Agree about the explicitness of the child abuse scenes, but still an important movie. The most infuriating part for me was the support that the school's headmaster was able to get from his church and legal officials.
Of course, the reference to Gong Yoo's slightness is straight up racism. At that time he was the most ripped gym rat on the planet-- check out his behind the scenes shoot of his Calvin Klein ad back in 2012. When he's fully pumped up he's practically an anatomical specimen.
Is it just me or has there been a noticable change in what is 'allowed" to be shown (eg, unflattering) regarding sytsemic issues around domestic abuse and child abuse recently? It seems (to me) that a few shows and movies have really given deep dives into this AND that this is a big departure from the norm...?
Korean television is heavily regulated in what can and can't be shown, which is why knife blades are blurred out. With competition now from non-terrestrial TV (cable/streaming sites etc.), there's more freedom to be more explicit. But Korean films have been among the most violent films I've ever seen. I SAW THE DEVIL, ONCE UPON A TIME IN HIGH SCHOOL, OLDBOY (OMG) etc.
I watched this some years ago. Horrifying and deeply disturbing, but I think still valuable as an eyeopener for people to realize the abuse that was and in a way still is a reality in some cases. Excellent acting of everyone involved. It took me some time to recover from watching it, but I am still glad I did.
I’m struck at how this is another example of a work on screen compelling governments to finally act. Thinking of Mr Bates vs the Post Office, the British drama that shone a spotlight on a long-brewing scandal and finally compelled a government (looking to win political points anyway) to act.
oh, I watched this several years ago! pretty good, although there's a little bit of a trauma-exploitation piece that's unfortunate (graphic depiction of abuse - unnecessary).
Oh sure. I wasn't meaning the overall trend of violence or no violence and regulations or not... But specifically in dealing with domestic violence and child abuse as I guess that seemed particularly not OK to look at much like "discipline" in public schools was up to the teacher and was not abuse. To call it that was calling into question authority, natural order, etc etc.. Seeing more domestic violence and child abuse explicitly shown as traumatic and wrong to me is different because it is saying that it is not normal... I dont know if that makes sense.. 🤷
Agree about the explicitness of the child abuse scenes, but still an important movie. The most infuriating part for me was the support that the school's headmaster was able to get from his church and legal officials.
Of course, the reference to Gong Yoo's slightness is straight up racism. At that time he was the most ripped gym rat on the planet-- check out his behind the scenes shoot of his Calvin Klein ad back in 2012. When he's fully pumped up he's practically an anatomical specimen.
Oh, I remember that campaign... Hard to forget!
I was surprised to find that the woman who wrote that particular review is ... Chinese American.
That is a surprise indeed.
Is it just me or has there been a noticable change in what is 'allowed" to be shown (eg, unflattering) regarding sytsemic issues around domestic abuse and child abuse recently? It seems (to me) that a few shows and movies have really given deep dives into this AND that this is a big departure from the norm...?
Do you mean in general or specifically with Korean entertainment?
specifically in korean entertainement.
Korean television is heavily regulated in what can and can't be shown, which is why knife blades are blurred out. With competition now from non-terrestrial TV (cable/streaming sites etc.), there's more freedom to be more explicit. But Korean films have been among the most violent films I've ever seen. I SAW THE DEVIL, ONCE UPON A TIME IN HIGH SCHOOL, OLDBOY (OMG) etc.
I watched this some years ago. Horrifying and deeply disturbing, but I think still valuable as an eyeopener for people to realize the abuse that was and in a way still is a reality in some cases. Excellent acting of everyone involved. It took me some time to recover from watching it, but I am still glad I did.
I put off watching this one for a while, because I knew the subject matter was tough to handle. But, like you, I found it well worth watching.
I’m struck at how this is another example of a work on screen compelling governments to finally act. Thinking of Mr Bates vs the Post Office, the British drama that shone a spotlight on a long-brewing scandal and finally compelled a government (looking to win political points anyway) to act.
It's almost like they have to be shamed into doing the right thing... 😬
I wish that worked everywhere. I wish that worked here in the Philippines...
oh, I watched this several years ago! pretty good, although there's a little bit of a trauma-exploitation piece that's unfortunate (graphic depiction of abuse - unnecessary).
I noted that in my review, too. The child actors did just amazing jobs, but they should not have had to do those scenes.
Oh sure. I wasn't meaning the overall trend of violence or no violence and regulations or not... But specifically in dealing with domestic violence and child abuse as I guess that seemed particularly not OK to look at much like "discipline" in public schools was up to the teacher and was not abuse. To call it that was calling into question authority, natural order, etc etc.. Seeing more domestic violence and child abuse explicitly shown as traumatic and wrong to me is different because it is saying that it is not normal... I dont know if that makes sense.. 🤷