At Fifteen I joined the army
This short film is inspired by the ancient Chinese Yuefu poem “Fifteen I Went to War” (十五从军征) — a powerful reflection on time, war, and loss. The poem tells the story of a soldier who leaves home at fifteen and only returns at eighty, finding everything he once knew gone. I was deeply moved by its simplicity and emotional weight. This project is also inspired by historical events during the Imjin War (1592–1598) — a conflict that shaped East Asian history — after watching a film about it that left a strong impression on me. Through this piece, I wanted to explore: • The loss of youth • The passage of time • The silence of return • The emotional truth behind war