Spoiler Alert: Before anything else, the literal title of this movie is “The Gift of Cell No. 7.” Starting from that foundation, I assure you the film will not disappoint. I mention this because I don’t want the film to hit you hard in the gut as it did with me, leading me to cry rivers, all while I thought it was a comedy! You’ll understand when you see it.
That said, I highly recommend this tough but beautiful film. The story revolves around a little girl, Ye Seung, and her father, Yong Goo, who suffers from a severe intellectual disability. This creates a deep bond between them, as they care for each other with immense love and affection.
At the beginning of the film, we meet a grown-up Ye Seung, portrayed by the beautiful Park Shin Hye, who is now a lawyer seeking to prove her father’s innocence. As she recounts how things really unfolded in court, we travel back in time to meet the characters who will evoke our emotions, prompting laughter and, of course, tears.
Overview of “Miracle in Cell No. 7”
The story unfolds in a prison cell where five inmates, all deemed “bad” by Ye Seung’s father, come together to form a dysfunctional family for this little girl. You’ll soon see how and why this happens. Yong Goo is unjustly accused of killing the daughter of the commissioner, which sparks a series of events revealing the darker sides of humanity.
Notable Cast Members
The film features well-known figures who have starred in numerous movies and dramas:
- Ryu Seung Ryong (War of Arrows, All About My Wife, Personal Taste) plays Yong Goo, the father with disabilities. He not only captures hearts but also exemplifies how a person who lacks the intelligence we often take for granted can provide everything his daughter needs through pure love and support.
- Park Shin Hye (My Flower Boy Neighbor, Cyrano Agency, Heartstrings) carries the role of Ye Seung, the daughter of Yong Goo, navigating through the aftermath of the unfolding events.
- Kal So Won (Birth Secret) breathes life into young Ye Seung, evoking a range of emotions at her tender age. I believe many grown actors will never reach the depth of expression this young girl achieves. In my opinion, she is the jewel of the film, along with her relationship with her father.
- Jung Jin Young (Love 911, Love Rain, Jeon Woo Chi) portrays the emotionally burdened prison guard who begins to investigate the crime Yong Goo is accused of, adding depth to the story.
Supporting Characters:
The cellmates, or rather Ye Seung’s uncles, are portrayed by:
- Oh Dal Su (Codename: Jackal, The Traffickers, The Thieves)
- Park Won Sang (Shark, Nine: Nine Times Time Travel, Paradise Murdered)
- Jong Man Sik (The King of Dramas, Over My Dead Body, Good Doctor)
- Kim Jung Tae (Miss Ripley, Bad Guy, The Neighbors)
- Kim Ki Cheon (Ghost Sweepers, I Can Hear Your Voice, The Gifted Hands)
In Conclusion
Everything comes together for a story that strikes deep, making you laugh and bringing some amusement, only to deliver a soul-crushing blow. If you decide to watch it, you’ll discover an engaging and well-told film that, because of its brilliance, will undoubtedly break your heart. Tissue is a must—lots of it!