Movie Digest
Se Jin has a run in with a local gang and is saved by accident. Jae Pil, Sin Ji and Ju Yeong, the ones who saved her, then escaped with her to a remote mountain where no one could find them. Se Jin then asks for their help to terminate her pregnancy since the ruined her first attempt to do so. Things get tense once graves begin to appear.
The Feel-Good Part
Each character is unique and has very specific characteristics that make the film interesting to watch. The subject matter is very heavy and often deals with taboos in Korean societies like abortion, alcohol, working minors and gang violence. The main theme is the violence that is existent in the lives of some teens. The matter is dealt with care as the characters are shown as subjects that are deserving of empathy. The audience is made to care about the characters and their hardships as it articulates the taboos well and shows the grim reality. The highlight of the movie is the realism it portrays, despite having the characters doing things that may seem impossible in real life the hardships and the way they are seen are uncomfortably real.
The Disappointing Factor
The story has an extremely slow start; it takes a lot of time to pick up. There are a lot of plotholes throughout the film, despite the movie’s attempt to be realistic; the characters often do things that are practically impossible, which may frustrate certain viewers. This film is quite violent and does very little to justify the reasons for it, which may be triggering for some members of the audience. The movie starts going off the rails in the last half an hour, it loses its pace and focus, which gives it the feeling of a hurried end.
In-Depth Analysis
This movie is by no means, easy to watch. The film is quite disturbing because of its heavy matter and the graphic portrayal of violence that doesn’t seem to take a back seat no matter where the story is heading. It is surprisingly a little comforting to see these young adults power through their hardships and stick together in these trying times. There are several shortcomings such as the plotholes and slow pace but the attempt of the filmmakers to make an honest film about taboo subjects with good intent must be appreciated.
Star Power
All the performances in the movie were great. The actors did their best and brought these characters to life. Their attempt to make the story feel natural is well executed. Hani who is known for her role in How to Be Thirty gives a stellar performance; her scenes are the most memorable aspect of the movie.
Overall Opinion
Young Adult Matters is a film that has good intent but fails to deliver at crucial moments. There are better films that cover these subject matters that may be more deserving of higher viewership. This makes for a decent watch for people who can handle brutality.
