'm sorry.
-You better have it next time! -Yes.
Yes, thank you.
Grandma, You seem really sick!
Is that you, Yeong-dal?
No, I'm fine.
A guest came and all that talking must have tired me out.
That's it, lower.
Grandma, please don't worry.
Why don't you lie down more comfortably?
All right, I'll lie down for a bit.
Excuse me! Excuse me!
Isn't there any mail?
Sorry, no letter today.
I see there's no letter from your dad again.
-Yeong-dal. -Yes?
Your tuition is due tomorrow, isn't it?
Grandma, you don't need to worry about that.
Do you think we're the only ones who can't afford it?
This is all my fault. It's because I'm unlucky.
Yeong-dal, don't worry.
I'm fine, Grandma.
You…
You already have enough to worry about.
But when I see you worrying about my tuition,
I feel sorry for you!
Let's go to school!
You go ahead!
I'm fine with eating on my own, so why don't you run along now?
-Aren't you going to be late? -No, there's still time.
Then I'm going by myself!
Did you have breakfast?
Of course, I ate when you were sleeping.
I ate a lot and cleared everything away.
You're not lying, are you? You're not hungry?
No, I'm full.
-Grandma, I'll be back soon. -All right.
-How much are these? -They're 1.90 won.
Go ahead and try them on. Will they fit though?
Oh, they fit nicely.
They feel all right? They're not too tight?
Yeong-dal!
You're skipping school today too because the tuition is due, right?
Yeah.
It's probably reading time right now.
Shall we also study like we're at school?
Sure, let's.
I'll read. Listen, all right?
"Dear Mr. Ryo,
As far as the eye could see,
every inch of the Hakata Bay was covered with enemy ships.
It was a massive force of thousands of men.
The warriors of Shikoku and Kyushu gathered at Hakata.
To prevent the Mongol invaders from setting foot on land,
our warriors piled rocks along the coast to form a barricade.
We launched an attack
before the enemy could strike.
We met the large enemy ships
with small fishing boats.
We slit the throats of the enemy
and continued their brave attack.
Under the cover of darkness,
We set the enemy's ships on fire.
Terrified at the force of our spirit,
the enemy wrapped their ships with iron chains.
It was as though islands had formed."
All right, you can stop.
Next, An Jeong-hui!
My dad will get paid tomorrow, so I'll have my tuition,
-but how about you? -I don't know.
There's nothing I can do.
I don't care what happens to me, but I feel sorry for my grandmother.
Oh, look! It's the postman.
Plus, there's no letter.
Should we exercise? It'll cheer us up, right? Yeong-dal, let's try it!
Okay.
What should we do?
-Let's do some exercises. -Okay.
Attention! Ready, begin!
-One, two! One, two! -One, two! One, two!
-How come you don't have any energy? -I'm hungry.
What?
We're running out of food at home.
Oh, you didn't go to school again today.
It's all right. The teacher is away.
But that's not important. I just wish you would get better.
It doesn't matter what happens to an old thing like me.
Don't say that!
If you had plenty to eat, you would get better in no time.
-Yeong-dal! -Yeong-dal!
I think someone's looking for you.
It's okay. I don't need to go.
So Yeong-dal really doesn't have anything to eat at home?
That's right. Is there something we can do to help?
Only if we had some money.
I have some.
I have 10 jeon.
I have 1 jeon.
And I have 3 jeon.
I have an idea!
Yeong-dal's grandmother sells scraps, right?
So pots are good and empty bottles are good, too.
But anything made of metal is better. Because you can get more for it.
-Okay! -That's right!
Ah! That's it! I have an idea.
Now what is he up to...
Byeong-jun, what are you doing?
-I need a brass bowl. -What?
Where are you taking it? Tell me.
Why are you bothering me? I'm going to sell it and buy rice with it.
Yeong-dal has nothing to eat at home.
That's good.
Stop it. Make sure you eat it together.
Byeong-jun's grades aren't very good, so you have to help him, okay?
I will.
I don't like it when there's someone watching. Go away.
Eat the snacks and work on your homework, okay?
Here, have one.
Let's see.
That's a nice drawing. Let's switch.
Don't you have to do your own homework?
Are you okay?
Pardon me?
-Sick? -Yes, I'm sick.
This old good-for-nothing ought to die.
I did a little bit of this and that and now I'm exhausted. My whole body aches.
Aches?
Aches...
I can't understand what you're saying...
And where is Yeong-dal?
Is anyone home?
Oh, it's Byeong-jun's older sister.
Grandmother, how are you feeling?
How can I thank everyone for looking after me like this...
You even got me medicine.
I can't thank you enough...
Teacher, the neighbors are so good to me.
Look how they even got me medicine.
This is the school teacher. Have you met?
Teacher, it's nice to meet you. I'm Byeong-jun's sister.
Oh, is that right?
I came to visit, but I don't speak the language...
I see.
Yeong-dal has been going over to Byeong-jun's house
to help him with his schoolwork.
And they've been sending us some rice in return.
What did she say?
