• Birthday Boy (2004) Soundtrack OST •

Buy on Amazon Play and download Soundtracks

Rating: 6.60/10 from 632 votes

Alternate Names:

Title in Español:

Synopsis

Birthday Boy

In Korea in 1951, a small boy called Manuk (voice: Joshua Ahn) is on his way home from school, playing as he goes. He wears a white badge on his shirt that says "happy birthday" in Chinese characters.

The first scene opens on a butterfly perched on a somewhat puzzling structure; the boy, inside, is singing. When he comes out, the camera pulls back to show that the puzzling structure is the wreck of a plane that crashed into a building.

Manuk makes his way through the village to a railroad track, where he puts his ear to the rail to listen for a train. Evidently he hears one coming; he lays a bolt taken from the plane on the rail, where the train flattens it. The train is hauling tanks.

The boy picks up the flattened bolt and finds that it's been magnetized. He continues to a spot that overlooks the tracks. Seeing war planes in the distance, he pretends to shoot at them, exchanges a few urgent words with an imagined fellow soldier -- "Dad" -- and throws a rock grenade that hits a postman on a bicycle.

Arriving home at last, Manuk opens a package he finds on the porch. He pulls out a worn wallet containing a picture of himself and a young man, a set of dog tags, and a boot. There's no sign that the boy understands what it means that these objects have been sent home. He puts on the dog tags and engages in more soldier-play.

Indoors, the boy plays with toys -- mostly war-themed -- that he seems to have made himself. Sprawled on the floor, he falls asleep. His mother comes home.

Download and play the Soundtrack list

Play	Title	Artist
	Birthday Boy

User reviews

Charles Phillips

9/10

The use of traditional Korean instruments in the music adds an authentic and cultural dimension to the soundtrack, enhancing the storytelling and emotional depth of the film. The blending of these traditional elements with modern orchestration creates a unique and captivating auditory experience.

Stephanie Garcia

7/10

Each musical piece perfectly complements the poignant scenes, enhancing the emotional impact and immersing the audience in Manuk's world.

Richard Clark

7/10

Overall, the soundtrack of Birthday Boy is a powerful and evocative piece of art that enhances the storytelling and leaves a lasting impression on the audience.

Paul Campbell

9/10

The soundtrack of Birthday Boy perfectly captures the innocence and imagination of a young boy living in a war-torn country. The playful and whimsical melodies evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity that immerses the listener in the protagonist's world.

Mark Turner

9/10

The emotional resonance of the soundtrack is truly remarkable, as it seamlessly transitions from light-hearted moments of childhood play to poignant scenes that reflect the harsh realities of war. The music effectively conveys the boy's journey of self-discovery and resilience, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

Deborah Young

7/10

The haunting and melancholic tones of the music evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia, perfectly mirroring the boy's bittersweet journey.

Kimberly Davis

6/10

The emotional depth of the soundtrack shines through in key moments of the film, such as when Manuk discovers the personal items sent home to his family. The music effectively conveys the weight of the war and the impact it has on the young boy, adding a poignant layer to the narrative.

Emily Carter

5/10

The use of traditional Korean instruments in the soundtrack adds a layer of authenticity and cultural richness to the film. The music enhances the storytelling by immersing the audience in the setting and time period, creating a more immersive viewing experience.

Kimberly Martinez

1/10

The soundtrack of Birthday Boy fails to capture the emotional depth and complexity of the story being portrayed on screen. The music feels generic and uninspired, lacking the power to enhance the audience's connection to the characters and their experiences.

Ashley Rodriguez

2/10

Overall, the soundtrack of Birthday Boy detracts from the storytelling rather than complementing it, ultimately leaving a sense of dissatisfaction and disconnect with the film as a whole.

Michael Jones

7/10

The use of traditional Korean instruments and melodies adds a layer of authenticity and cultural richness to the soundtrack, transporting listeners to a different time and place.

Brian Harris

5/10

The soundtrack of Birthday Boy effectively captures the innocence and playfulness of the young protagonist, Manuk. The music creates a whimsical and carefree atmosphere that reflects the boy's playful nature as he navigates through a war-torn setting.

Karen Miller

2/10

Additionally, the use of traditional Korean instruments in the soundtrack feels forced and out of place, creating a jarring contrast with the modern setting of the film. This clash between the music and the visuals detracts from the overall viewing experience, making it difficult to fully immerse oneself in the narrative.