Under the Han River lives Crocodile, a rugged member of the lumpenproletariat who exists from schemes and stealing. His position as a scavenger of society undermines South Korea’s boasts of its newfound economic position as an Asian Tiger. One day, Crocodile finds a girl floating in his river.
Direction
Kim Ki-duk's raw debut—every frame reeks of river and rage
Acting
Cho Jae-hyun's animalistic physicality, all grunts and survival
Cinematography
The Han River as character—murky, indifferent, consuming
Director
Kim Ki-duk
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Shot in 1996 on a shoestring budget, this was Kim Ki-duk's directorial debut after working as a street laborer and marine—explaining the film's tactile authenticity with Seoul's underclass.
The 'Asian Tiger' economy's dark underbelly: Crocodile literally lives beneath Seoul's modernization, scavenging from the same river the city showcases. The film was controversial for its unflinching portrayal of poverty during South Korea's global ascent.
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