Today I want to recommend a Korean film named "Kim Ji-young, Born 1982."
On the plane back to Richmond from home, I watched the film called "Kim Ji-young, Born 1982." It is a story about a girl named Kim Ji-young who quit her job because of pregnancy. Since the born of her daughter, Kim Ji-young had to spend all her time taking care of her and housework, including cleaning, cooking, etc. She has been depressed for a period of time, but she is not aware of it yet.
Kim Ji-young's husband has been trying to help her. He was looking around for therapists for her, and he tried to do some housework too, but it didn't work. The traditional views of a family from his mon and Kim Ji-young's dad had been stressing Kim Ji-young out for years. They represent the view of most people in the age of 60s, who cherish males more than girls. In their point of view, girls will be married and thus become a member of her husband's family (reflecting the change of the last name of the female when they get married).
Kim Ji-young is not the only one. There are thousands of hundreds of women in this world that are pressured to quit their jobs and become a housewife. She has been fighting back as well, showing the realization of equal rights of women these days. Her husband, trying to help her out from such a devastating situation, represents the response to the women from the world. But it is definitely not enough. The self-doubt Kim Ji-young has had, the sacrifices she has made, the mental pressure that has been put onto her by almost everyone around her have been a lot. Even though she has been fighting back hard, they are still hurting her in different ways.
I highly recommend this film because I could see myself, my friends, my mom and even my grandma in it. It is more than a story about Kim Ji-young. I cried so hard for this film because I knew this kind of world exists, and the things that Kim Ji-young has experienced could happen to any of us, and they are happening right now. The story is not dramatic, but the message is not simple. It is one of those that are worth watching and thinking about. I hope you guys enjoy the film! (If you are interested, there is a book version too.)
Comments
I just finished watching the movie not long ago. When I saw Kim Ji-young suddenly turns into her grandmother and talk to her mother, I cried, not only for her but also for her mother, and for all the people who have such experience. After watching the movie I saw the interview to 공유 in 이동욱은 토크가 하고 싶어서, he said that although the film caused some controversy, he choose this movie because he thought the film was not just talking about a woman’s suffering, it was about human suffering, it's for everyone. I really hope that more people will see this movie.
Hi Maggie,
Thank yo for sharing this post. I found it very interesting when you shared that in older people's "point of view, girls will be married and thus become a member of her husband's family". I wonder if this is the same view that the younger generation may have or if it's embedded deep within the culture? The reason that I am interested in learning more about this is that in Afghanistan, girls are seen as the "dollar of the family". The reason is that they are seen as "others" because they will leave their families and will get married. So from a young age, girls are aware that their home is a temporary place until they get married. The reason for why they are called the dollar of the family is because of the dowry that families get in return for marrying off their daughters.
Hi Maggie, great post! I have been looking for movie recommendations and I will have to add this to my list! I also agree that there are many women around the world who suffer the same as the main character in this movie. I think it's very devastating and it's something that I hope will eventually change.