The classical collection of the Korean Film Archive (director Lee Hyo-in) has released a total of 4 films from 2004 to 2005, to promote the outstanding quality of Korean classics : <Hurrah for Freedom (Ja-yumanse)> (’46), <Yangsan Province (Yangsando)> (’55), <Madame Freedom (Ja-yubu-in)> (’56), <The Hand of Destiny (Unmyeong-ui son) (’54). This year, <Piagol> (’55) is being released as their fifth piece.

<Piagol> is a film based on the records and memoirs of North Korean guerillas during the 1954 Jiri Mountains Guerilla Liquidation Mission. Director Lee Gang-cheon wrote this scenario for his second film and cast Kim Jin-gyu, Noh Gyeong-hee, and Heo Jang-gang. The film portrays North Korean guerillas as human beings in the 1950s when North Koreans were absolute enemies to us and the government banned the film altogether. This brought about countless debates and heated discussions among media and people of all levels in society.

The <Piagol> DVD includes an introduction to the era when the film was made, the film’s significance in the film history of Korea, and analyses of realism in anti-Communism films made at the time. A booklet that includes a foreword by director Lee Gang-cheon is also included. In particular, a collection of newspaper articles that accurately reflect the atmosphere of the times and the content of the debate that went on regarding anti-Communism films can also be found. Furthermore, a word of introduction from the director of the Korean Film Archive, interview with the film critic and professor Kim Jong-won, collection of still shots, and introduction of the cast are included. Also attached in the DVD is a 40 minute documentary on director Lee Gang-cheon produced by the Korean Film Archive in 2003, which is an important resource in understanding the actual film. 

. Director: Lee Kang-Cheon
. Year: 1955
. Running time: 108min
. Starring: Kim Jin-Kyu, No Kyeong-Hee, Lee Ye-Chun, Heo Jang-Kang