The
Crucible (2011)
This time,
I would like to make an exclusive mini-review of the South Korean drama film
called The Crucible (released internationally as Silenced).
Release Info
Directed by: Hwang Dong Hyuk
Starring: Gong Yoo, Jung Yu Mi, Kim Hyung Soo
Language: Korean
Original Title: 도가니
Runtime: 125 min
I picked it
up because I have recently seen Train to Busan (2016), as I have wanted to check out
something more of Gong Yoo and Jung Yu Mi. Well, after checking out The
Crucible, the film left me completely gobsmacked. I was so shocked that, in my
view, a regular review of the film seems pointless, because it will not give it
enough justice.
Don’t get
me wrong, The Crucible is a great movie, but I would like to refer to the
sensitive topic that it explores. The story is based on real events which took
place at Gwangju Inhwa School (go here for further details) and, in short, the movie
focuses on a teacher who discovers that faculty members of a school for deaf
children are sexually assaulting their students. The highlight, as well as the
issue, of the film is that it does not present its topic subtly. It grips the
viewer by the throat and slaps him in the face with highly explicit content.
The first half of the film is a brutal exposition as the main character, Kang
In Ho (Gong Yoo), unravels the uncomfortable truth; whereas the second part is a
nasty courtroom drama as he and human rights activist Seo Yoo Jin (Jung Yu Mi)
struggle to make the offenders pay for their crimes.
To be
honest, it is not a movie for everyone. If you’re faint-hearted or feel very distressed
about sensitive issues, then give this film a pass. However, if you feel up to
going through some upsetting sequences, then The Crucible will provide you some
intellectual food for thought. It is no wonder that the film actually led to
some legislative reforms in South Korea.
Overall score: 8/10
