‘Han Gong Ju’ is a South Korean movie that was released in the year 2013. The movie was directed by Lee Su-jin and is based on the real-life event of a high school rape case in Gwangju in the year 2004. From the opening narration, “The sun was a little brighter than usual. The spring breeze was a little cooler.” we are introduced to the lush countryside scenic beauty of South Korea. We are then quickly transported to the heart of a very personal tragedy.
Synopsis
Han Gong Ju is the main character in the movie, a high school girl who is cruelly exploited by the boys of her school, and the boys’ parents who cover up for their sons’ behavior. She is then sent by her mother to hide in a rural boarding house where she is forced to keep a low profile, and in a way, is given a second chance at life before the events of her past inevitably catches up with her. The story of Gong Ju may be fictional, but it is also a reflection of the reality of many girls and women in South Korea.
Cast and Characters
The movie stars Chun Woo-hee as Han Gong Ju, the main character of the film. She did an excellent job of portraying the character’s vulnerability and strength as the story progressed. Other notable characters include Chung Yeon-hwan, who played Officer Jang, the police officer investigating the rape case that led to Han Gong Ju’s exile, Hong Seo-joon who played Eun-hee, Gong Ju’s new friend who helped her move on from her past and Jung In-sun who played Yoon Ji, Gong Ju’s former friend who is still attending the same school that rejected and exploited her.
Themes
The movie has various themes that are interwoven to make an emotionally charged and thought-provoking tale. One of the prominent themes is the objectification of women in society. The movie shows how the boys at Han Gong Ju’s school saw her not as a person but as an object that they could use and discard as they pleased. It also highlights how the girls at the school were complicit in looking the other way and not speaking up to protect their friend. It was only when the media attention surrounding the rape case became too overwhelming that they began to take action.
Another theme is the power of redemption. Han Gong Ju was given a second chance at life by her mother, and with the help of her new friends, she was able to move past her traumatic experience and gain a new perspective on life. It’s a reminder that no matter how dark one’s past may be, there is always hope for the future.
The movie also touches on social stigma and class discrimination. Han Gong Ju is from a poor family and attends a school for underprivileged children. Her rapists were from wealthy families who used their privilege to manipulate and cover up their crimes. The movie shows how class privilege can be used as a weapon against the underprivileged and marginalized members of society.
Conclusion
Han Gong Ju is a moving and thought-provoking movie that addresses important issues such as objectification of women, class discrimination, social stigma and the power of redemption. The movie is well executed, with a great cast that brings the story to life. It’s a must-watch for anyone who is interested in South Korean cinema or wants to gain a deeper understanding of the issues facing women in the country.
The film has won numerous awards including the Grand Prize for Best Feature Film at the 15th edition of the Seoul International Women’s Film Festival, Best Film at the Tokyo International Film Festival 2014, and Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress at the 51st Grand Bell Award. The film was also selected as the South Korean entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 87th Academy Awards but was not nominated.
If you want to watch a heartwarming story of a girl who fought to break free from past injustices, Han Gong Ju is the perfect movie for you. พากย์ ไทย: ผู้หญิงเหี้ยมโหดที่ต้องการชีวิตใหม่ is a Thai version of this film that provides the audience with the opportunity to enjoy the film in their native language.
