Watch Insect Woman
- 1972
- 1 hr 50 min
-
6.2 (198)
Insect Woman is a 1972 South Korean drama film directed by Ki-young Kim, starring Won Namkung, Youn Yuh-jung, and Gye-hyeon Jeon. The movie tells the story of Son, a young woman whose life is shaped by traumas and hardships from a very early stage. The movie starts with a flashback where we see Son born in a remote village, being abandoned by her mother in a brothel, and how she's taken in by the owners of the brothel.
Son's childhood was spent in poverty, and she becomes a prostitute at an early age. But she's not a typical woman struggling to survive. She embraces her circumstances and becomes a different person as she grows up. She becomes an assertive and powerful person who takes charge of her life and tries to make the best of what she has. She gains a reputation not only for her beauty but also her tough personality.
As the movie progresses, we see Son trying to find a place for herself in a world that doesn't value her beyond her physicality. Men, who are the primary patrons of prostitution, do not treat her kindly. But Son is not one to be defeated easily. She climbs the ranks and becomes one of the most sought after prostitutes in town. She becomes a strong woman who has control over herself and her life.
The movie also takes a look at Son's relationships with the men around her. The first is with a Japanese businessman, who is not only her client but also someone she falls in love with. He treats her with respect and kindness, but even that relationship ends on a bitter note. We also see Son getting into different relationships with other men, and they all end tragically.
Son's life is a struggle, but she never gives up. The movie shows how she copes with her environment, which is hostile towards women. It is a commentary on how women in that society are viewed and how their actions are judged differently from men.
The film's cinematography is exceptional. The camera work is astounding, and the use of natural light gives a unique touch to the film. It's a stunning visual experience that makes the movie stand out from others of its time.
The movie's theme is about the strength of women and the will to survive under harsh and challenging circumstances. The movie is a product of its time, but it's relevant even today, considering how women are still fighting for their rights and equality across the world.
Insect Woman is a powerful movie that will leave you thinking long after the credits have rolled. The story of Son is much more than a simple tale of survival. It's a commentary on the society of the time and how it treated women. The performances by the actors are exceptional, especially by Youn Yuh-jung, who portrays Son with grace and emotionally charged intensity.
Overall, Insect Woman is a movie that deserves to be watched by every cinephile who wants to see a story about the strength of women and how their lives are shaped by the world around them. It's a movie that will leave a lasting impact on its viewers, and it still holds up even after almost five decades since its release.