[Review] 'Naega Juddeon Nal' People Who Became Each Other's Witnesses, Perfect Solidarity

Movie 'The Day I Died' Review
Starring Kim Hye-soo and Lee Jung-eun
"Our Story, Not Just Women's"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] 'You Are the One Left.'

A deeply ingrained wound. A wound that cannot be escaped or healed no matter what, enduring each day as it is. Repeatedly struggling in the pain as if I am the only one left in the world. I no longer exist as myself, so it feels as if I have disappeared from the world. Just before sinking, a perfect stranger tells me, "You are the one left."

The Day I Died (Director Park Ji-wan) is a film that depicts the story of a girl who disappeared at the edge of a cliff leaving only a suicide note, a detective tracking the case at the brink of life, and a silent witness who reached out to them?each making their own choices to survive.

On a night when a typhoon raged, the girl disappears from a remote island cliff leaving behind a suicide note. Detective Hyun-soo, who is about to return to work after a long hiatus, heads to the location to close the case of a missing nun, a key witness in a criminal case, as a suicide.

He tracks the girl by meeting the former detective who was responsible for her protection, her family who has lost contact, and Sooncheon-dak, the village owner who last saw the girl. He confronts the pain she must have endured alone and through this, uncovers wounds similar to his own.

The Day I Died breaks free from the frame imposed by those who say a woman's enemy is another woman, showing perfect solidarity. The story unfolds dramatically without exposing distorted views of women. The way it looks into wounds is also excellent. The women in the film gently reveal and comfort each other's bloodied wounds, offering solidarity and solace.

The power of solidarity is immense. Just being witnessed by someone holds significant meaning, enough to pull myself, the dying me, back from the edge. They are each other's witnesses, protectors, and existences in themselves. The film emphasizes this and slowly embraces the audience.

Actress Kim Hye-soo plays Detective Hyun-soo, who tracks the case at the brink of life, and Lee Jung-eun delivers a powerful performance as Sooncheon-dak. No Jeong-ui plays the missing girl. Kim Sun-young, Lee Sang-yeob, Kim Tae-hoon, and Jo Hyun-chul also fulfill their roles fully.

Someone asks, "Why did you depict a 'female narrative'?" I want to ask back, "Why not call it a 'male narrative'?" The term 'female narrative' is undoubtedly a biased expression reflecting a male perspective. Director Park Ji-wan stated, "It is not a female narrative, but our story." It is a story depicting universal wounds and solidarity, with women as the protagonists.

The expression 'female narrative' clearly shows how male-centered the Korean film market has been. There has been a perception in the market that investing in stories starring female leads is difficult and that they cannot gain widespread empathy.

Ironically, this biased perception was ruthlessly broken in the recently tough cinema market due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019). Many films starring women as leads, such as Innocence, Okay Madam, and Samjin Company English TOEIC Class, have been released like wildfire and consistently chosen by audiences. They have proven their strength by firmly rooting like dandelions in a harsh market.

The Day I Died is expected to put the finishing touch on this trend. The film clearly shows the traces of many people's thoughtful efforts, which makes it even more welcome. This is another hope.

The film portrays 'true' solidarity and delivers powerful comfort, leaving a lasting impression until the end credits roll.

The Day I Died opens on November 12. Running time 116 minutes. Rated 12 and over.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.