We asked Yeong-dal before
to help Byeong-jun with his studies
and sent some rice in return. She's talking about that.
Oh, I see.
-Then I must thank you, too. -Oh, not at all.
Yeong-dal has been away from school for a long time.
He may be a good student, but it's not good to be absent for too long.
Yeong-dal isn't going to school?
No, because of the tuition...
We haven't been able to pay the tuition for the last few months...
Even though he's young,
he feels bad and he says he can't go.
Ma'am.
This isn't much, but please use it for his tuition.
The teacher says to use this for Yeong-dal's tuition.
Oh, how can I...
When Yeong-dal comes home,
please tell him to come back to school.
-I'll be sure to tell him, too. -Thank you.
Yeong-dal!
When can you come back to school?
The cucumbers in the school garden have gotten really big.
We're going to pick them during science class tomorrow.
They've gotten that big already?
But who cares if they're big or small?
You're acting like that because of the tuition, right?
Don't be like that. Just come to school.
Then we'll find some way to help you.
If only she heard from her son,
she would feel better at least,
but is she seriously ill?
I don't think it's serious.
I think she's just exhausted.
But I'll be sure to check in on her, so please don't worry.
Okay, thank you.
-Grandma! -Yeong-dal!
Grandma, do you feel better?
-Yeong-dal, you can go to school now! -What?
Here, open it.
Your teacher came by earlier and gave this and left.
What? The teacher was here?
Yes. And Byeong-jun's sister, too. She brought me some medicine.
-Money! -That's right.
It's your tuition for this month.
Ah! How nice of him!
Are you sure I can use this to pay the tuition?
Yes, of course.
I can go to school tomorrow!
I just need 2 won.
Oh, I'm so happy!
We'll pick a lot of cucumbers from the school garden.
Oh, I'm so happy I could fly!
Grandma, I feel so much better now!
Doesn't it get lonely being
in such a small town like this?
Oh, I don't mind it.
After all, it's for the children.
But it must get hard, looking after them.
Would you like to come to our house on Chuseok?
Pardon me?
You've been working so hard.
I would like to treat you to a meal.
Oh, thank you.
-You'll come, won't you? -Yes, I'll be there.
Yeong-dal, just leave it alone now and go to school.
I'm okay.
-Make sure you've got the money. -Yes.
Okay, Grandma, I'll be back.
Hey, is your grandmother home?
Have you come to collect the rent?
Why else would I come here?
We don't have the money yet.
-Please don't go inside, please! -Get out of my way.
I didn't come here to talk to you.
Please don't go inside. Please!
You can't go in. Please, don't go inside!
Move!
If you keep this up,
I'll kick your whole family out of this house.
I'll kick you all out.
We only have enough money to pay the tuition.
I know you're just a kid, but think about it.
How many times have we been through this?
This was for my tuition,
but please take it and go!
Please just don't chase us out!
Please take it and go now.
Please?
Fine. I'll let it go today.
Leave the small ones alone. Leave the small ones alone.
Please be careful.
Leave the small ones alone
and make sure you don't damage the stems.
Lee.
Sorry, Teacher.
No, I'm not scolding you.
Do you know why Yeong-dal hasn't been coming to school?
An Jeong-hui, do you know why?
Yeong-dal!
Yes?
That money was taken away for the rent
and we used the rest for other things,
so how can I face your teacher now?
Well, what can we do?
And what's happened
to your mom and dad?
Maybe they're dead!
Yeong-dal.
Yes?
Can you walk to Pyeongtaek on your own?
Pyeongtaek?
Yes.
there's no other choice but for you to go see your aunt in Pyeongtaek.
-You think you could go there on your own? -Sure.
I know the way. I went there by car last year.
But how will you manage 24 km on your own?
Your aunt will give you
the tuition money though.
-My tuition? -Yes.
Then I'll go by myself.
Yeong-dal, Are you all set to go?
This is for you to eat tomorrow, Grandma.
I can get by without eating for a day.
Well, everything's ready anyway.
I'm covering it up with this paper here. You can eat it tomorrow morning.
All right. Thank you.
Go to sleep now.
You have to wake up early tomorrow.
It's okay. It's just 24 km.
Still, you have to get your sleep. Go to bed now.
I'll be fine.
Grandma, you feel better now, right?
Grandma, I'm leaving. I'll be back soon.
Hey boy, where are you headed?
To Pyeongtaek.
What? All the way to Pyeongtaek?
By foot?
Yes.
Where on earth are you from anyway?
From Suwon.
From Suwon? Oh, what a clever boy.
Do you want a ride for a little while?
Yes, that would be nice.
Hop on then.
You'll have to get off and walk from here.
And go straight.
-Go straight from here? -That's right.
After a while, you'll come to a tavern. Just keep going straight.
Okay, thank you.
Goodbye now.
Can I have some water please?
Yes, it's right over there. Go ahead and drink.
How old are you?
I'm 11.
Where are you from?
Suwon.
Where are you going?
To Pyeongtaek.
To Pyeongtaek?
How old are you again?
I'm 11.
Eleven...
Thank you!
