Director: Han Hyeong Mo
Runtime: 125 minutes
Country: South Korea
Language: Korean with English subtitles
Rating: TBA
Synopsis
Exploiting Korea’s ambivalence towards modernization, this ’50s hit presents two parallel narratives, each involving part of the same couple: the “virtuous” husband―flattering tradition―is a professor who engages in schmaltzy romance with a student, but triumphantly maintains family honour; the wife―object of fascination―is initiated into “decadent” consumerism and “Western” morals, with eventual ruin and repentance. But, for much of its runtime, the film revels in its heroine’s journey, the husband a weak contrast to keep audiences morally secure. As she finds employment, discovering a glitzy world of nightclubs and dancehalls, the film’s true response to tradition appears: “We need to be economically independent to avoid the tyranny of our husbands. Should I be like you, not even know how to dance?”
To Note:
– All film screenings are held at Oldham Theatre, National Archives of Singapore.
– Tickets can be purchased at the Oldham Theatre Box Office. The box office will be open one hour before the earliest showtime of the day on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
– Concession tickets apply to Students (Local & Overseas), Full-time National Servicemen (NSF), and Senior Citizens (55 years old and above) only.
– Please check the film rating before purchase of tickets. Please note that you may be asked to present your ID at the door (this applies to concession tickets as well).