The Man with High Hopes (2021)
A moving documentary portrait of South Korean progressive politician Roh Hoe-chan, whose life became an act of defiance against political compromise.
The Man with High Hopes - Movie Information
- Original Title: 노회찬 6411
- Release Year: 2021
- Directed by: Min Hwan-ki
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Documentary
- Runtime: 2h 7m
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 14, 2021 (South Korea - 12)
- Alternative Titles: Roh Hoe-chan, 6411 (KR)
- Production Companies: Myung Films, Jeonju International Film Festival, Roh Hoe-chan Foundation, Cinema 6411
- Production Countries: South Korea
The Man with High Hopes - Plot
A life story of a man named Roh Hoechan who practiced progressive politics without taking a rest in order to make the same between dream and reality, and chose the exhausting way due to his ground that he couldn't give up respect and faith toward human dignity.
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The Man with High Hopes - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Min Hwan-ki
Main Cast
- Roh Hoe-chan
- Sim Sang-jung
- Sohn Suk-hee
- Yoo Si-min
- Lee Geum-hee
- Kim Ou-joon
Writers
- Min Hwan-ki
Producers
- Lee Eun
- Shim Jae-myung
- Choi Nak-yong
- Lee Joon-dong
The Man with High Hopes - FAQs
Who was Roh Hoe-chan and why does he matter?
Roh Hoe-chan was a South Korean progressive politician celebrated for his unwavering commitment to workers' rights and human dignity. He served multiple terms in the National Assembly and became a symbol of principled left-wing politics in South Korea before his death in 2018, leaving a profound legacy in the country's democratic movement.
What is The Man with High Hopes about?
The film traces the life of progressive politician Roh Hoe-chan, who spent his career trying to close the gap between political ideals and lived reality. Through archive footage and testimonies from colleagues, it paints a portrait of a man who refused to compromise his belief in human dignity, even when the path was exhausting.
Who directed The Man with High Hopes?
The Man with High Hopes was directed by Min Hwan-ki, who also served as the film's writer. Min brings a careful, intimate approach to documenting Roh Hoe-chan's political journey, weaving together personal testimony and archival material to create a thoughtful tribute to the late politician.
What is the significance of the title 6411?
6411 refers to a bus route in Seoul that carries workers from the city's outskirts to the center in the early morning hours. Roh Hoe-chan famously rode this bus to understand the daily struggles of ordinary laborers, and it became a defining symbol of his grassroots political philosophy and deep empathy for working-class people.
When was The Man with High Hopes released?
The Man with High Hopes had its South Korean release on October 14, 2021, with a rating of 12 (suitable for ages 12 and above). The film was supported by Myung Films, the Jeonju International Film Festival, the Roh Hoe-chan Foundation, and Cinema 6411.
Who appears in The Man with High Hopes documentary?
The documentary features Roh Hoe-chan himself through archival footage, alongside colleagues and public figures including politician Sim Sang-jung, journalist Sohn Suk-hee, commentator Yoo Si-min, Lee Geum-hee, and media personality Kim Ou-joon, all of whom speak to Roh's character and political impact.
Is The Man with High Hopes based on a true story?
Absolutely — this is a documentary grounded entirely in real events. It chronicles the actual life and political career of Roh Hoe-chan, a genuine figure in South Korean progressive politics. The film draws on real archive footage, interviews, and documented historical events to tell his story authentically.
What are similar documentaries to The Man with High Hopes?
If you enjoyed this film, you might also appreciate The Times of Harvey Milk (1984), The Edge of Democracy (2019), Boogie Man: The Lee Atwater Story (2008), Candlelight Revolution (2022), or Capital in the Twenty-First Century (2019) — all documentaries that explore political figures, movements, and the human cost of idealism.
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