The Day After

The Day After

Year: 2009

Runtime: 88 mins

Language: Korean

Director: Lee Suk-gyung

Drama

A divorcee reevaluates her life after a chance meeting with another woman with a similar history.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Day After yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Day After (2009)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Day After (2009). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 20th century, during the Cold War era

The story takes place during the Cold War, a tense period marked by nuclear arms race and geopolitical conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union. Specifically, it depicts a hypothetical scenario in the 1980s when tensions escalated rapidly leading to nuclear war.

Location

Kansas City, Missouri, Harrisonville, Sweetsage, Lawrence, Joplin, Sedalia

The movie is primarily set in Kansas City, Missouri, and its surrounding areas. This region is known for its plains, agriculture, and as a cultural hub in the American Midwest. It features both urban environments and rural farmland, highlighting the contrast between city life and countryside.

🌆 Urban 🚜 Rural 🏞️ Midwestern

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:51

Main Characters – The Day After (2009)

Meet the key characters of The Day After (2009), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Bo-young

A character portrayed by Kim Do-young, though their specific role is not detailed in the summary. They might be a minor or background character amid the chaos, representing the diverse individuals affected by the war.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Survivor 🌸 Hopeful

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:51

Major Themes – The Day After (2009)

Explore the central themes of The Day After (2009), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔥 Nuclear War

The central theme revolves around the devastating effects of nuclear conflict. The film explores the destruction, fallout, and societal collapse that result from such a war. It raises questions about war ethics, human survival, and the consequences of military escalation.

🌍 Global Tensions

The story highlights the tensions between superpowers during the Cold War, including military buildups, blockades, and the threat of invasion. It shows how political conflicts can escalate into catastrophic violence, affecting millions of civilians.

💔 Human Suffering

The film vividly depicts the pain, suffering, and despair experienced by individuals and families in the aftermath of nuclear confrontation. It portrays the breakdown of society, loss of loved ones, and the struggle for survival amid radioactive devastation.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:51

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of The Day After

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Day After in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Day After is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Day After Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Day After, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Day After Summary

The Day After Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Day After with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Day After Timeline

The Day After Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Day After that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Day After Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Day After

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Day After: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Day After

Similar Movies to The Day After

Discover movies like The Day After that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.