Schools in Korean Dramas and Films;

Part 3

Shall we take another dose of great works about schools?

Pitch-Black Darkness

(Drama Special)

‘In pitch-black darkness, you can’t tell who’s the perpetrator and who’s the victim.’

One high school student dies. All the people around him are involved in a way or another in his death, and their lives change forever because of that. The drama special sheds light on students’ suicide and the possible reasons behind it. It discusses bullying, grade altering and parents’ excessive expectations and greed. The acting was good. No exaggerations. Dark, but enjoyable to watch.

4th Period Mystery

(Film)

The film traces a detective case which ends in a romance. Cute! But, the film is set in a school and the case is about a murder. Why would a student be found murdered in his classroom? The film uncovers the secrets some ‘educationists’ wish hide to the extent of murdering anyone who tries to find them out. The film is brilliant and well-acted. So much fun. With a painful story though.

After School: Lucky or Not

(Drama)

First thing, this is not a serious show AT ALL. But, they do insert critical and sensitive issues in between the silly and somewhat ridiculous scenes. The idea of a mission club in a high school is awesome. I would have loved to be part of something like that when I was a student. Busying themselves like that might be the best way to spend the problematic high school years. It was much fun. Watching the 5urprise hot guys was joy personified. Ouch! There my perverted self goes! I mean, they had so many topless scenes! Not my fault!

Baby and I

(Film)

What is it like for a trouble-making high schooler to find a baby in front of his house with a note paper stating it’s his?! Jang Geun Suk plays that student. For a kid who’s not emotionally stable due to his family circumstances, and his personality and age, parenting won’t be the easiest thing to do. What would his parents say? How would the school react? The film presents the touching tale of that student who has to deal with a whole lot of troubles and prejudices just because he decides to be responsible.

Once Upon a Time in High School

(Film)

In 1978, schools were under a martial type of teaching. Teachers were ex-soldiers who fought in the Vietnamese war. When the high school boys only cared about Bruce Lee, porn magazines, discos and girls and wanted to have fun, the school violently abused their rights and their dreams. Families were no better. The film is about the moment of desperation every student goes through after enduring that life no more.

Though the love story was a major factor on the life of the two leads, it was better left off. The film was brilliant and superbly acting with many WOW moments.

Whispering Corridors 2: Momento Mori

(Film)

In a world that treats homosexuals and especially lesbians like they’re either dirty creatures or mentally disturbed ones, what a lesbian teen girl needs is only her beloved love and support. She can endure all the humiliation, abuse, loneliness and suffering as long as she has the girl she loves by her side. But, when that girl walks away, her world shatters.

The film bravely addresses a taboo issue in South Korea. Korean society still cannot fully accept homosexuals. Though gay stories and troubles are being included in dramas and films more often, lesbians are still a big no, and this film was released in 1999! With a detailed and straightforward lesbian tale. Applause!

The second Whispering Corridors film tackles the suffering of lesbians in a conservative Eastern country like South Korea. It also sheds light on teacher-student relationships that goes beyond the educational level –in a negative way-, teen pregnancy and bullying. The film is well-written and well-acted. It’s no horror, just painful.

Bungee Jumping of Their Own

(Film)

The film is not about high schools but a part of it is set there and audaciously addresses the forbidden issue of homosexuality. The film shows the extreme reactions of students, school and family members when homosexuality is suspected. In one moment one can lose everything just because he’s rumored to be homosexual. The film, despite that, tries to convey that love is stronger.

High School King of Savvy

(Drama)

This awesome romantic comedy is about an ordinary high school student whose life is about his family, friends and ice hockey. One day his whole life changes as he needs to cover for his older brother and impersonates him in his new company. The drama is about the struggles of that student to balance between his real life as a teenager and his fake one as an adult. With the new life comes romance and relationships he didn’t expect.

Fly, Daddy, Fly

(Film)

Teenage boys with solid backgrounds fear nothing in the world so they go around attacking others’ rights. Parents and schools side with them, or more precisely with money and power. The weak cannot fight for their rights. So what do they need to fight back? To become strong.

The film is about a high school student teaching another student’s father how to fight for his daughter’s right. The man avenges his daughter and the boy gains a father figure.

Do You See Seoul?

(Film)

There’s more to the world than what our parents tell and show us. To widen the students’ horizons, kindle their imagination and allow them to dream, a teacher does whatever it takes. Such a teacher remains in the students’ memories forever.

Let’s stop here for now...can’t wait for you to fill the space below^^