Liberty (1945-1950) and War (1950-1955) eras With the surrender of Japan in 1945, Korean cinema enjoyed a burst of liberty-- and liberty itself, understandably, became the major theme of films at this time. Choi In-gyu's Viva Freedom! (자유만세 - Jayu manse!), about Korean freedom-fighters during the waning days of the Japanese occupation, is considered the major film of this era. The rebirth of Korean cinema which seemed to be coming had to wait, however. First the country was divided into North and South, and then civil war was to break out in 1950. Though film production did not completely cease during the war years, only five or six films were produced each year from 1950 to 1953. Much worse for Korea's film legacy, the vast majority of Korea's film history was lost in this devastating war. [edit] Golden Age (1955-1973) With the armistice of [+]