A Shoeshine Boy
1961, Korean. Directed by Hyeon Sang-yeol.
Following the death of his parents, Yeong-cheol shines shoes in the streets, struggling to care for his sick younger sister Yeong-hui and make ends meet. Despite the persuasive efforts of low-life criminal boss Wang-cho, pickpocket Jjang-gu, and prostitute Mi-hwa, Yeong-cheol vows to lead an honest life by looking after Yeong-hui with cigarette salesgirl Myeong-sun and helping newly arrived shoeshine boy Dong-seok settle in. However, a tragic accident forces Yeong-cheol to make an important decision that may change his life. ※ Sharing the same Korean title with Vittorio De Sica’s classic Shoeshine (1946), this film was noted at the time of release for its strong neorealistic approach. All of the picture elements have been lost and only 4 original sound negative reels (around 40 minutes) survive today. The plot summary and scene descriptions have been added in the form of title cards as well as a selection of production stills to aid the viewing experience.
- Runtime
- 1h 27m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- Korean
- Rated
- Check local
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Where to watch A Shoeshine Boy
A Shoeshine Boy isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 1 August 1961.
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Cast & crew
Details
- Released
- 1 August 1961
- Original title
- 구두닦이
- Country
- South Korea
- Written by
- Suk Lee
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News & fan talk
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A Shoeshine Boy: quick answers
Is A Shoeshine Boy worth watching?
A Shoeshine Boy doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is A Shoeshine Boy?
A Shoeshine Boy runs 87 minutes (1h 27m).
Does A Shoeshine Boy have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for A Shoeshine Boy. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
A Shoeshine Boy parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for A Shoeshine Boy yet.
Which OTT platform is A Shoeshine Boy on?
A Shoeshine Boy isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 1 August 1961. (Checked 11 November 2026.)
What movies are like A Shoeshine Boy?
If you liked A Shoeshine Boy, try Skin, Everyone Is There, Idol Seungha's R-Rated Film Shooting.
Who directed A Shoeshine Boy?
A Shoeshine Boy (1961) was directed by Hyeon Sang-yeol and stars Park Gwang-su, Park Geum-hui, Kim Yeong-ok.