Schools in Korean Dramas and Film;

Part 2

Let’s take a look at another bunch of Korean school-based works that are worth the time.

SOS: Save Our School

(Drama Special)

Set in a middle-school, the 2-episode drama special centers on extreme bullying. It shows the dreadful circumstances of bullying that starts as a joke but ends up as insanity. The example of the bully in the drama is as serious as it is plausible. No matter what the student’s life is, they cannot simply vent their anger on others in such an awful way. The bullying portrayed in the drama is no joke and it leads to death; literally. I loved how they made the culprit pay for her crimes but hated –once more- the tears she shed. C’mon! An 8th grader who leads a gang to beat other kids to a pulp with a smirk on her face, who sees her friend fall off the roof and snickers, who denies doing anything wrong till the end, and cannot produce tears. That’s no child’s innocence. I, unfortunately, believe that they are irredeemable people. These actions of a 13-year old foreshadow her future. The school and the parents are to blame partially for not finding out what kind of person she is. Some people are, let me be bold, born evil. The child actors did an awesome job here. Jeong Woong In was brilliant. Two hours of shocking events and enormous pain.

Dasepo Naughty Girls

(Film)

You either find this film utterly brilliant or utterly silly. I found it the first.

The idea behind this film is genius. A high school that doesn’t discriminate religiously or sexually. It’s a multi-religious school (though they don’t really touch on religions as much as have them in the background. I understand. Such a sensitive topic is not easy to approach). The film shows all kinds of different minorities; Cyclops, transgenders, homosexuals and cross-dressers. Under the name of variety and accepting differences unconditionally, the film tries to approach those discriminated against because of their sexual orientations, social class or physical appearance. The film is weird and hilarious. I can see why the writer and the director made it so. If they discussed such problematic issues in a country like South Korea (and we’re talking about 9 years ago!) seriously, the film might not have seen the light.

I enjoyed every minute of the film. Yes it was completely bizarre but excellent. I wish such a school actually exists. And I hope such brave people would present every culture with an awakening film like this.

The film was remade into a drama under the same title. I wish I could find and watch it.

She’s on Duty

(Film)

Though the focus in this film is not about high school, it’s set there. Through an investigation case in which the detective in charge goes under cover as a student, the film discusses the issue of the children of ‘important’ people and the danger and loneliness they suffer from. Whether you’re a fan of school works or not, this film is completely worth its time.

Happiness for Sale

(Film)

This film centers on the change sincerity brings. How a bunch of elementary students change the life and thoughts of a desperate and lonely woman. It’s about their innocence, concerns, beauty and affection. Beautiful to watch.

The Girl's Ghost Story

(Film)

With the elements of the supernatural, mystery and horror, the film focuses on bullying. It states that bullying can be so bad as to kill someone, and bring their ghost back to resolve their grudge. Bullying is not only about the person doing it, but about the people around who just sit back and do nothing. The crime is committed by everyone; the bullies, passers-by, other students and the school. One person could lessen the dreadful consequences. It only needs one person.

Punch

(Film)

Yoo Ah In plays a trouble making high schooler. He’s extremely poor. He never studies. He’s hot tempered and throws his punches easily. He has a disabled father, a Pilipino mother he’s never met, and a nutcase homeroom teacher. The film is about the troubles of that specific high school student and the way he overcomes them with the help of his friend, teacher and family. The film is realistic, fun and meaningful. A very pleasant journey.

Our School E.T

(Film)

A funny and moving film about the the sacred and lasting relationship between teachers and students. A teacher who influences his students and touches their heart is never forgettable.

The film as well touches on the heavily-debated and insolvable issue of private institutions as the center of education instead of schools. Schools are not needed anymore and their purpose and message are fading. Not only in South Korea but in many countries where high school years determine college, the school becomes only a necessity to graduate. In the middle of all the turmoil of the-best-teacher-is-the-one-who-sends-more-students-to-elite-univeristies, a sincere teacher who cares about the welfare and the feelings of his students is rare. He’s inspiring.

Boys Over Flowers

(Drama)

I debated a lot before settling to where should I put this. Should I classify it according to my first impression? Or after I watched many dramas? Shall I just add it to where I feel about it now after all the fuss and overrating? But I ended up adding it to where I would have 3 years ago.

Boys over Flowers was my first school drama. And let’s be honest, it was addictive. I know that if I hadn’t watched it at the beginning of my drama journey I wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much. That’s why I’m thankful I did.

The drama centers on romance between high school students and the gap between classes that stands in the way of that romance. Well it was more about the gap than the romance. How classes and the difference in riches control every aspect of life.

BOF was my first flower-boy experience –and I fell for Kim Joon!- and my first school drama. I hated it later after it became a nuisance. But that doesn’t deny the fact that before the fuss started I had already made tens of people watch it.

Wet Dreams

(Film)

Alert: Sex content!

This is not your typical high school film. No bullying! No deep issues and existential questions. Wet Dreams is literally about wet dreams. Yeah!

Let’s face it! With all the shows about studying and college preparing and everything, where does the realistic element lie? I taught in a boys’ school for a year and I know! The most important thing in life for teenage boys is the mysterious and seductive world of sex. But, what can teenagers do except to look at sex magazines, watch porn, fantasize and masturbate! Sorry! This is what the film contains! So a young and lovely female teacher comes to those teenagers’ school. What will she become except for their center of fantasy?

Brave and hilarious, the film bluntly presents what others try to hide.

No Breathing

(Film)

The film is not about high schools but about high schoolers’ dreams and ambitions. It’s set in a sports high school and is about swimming. So we have a lovely story of friendship vs. rivalry, competitiveness, dreams, enjoying life and the pressure of family and society. Romance is weak in the film –thankfully- and the focus is on the beauty of dreams when linked to friends and while enjoying life. Great acting and lots of BEAUTIFUL scenes. Male swimmers hahaha. I’m being so perverted now. Sorry for my young readers.

Enough for this part. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts.