How does a story about a house wife and stay at home mum who suffers from depression become one of the most talked about books in its home country? It was just because it was gifted and discussed between politicians. It was through word of mouth, reviews and social media the book was shared but the story is far more than its one liner synopsis. Hailed as being an important feminist book in Korean and equally despised by anti-feminists when the book was first released, the argument has been renewed with the release of the film adaptation, finding a new audience to experience this familiar yet phenomenal story.
Kim Ji-young, wife and mother, gradually falls into a routine of keeping house and caring for her daughter but underneath something changes. Her husband, worried that she is suffering from postpartum depression encourages her to rest and even seeks out advice from a psychiatrist when Kim Ji-young begins to act as if possessed by other people. Meanwhile Kim Ji-young yearns to return to work, seeking out possible ways for her to be able to. Interweaved into the narrative are flashbacks to when Kim Ji-young was younger, at her old job and when she was first married, painting a picture of all the everyday sexism she experienced.
There are so many moments in the film that any woman, even if they hadn’t personally experienced it, would instantly understand. There is a universal feeling of fear and dread as well as light hearted scenes between the female characters, carefully balances what it is like to be a girl or woman without bombarding the core narrative with an agenda. The story lays bare truths that are usually left unspoken in other films, that are desperate and powerful at the same time. Sometime hysterical crying is needed, especially when Kim Ji-young’s mother, Mi-sook, breaks down and yell at her husband in disgust about how he treated his son better than his daughters. It’s not a turning point but no means but it shows the frustrations of the women in the film and society.
Another aspect of the film to be admired is how Jung Dae-hyun, Kim Ji-young’s husband reacts to her behaviour and how he tries his best to support his wife. His struggle with how to tell his wife how she has been behaving doesn’t overshadow her own challenges but his part in the story is important. Even though he makes mistakes and doesn’t quite understand certain things, he doesn’t stop trying to be better and understand what she also needs. There is a particular moment where Jung Dae-hyun cries in front of his wife, which is as powerful a moment as Mi-sook’s breakdown. This is rarely seen in films, it’s refreshing to see this included in the character and story.
Kim Do-young’s adaption of Cho Nam-joo’s novel feels as if it will continue the important conversations that started with the book’s release. Hopefully making sure issues explored will not be absent from the media. The story and characters linger in the mind long after the credits have rolled which gives hope that this story will remain timeless and change the way we think.
As this was just a teaser screening from the London Korean Film Festival, we can look forward to a full programme and further screenings in October from the festival.