Yeon Sang-ho’s The Ugly: A Deep Dive into Beauty and Prejudice
Yeon Sang-ho’s new film The Ugly explores heavy themes of beauty, prejudice, and cruelty. It starts by prompting us to think about the meaning of beauty and the harsh judgments surrounding it. As the story unfolds, it leads to a more cynical viewpoint.
In the film, Park Jeong-min portrays Dong-hwan. He is the son of a blind seal carver named Yeong-gyu, played by Kwon Hae-hyo. Despite his blindness, Yeong-gyu has developed remarkable skills, claiming his hands are his eyes. Dong-hwan has always felt the absence of his mother, who he believed left the family. However, the shocking discovery of her body raises questions about her fate and ignites Dong-hwan’s quest for the truth. This journey transforms the film from a personal drama into a thrilling mystery.
Throughout the movie, Dong-hwan interviews people who knew his mother. These conversations often reveal uncomfortable truths. While searching for his mother’s story, he is accompanied by Su-jin, a journalist who abandons her original project to pursue a more sensational narrative. Among the many flawed characters, Su-jin stands out, cleverly masking her opportunistic nature.
As Dong-hwan digs deeper into his mother’s past, he uncovers a harsh reality: she was labeled “ugly” by those who knew her. Flashbacks reveal his father’s memories of her, with her face obscured until the very end. The build-up creates an unsettling tension around how she is perceived.
The film’s cinematography, led by Pyo Sang-woo, uses a muted color palette and clever lighting, reminiscent of noir films. The score by Chai Min-joo complements the mood but sometimes veers into melodrama, undercutting the film’s serious undertones. Park’s dual performance as Dong-hwan and his father is particularly notable, providing a glimmer of warmth amid a bleak narrative.
Despite its artistic merit, The Ugly challenges viewers with its portrayal of cruelty. If the aim was to highlight the ugliness of prejudice and societal standards of beauty, it may have missed the mark. The film leans heavily into thriller tropes, straying from what could have been a gripping human story.
Statistics and Context
Interestingly, a recent survey revealed that 80% of respondents believe societal standards of beauty can lead to negative self-image. The film engages with this issue, reflecting a stark truth about how inner and outer beauty are evaluated in society.
Historically, film narratives that confront societal prejudices have sparked conversations about real-world issues. For instance, films like Precious have tackled beauty and self-worth through the lens of societal judgment. The Ugly aims to do the same but may come off as crueler than insightful.
As discussions around beauty standards continue on social media, The Ugly joins the conversation, albeit in a grim manner. Users on platforms like Twitter have expressed mixed reactions, with some finding the exploration of ugliness too harsh, while others appreciate its boldness.
In summary, Yeon Sang-ho’s The Ugly raises thought-provoking questions about beauty and prejudice. Although it’s well-crafted, its dark portrayal of humanity leaves a lasting impact, challenging viewers to reflect on their perceptions of beauty.
For more insights on beauty standards and societal perceptions, check out this report on beauty ideals.
