About 96.5
Interview
with Director
96.5 Synopsis
In November 1985, the Kwangmyeong No. 87 returns to Busan Port after a long tuna fishing expedition.
On their journey back, they pass by a sinking boat. Despite legal prohibitions and diplomatic sensitivities leading up to the 1988 Olympics.
Captain Jeon defies orders and rescues 96 boat people, including a pregnant woman.
These refugees find themselves on a ship with a crew who are initially uneasy and suspicious of their presence. Among the crew members are
- Junho: A deck officer who is suffering from his past trauma from the Vietnam War.
- Mansu: An individual with a tough exterior, yet a vulnerable man who has not experienced love.
- Jungsoo: Raised by an abusive father, yearning for his mother’s affirmation, but still filled with compassion.
- Minki: A political protester who is on the run.
Together the crew and refugees discover love, hope, and healing, igniting dreams of a brighter future
The Meaning of 96.5
The title “96.5” signifies the number of refugees saved, with “0.5” representing the unborn child of the pregnant woman.
Cast
Casting in progress(Captain: Jeon, Jaeyong)
Jaeyong overcame obstacles in life and rose to become a captain.
His compassionate and highly adaptable abilities earned him great respect from his crew members.
When faced with an unexpected, life-altering decision, he finds himself standing at a crossroads between two difficult options, desperately trying to choose the lesser of two evils.
Jeong, Munseong(Head of Deck: Lee, Junho)
In the navigation room, Jeyong is in charge, while Junho commands the deck.
Junho's firm and assertive leadership is crucial in managing the demanding crew.
Junho clashes with Captain Jaeyong when the decision to rescue refugees triggers his traumatic memories. His hostility towards the refugees changes when he encounters Dien, a young girl who reminds him of someone from his past.
Oh, Daehwan(Crew Member: Ko, Mansu)
As an ex-gang member and a womanizer, Mansu has faced significant challenges throughout his life.
After assisting a pregnant refugee in an emergency delivery on the ship, he experiences being part of a family for the first time in his life.
Casting in progress(Crew Member: Shin, Jeongsu)
A veteran crew member, he is the mood setter on Gwangmyeong-87.
Jeongsu's upbringing was marked by the presence of an abusive father and the absence of his mother.
Despite these adversities, he holds no ill feelings towards his father.
When Jeongsu meets Tui, a refugee woman, it stirs a deep longing for his mother. He becomes the refugees' biggest ally on board.
Kim, Mincheol(Crew Member Kim, Minki)
Minki, a former student involved in political protests, turned to fishing as an escape.
Despite his inexperience, he works hard and shows respect to senior crew members.
His warmth extends to the refugees once they come on board, but this begins to change when he becomes concerned about the possibility of a government investigation upon their arrival in Busan.
Casting in progress(First Mate Park, Jindae)
Jindae, the First Mate of Gwangmyeong-87, is a rule follower.
He vehemently opposes Captain Jeon’s decision to rescue the refugees against company orders.
Even after they are brought on board, he insists on the company's stance to abandon them and pressures Captain Jeon to comply.
Kim, WonSik(Second Mate Kim, Sangku)
Jindae's character is best described as someone who "kisses up and kicks down."
He grapples with conflicting desires, torn between his pursuit of self-interest and the moral obligation to aid the refugees.
Vu Duc Hai(Refugees Peter Nguyen)
Peter, the leader of the rescued boat people, is a man of faith who steadfastly guides and encourages his fellow refugees.
His kindness and thoughtfulness are unwavering as he remains considerate of the crew members and resolutely supports Captain Jeon in his struggles.
Contact
For inquiries about production, investment, or fundraising for 96.5,
please email us.
We would love to hear from you and invite you to join us in creating a film that tells a compelling story and inspires love and hope.