The narrative of a hero saving the world exists in every country. The heroic epics of ancient Greece are a prime example. Korea also had its own ancient epics about heroes, and the 1980s children’s film “Uroemae” featured a uniquely themed heroic epic.
The character Hyung-rae in “Uroemae” is a unique character. Living an ordinary life, Hyung-rae is a somewhat retarded young man who is often perceived as a fool by his neighbors and a laughingstock. One day, he encounters a spaceman who grants him the power of a hero. He then becomes a hero and defeats the villains from outer space.
One unique aspect of the film is that Hyung-rae must perform a tumble to transform from his usual retarded self to the heroic “Esperman,” a feat he’s known for. This film aims to inspire children with dreams and hope, while also conveying the message that good deeds should be done with sincerity rather than overt displays. The hero who approved this is innocent and truly brilliant hero. This is common ethics in Korean community which can warrant people to behave. The things are innocent, and this is somehow making complication to it, so is symbolic that this ethics are widely held in the past, people could perceive it that people who were named as retarded can be heroes.
Besides Hyung-rae, characters like Dr. Eom are also entertaining.
A number of comedians who were frequent television personalities back then appear on the show. The gentle humor of the time is amusing. Even 40 years later, it’s still a show that makes you laugh.
The visual composition is also unique, combining animation and real footage. This method was chosen because the video technology of the time couldn’t create a realistic spacecraft flying in space, but it creates a unique atmosphere in itself.
Uroemae is a type of hawk. It’s the aircraft that the alien who gave Hyung-rae his superpowers arrived in, and it’s also the aircraft that Hyung-rae uses to fight villains. Koreans associate the word “hawk” with a spirit that soars through the sky, which is a symbolic meaning.
The video I’ve cited, “Uroemae from Space,” is quite entertaining. It’s a bit long, but I recommend you watch it.