"It's romantic. The lighting, temperature, humidity..." This is a remark made by a participant on a variety show. It suggests that elements like location, weather, and physical condition all contribute to creating an 'atmosphere.' The same applies to film. The mood of the day and personal experiences can serve as 'evaluation criteria' for a movie. In this way, 'Choi's Review' is a segment that introduces films to audiences through the author's experiences and perspectives, aiming for a more relaxed and everyday approach. (Editor’s Note)
There is no middle ground. Viewers either passionately love or completely fail to understand Kim Min-ha's films. From the short film 'Burger Song Challenge' to the feature debut 'Amoeba Girls and School Ghost Stories: Founding Day' and now 'Student Teaching,' Kim's work consistently sparks intense 'taste battles.' The director shows no willingness to compromise on her unique and charming rhythm.
The story follows Eun-kyung (played by Han Sun-hwa), a 'MZ student teacher' who returns to her alma mater with lofty ambitions and a sense of duty. Despite her pure passion for teaching, she faces the harsh realities of a crumbling educational system. One day, she encounters three girls from a mysterious black magic club, 'Kuroi Sora'—Aoi (Hong Ye-ji), Riko (Lee Yeo-reum), and Haruka (Lee Hwa-won)—and senses they are involved in a troubling incident. It is revealed that these top students, who never miss a national mock exam, have their souls bound to a yokai in exchange for answers. To protect her precarious students, Eun-kyung willingly plunges into a deadly mock exam orchestrated by the 'College Entrance Exam Ghost.'
'Student Teaching' twists the conventions of horror to fuel its comedy. While continuing the trajectory of her previous works, it collides the tropes of horror with the rhythm of comedy, subverting even its roughness into a meticulously crafted aesthetic. Kim Min-ha's unique signature lies in her ability to push excess not as a flaw but as a distinctive language. She cleverly navigates production budget limitations with inventive directorial choices, utilizing pixel art and animation to create the film's hip and kitschy texture. The characters, who exist outside of reality, and the deliberately rough dialogue draw the audience into this bizarre world from the very beginning. Accepting Kim's 'universe' offers viewers a liberating experience amidst the chaotic and crude elements.
Under the term 'horribly lovely,' the film plays with horror and charm, yet its message is heavier than in previous works. As Kim stated, "I wanted to create a film that is funny but not foolish," the comedy's exterior conceals a critique of contemporary issues. It sharply reflects the shadows of a crumbling educational system and the expanding private tutoring market, alongside the historical context of the 'Seodang Hunt' during the Japanese colonial period, aimed at undermining Korean education.
The previous film, 'Amoeba Girls and School Ghost Stories: Founding Day,' attracted only 30,000 viewers, making a sequel unlikely. However, the audience breathed new life into this niche world. The film gained traction on OTT platforms as a 'Girls Night Movie,' forming a fanbase that spurred further production. 'Student Teaching' is essentially a response summoned by the audience.
This sentiment resonates throughout the film. The portrayal of marginalized girls supporting each other mirrors how audiences have sustained this film series. The journey of these incomplete beings embracing one another as they navigate societal absurdities offers a comforting presence that surpasses hasty admonitions.
The chemistry among the cast is also noteworthy. Han Sun-hwa, as Eun-kyung, effectively anchors the narrative. Having established a unique presence through dramas like 'Drinking City Women' and films such as 'First Ride' and 'Pilot,' she faithfully embodies Kim Min-ha's vision, creating a solid bridge between the audience and the work. The trio from 'Kuroi Sora'—Hong Ye-ji, Lee Yeo-reum, and Lee Hwa-won—along with Yoo Seon-ho as 'Idainashi,' also enhance audience immersion with their excellent character portrayals.
'Student Teaching' may not satisfy everyone. However, it relentlessly pursues its unique taste and ultimately garners a response. This stubborn sincerity becomes a gentle black magic that willingly offers companionship to all incomplete beings traversing their own tunnels. The film is set for a solo release at CGV on May 13, with a runtime of 94 minutes and a rating of 12 and older.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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