A low-life debt collector forms an unlikely friendship with a feisty high school girl as they both negotiate their own troubled pasts and uncertain futures in this hard-hitting drama. From its first screamed obscenity to its final blows, Breathless is one of the most savage, unrepentant and inspired directorial debuts that NYAFF has ever premiered. Coming out of nowhere, writer, producer, director and star Yang Ik-june delivers a brutal portrayal of family dysfunction, abuse and sheer angst. This devastatingly raw and moving tale, which also proved a breakout role for young actress Kim Kkobbi, won 29 international awards.