Castaway on the Moon
A poignant comedic drama that finds unexpected connection in urban isolation, painting a vivid metaphor of hope against the lonely cityscape.
Castaway on the Moon
Castaway on the Moon

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"Once in a life time, There comes a moment that you live in HOPE."

14 May 2009 South Korea 119 min ⭐ 7.9 (704)
Director: Lee Hae-jun
Cast: Jung Jae-young, Jung Ryeo-won, Yang Mi-kyung, Lee Sang-hun, Jang So-yeon
Drama Comedy Romance
Isolation and Loneliness in the Modern World The Nature of Hope Critique of Capitalism and Consumerism Human Connection and Communication

Castaway on the Moon - Movie Quotes

Memorable Quotes

자살도 실패한 병신.

— Kim Seong-geun

Context:

This is one of the first things Seong-geun says (or thinks) after realizing his suicide attempt has failed and he is stranded on Bamseom island. He looks at the 63 Building across the river, a landmark from which a fall would be fatal, and berates himself for failing even at this final task.

Meaning:

Translated as "Stupid. Can't even die." or "Retard. You can't even die." This line, spoken by Seong-geun to himself after he wakes up on the island, encapsulates his initial state of complete self-loathing and hopelessness. It's a moment of dark, tragic comedy that establishes the depth of his despair, seeing even his failure at suicide as another personal failing.

Desire makes humans smarter.

— Kim Seong-geun

Context:

Seong-geun has a eureka moment as he contemplates the packet of black bean noodle seasoning. He understands that this newfound desire to eat this specific meal is driving him to think in new, creative ways to achieve his goal, kicking his survival instincts into high gear.

Meaning:

This realization marks a turning point for Seong-geun. After finding the jajangmyeon seasoning, he is filled with a powerful desire to eat the noodles. This simple craving sparks his ingenuity, leading him to figure out how to farm and survive. The quote suggests that purpose and intelligence are not abstract concepts but are born from fundamental, even mundane, desires.

My name is Kim Jung-yeon. What's yours?

— Kim Jung-yeon

Context:

After Seong-geun is forcibly 'rescued' from the island and is on a bus headed towards the 63 Building for another suicide attempt, a city-wide emergency drill halts all traffic. Jung-yeon, having run frantically from her apartment, manages to find and board his bus. She walks up to him and introduces herself, culminating the entire film.

Meaning:

This is the first time the two characters meet in person and speak directly. For Jung-yeon, saying her own name out loud to a stranger is the final, triumphant step in her journey of re-engaging with the world. It is an act of immense bravery that sheds the anonymity of their previous communication and her online persona, signaling her readiness for a real, present connection.