This gem of Asian cinematography has been compared to the classic films of Mizoguchi and Kurosawa. An old story is retold in an original form in which pure film is combined with pansori sung theatre. The story begins when a nobleman and man of letters named Mongryong spies a beautiful girl on a swing. The educated Chunhyang is the daughter of a courtesan and marrying her would prevent Mongryong from finishing his studies. In spite of this, he and Chunhyang get married in secret and swear eternal fidelity. When his father is called to the court Mongryong must accompany him, but promises the unhappy Chunhyang that he’ll soon return as a royal official. The new provincial administrator, a cruel and corrupt man named Byun, wants Chunhyang for himself and punishes her refusal with public torture and a sentence of death. Suspecting nothing, Mongryong passes his examinations and returns incognito as a royal spy. On the evening of the execution he exchanges his rich robes for simple clothing and sends for the soldiers and his sword.