Peppermint Candy is a 1999 South Korean drama film directed by Lee Chang-dong. It tells the story of a man named Yeong-ho, played by Sol Kyung-gu, who goes through a series of life-changing events that lead to his eventual downfall.
The film is told in reverse chronological order, starting with Yeong-ho's present-day disillusionment and working backward in time to different moments in his life. Through these flashbacks, we see Yeong-ho as a young man full of optimism and hope, and watch as his life takes a series of tragic turns.
The film explores themes such as trauma, regret, and the cyclical nature of life. It is a poignant and powerful portrait of a man whose life spirals out of control, and a commentary on the larger social and political landscape of South Korea during the late 20th century.
Peppermint Candy premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 1999 and received critical acclaim for its unique storytelling style and powerful performances. It is now considered a classic of South Korean cinema.