The film opens with a nightclub booking scene. In this scene, Jang-jae (played by Shin Seung-ho) blatantly discriminates against women based on their appearance. He refuses to even offer drinks to women who do not meet his standards, openly dismissing them or kicking them out of the room. Conversely, his attitude shifts dramatically towards women who are dressed to reveal their figures or possess beauty.
Particularly, the scene where Min-hee (played by Jung Soo-jung) appears and the atmosphere changes highlights the uncritical portrayal of men valuing women solely based on looks. Considering that recent films and dramas approach gender sensitivity with caution, this scene feels anachronistic.
The beginning of the relationship between Jjanggu (played by Jung Woo) and Min-hee is also hard to accept. Min-hee initially states she has a boyfriend, but soon after, she goes on a date with Jjanggu and continues to communicate with him. Eventually, they end up in a hotel together, and Min-hee suddenly changes her statement to say she doesn't have a boyfriend, leading them to become a couple.
This progression lacks emotional development or situational explanation, leaving the audience with the question, 'Suddenly?' It's unclear whether Min-hee had a boyfriend or not. Even as intended black comedy, it feels more bewildering than convincing.
Jung Woo's character is set up as a so-called 'pushover male', but the portrayal is excessively exaggerated. His continued relationship with Min-hee, who frequently drinks and becomes unreachable, is unrealistic. It's hard to simply label him a pushover when he continues to date a girlfriend who is constantly drunk and uncontactable.
During the press conference following the screening, Jung Woo described Min-hee's character as "every man's dream." However, in the film, Min-hee is merely attractive in appearance, entangled with various men at bars, and even receives money from her partner. Introducing her as a 'dream' raises questions about director Jung Woo's perspective.
'Jjanggu' presents bold settings and strong characters, but lacks narrative persuasion and contemporary sensibility to support them. While it contains provocative elements, even those feel outdated. Moreover, the film's message is unclear.
Ryu Ye-ji, Ten Asia Reporter ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr