Elderly couple's documentary on their 76-year-long relationship gains popularity

I love seeing elderly couples being loveydovey. They give you hope that there really is such a thing as true love!

'My Love, Don't Cross That River', a documentary based on an elderly couple who have been together for 76 years was released back on November 27. Ever since its release, it has gained over 305,187 views, a remarkable number for an independent film in Korea. News outlets say that the film is gaining views at a faster pace than the biggest independent film box-office success in Korea, 'Old Partner' (2009). You can see the trailer in the video above!

The film follows the daily life of an elderly couple, wife Kang Kye Yeol (89) and husband Cho Byeong Man (98), who live in a small village in the Gwangwon Province. The film's title quotes an old folk song, "Gongmudohagi." In the song, a man warns his wife not to cross river for fear of her safety, and he sets out to cross it alone. According to the documentary, Cho thinks differently from the song, and instead chooses to walk across the river hand-in-hand with his wife.

The documentary showcases the elderly couple's philosophies that have allowed them to maintain a 76-year-old relationship. As they face the possibility of dying very soon due to old age, the documentary also focuses on how the couple stays positive and loving in the face of an unknown future.

The documentary outlines four rules the couple follows to maintain their happy relationship:

"Rule 1. Laugh together and you will have a lot of pleasant times together." According to the documentary, Cho acts like a gagman for Kang so that she always laughs. Kang also knows how to appreciate all the little gifts that Cho brings her. Even if it's not a masterpiece or a diamond, Kang is happy even when Cho gives her a simple bouquet of wild flowers.

"Rule 2. Speak affectionately frequently to one another." The couple knows how to say, "I love you," frequently to each other, as they freely express their appreciation and love for each other.

"Rule 3. Take responsibility for one another." According to Cho, just as a husband is responsible for feeding his family, he is just as responsible to help his wife in her activities. As for Kang, she makes sure to praise him and speak kindly to him as soon as he comes home in recognition of his hard work.

And last but not least, the couple gives us rule number four, being: "Live everyday like it's your last and do your best." According to the documentary, the old couple never fight. They realize that there is not much time left for them to spend together, and so they do their best to understand each other and love each other with all they have.