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Old Partner

Play trailer Poster for Old Partner 2009 1h 17m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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92% Tomatometer 12 Reviews 85% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
An old farmer Choi and his ox, Nureongi have been working together for 30 years. One day, the vet tells Choi that Nureongi has less than 1 year to live. Two best friends spend their daily lives in the countryside as they prepare the last days.

Critics Reviews

View All (12) Critics Reviews
Jonathan F. Richards Film.com Even at a modest 78 minutes, there's a little too much slowness and repetitiveness to this off-beat documentary. But then, how fast can you expect a 40-year-old ox to move? Mar 2, 2010 Full Review Jeff Shannon Seattle Times Old Partner may strike some as sentimental and repetitious, but it's only because Lee has matched his style to the material. Rated: 3/4 Feb 26, 2010 Full Review V.A. Musetto New York Post Too bad there isn't an Oscar for best performance by a beast of burden. Rated: 3/4 Jan 1, 2010 Full Review Maria Garcia Film Journal International South Korean documentary-narrative hybrid centers on an aging couple and their ox. Mar 3, 2010 Full Review Ed Scheid Boxoffice Magazine An unexpectedly absorbing look at determination in a vanishing way of life. Rated: 3/5 Jan 14, 2010 Full Review Avi Offer NYC Movie Guru Poignant, well-shot and haunting, albeit somewhat repetitive at times. Rated: 6.95/10 Jan 1, 2010 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (26) audience reviews
Audience Member A sweet if repetitive documentary. It's a simple observation of a man and his ox. Nothing more, nothing less. If you would find a man and his ox farming boring, then just don't watch it. The true heart of this film comes from the relationship between the man and his ox. The man works the ox incredibly hard, but treats him better than his own wife. This does raise questions as to where the mans heart truly lies. But it's that thankless dedication to each other that really hits home. Never asking from each other, and no understanding, just pure love. There are some wonderful moments, as the man takes his ox to market (as his wife demands) but then asks for $5,000. He is made fun of, and heckled, but he seems truly happy. It's also humbling to see how hard these rural people work, and how his work and his friendship with his ox, mean more than any amount of cash. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/20/23 Full Review Audience Member An emotional documentary about a man and his ox. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/12/23 Full Review Audience Member A sentimental tale of a stubborn old farmer, his grumbling burnt-out wife, their moribund ox, and their struggles as age catches up with them. Minimal dialogue but a touching look at rural Korea. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Audience Member this is one of those movie which can be either extremely boring or extremely emotional totally depending on your mood. it looks so simple but yet so complicated. it will make you think and realize....relationship between husband & wife; mankind & their pet; parents & children. The look of the old ox and the sound of the bell just stuck in my head... Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/10/23 Full Review Audience Member By far the best movie I've seen in a very long time. I saw this completely out of dumb luck at the mom and pop video store in my neighborhood. The owners are Korean and have been putting in lots of Korean titles as well as your usual USA blockbusters, which is just FANTASTIC. I had no idea the kind of power this film would have over me. Though I'm American-raised, suburban-fed, this movie moved me in ways I cannot explain effectively in words. It is definitely the kind of documentary that doesn't teach you anything new, but reminds you of all the old things you should never forget. It makes you FEEL more than SEE anything with your mortal eyes. It is charming and funny in its own way. You'll chuckle, you'll laugh, but most of all you will FEEL and THINK about this movie long after it's over. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/13/23 Full Review Audience Member So many emotions flowing watching with well-anticipated (at least for me) documentary. This movie made me think about relationship between husband and wife in perhaps last stages of their lives together; one between master and his animal; one between parents and his children who no longer play big part of their lives. I cannot shake off the scene where the ox sheds tears. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/03/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Old Partner

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis An old farmer Choi and his ox, Nureongi have been working together for 30 years. One day, the vet tells Choi that Nureongi has less than 1 year to live. Two best friends spend their daily lives in the countryside as they prepare the last days.
Director
Lee Chung-ryoul
Producer
Goh Young-jae
Screenwriter
Lee Chung-ryoul
Production Co
Studio Nurimbo
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
Korean
Release Date (DVD)
Apr 20, 2010
Runtime
1h 17m