Take care now.
Thank you.
That boy looks smart as a whip.
He sure does.
How long has it been since I've left my homeland?
Determined to face death with this horse
I've scaled and advanced the mountains and lakes
My blood flows through these reins
At the place the enemy was captured yesterday
I sleep, snoring
Horse, did you sleep well, too?
Tomorrow's battle will not be easy
Excuse me. Is Pyeongtaek far from here?
Pyeongtaek?
That village down there is Pyeongtaek.
Oh, I'm almost there. Thank you!
Auntie! Auntie!
Auntie!
Oh my, isn't this Yeong-dal?
Come in. How could you come here?
You must be hungry. Eat!
How did you manage to walk this far on your own?
Eat slowly.
I wonder how Grandma is doing.
Don't worry about your grandmother.
I'll put you on a bus tomorrow,
so just get some rest tonight.
Have it with some water.
Besides the tuition money,
I'll give you some rice when you go tomorrow,
so don't worry about anything else and just go to sleep.
Thank you, Auntie!
So you had no one else to turn to that you walked all this way to come see me.
"Morinaga."
Could you switch seats with me please?
Grandma! I'm home!
Yeong-dal, is that you?
What's all that?
This... is rice
and here's some money.
Grandma, I took the bus home.
Oh, that's why you're back so soon.
Auntie was awfully nice to me.
Look at all this!
Grandma, weren't you bored by yourself?
Why would I be bored?
I ate the food you prepared and just waited for you here.
Thank God everything's turned out well.
Grandma, I'm going to go to school to hand in my tuition.
All right.
-Is 2 won enough? -Yes.
I'll be back soon.
All right. Go on now.
Good job. You can go home now.
Put the supplies back in their place please.
-Thank you, Teacher. -Goodbye now.
Teacher!
It's you!
Why haven't you been to school lately?
I went to go see my aunt in Pyeongta?
to get my tuition.
-Your tuition? -Yes.
The landlord took the money you gave us.
Grandma and I didn't know what to do...
So you went to Pyeongta? on your own?
Yes, I walked there.
You were that worried because of the tuition?
You're a good student at school
and you take care of your grandmother at home.
You set a good example for the other students.
You're an outstanding student.
Poverty is nothing to be ashamed of.
Do you understand?
You have to overcome poverty, all right?
Yeong-dal.
The whole class made this.
Friendship Box
Do you see the money inside?
Well, you see,
the school staff put in 1 percent of their salary
and the students in the class each put in 1 jeon.
We decided to give the money we collect
to our friends who can't afford the tuition.
And this month, we decided to give it to you.
If Grandma heard this...
she would be happy, wouldn't she?
No, she would cry.
Since you got your tuition from your aunt in Pyeongtaek,
you don't need this money anymore.
But don't worry about the tuition
and just study hard.
Okay.
-Grandma! -Yes, Yeong-dal?
What's going on? You're sitting up!
Look here. It looks like a letter from your dad.
Hurry, read it and tell me what it says.
I couldn't read it and was just sitting here by myself.
I'll read it now.
All right. Go ahead and read it.
Oh, there's money, too.
It's 5 won, Grandma.
Oh, they sent money? Hurry and read the letter.
Okay. I'll read it now. Listen.
Go on.
"I'm extremely sorry I haven't been able to write until now.
Your mother was ill for a long time..."
That's why they didn't write! Go on now.
"We had to spend a month and ten days at an inn..."
Keep reading.
"For that reason, we weren't able to send any money.
I hope you'll forgive us.
But your mother has recovered and is well now.
We've started selling again, so you needn't worry.
I'm sorry we're not able to send much money this time."
Keep reading.
"But we will send more in the next four to five days.
We are planning to return home for Chuseok.
I hope the shoes fit.
Please take care of your grandmother and we hope you're healthy and doing well.
There is so much more to say, but I'll stop for now."
Oh, thank goodness!
They're coming for Chuseok! Both of them!
Grandma!
Don't cry!
You're happy, aren't you?
You must be, when your grandma is happy, too.
Yeong-dal, don't cry.
Let's open the package.
Yeong-dal, don't cry.
Get up…
-You have a knife, right? -Yes.
Wipe away your tears.
Don't cry.
Oh, they sent clothes, too.
These shoes cost 1 won and 90 jeon. I already know.
They must cost that much. They're very nice.
Yeong-dal, see? What did I tell you? Do you remember what I said?
-They're just right. -Go ahead and try them on.
They fit perfectly.
Yeong-dal!
Yeong-dal!
Come quickly!
Hurry!
Yeong-dal!
What's going on?
What's going on?
Oh!
Yeong-dal's mom and dad are coming!
Mother!
Father!
Mother!
Look, it's Yeong-dal!
What? Yeong-dal?
Yeong-dal!
Mother, what took you so long?
How did you know we were coming?
The postman told me.
Mother, what's this?
This? It's for you to eat.
And how is Grandmother?
-She's good. There she comes. -Where?
Oh, there comes your teacher, too.
Oh, there's Byeong-jun's sister, too.
THE END
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