Watch Young Adult Matters

Young Adult Matters is a poignant and deeply affecting film hailing from the realms of South Korean cinema, released in the year 2020. The narrative of the film revolves around themes of survival, friendship, societal hypocrisy and the daunting realities of adulthood, unraveling a story that throbs with raw emotions and the gritty realism of life.

The narrative arc of the film is spearheaded by its lead, Ryu Abel, who essays the role of Sejin. Sejin is portrayed as a young woman who's fallen prey to the ruthlessness of the world. In her life, she witnesses the cold, harsh hardships which prove the world to be unkind and unempathetic. The powerful portrayal by Ryu Abel amplifies Sejin's struggles with each scene, tugging at the viewer's heartstrings.

Alongside her, Hee-Yeon Ahn brings to life the character of Jiyeong, a young runaway who's been subjected to a similar lifestyle. Ahn's compelling act as Jiyeong instills a sense of hope and resilience in the plot, painting the picture of a phoenix rising from the ashes.

The paths of Sejin and Jiyeong intersect when they find each other amidst the chaos of life. Together, they navigate the rough waters of survival in a judgemental society with their symbiotic relationship of care and understanding. Their tumultuous journey of grappling with adulthood showcases the unfiltered reality of life faced by many young women/men, making the narrative relatable and heart-wrenching.

Further expanding the canvas of the narrative, the character of Seungyeong is portrayed by Bang Eun-Jung. She represents a jarring contrast to the lead characters, echoing the society's perception of the norms and ideals. This dynamic representation adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, unraveling the complexities and contradictions of societal expecations.

The film is not just another coming-of-age story or mindless exploration of adult themes; it goes well beyond that. Young Adult Matters skilfully portrays an extremely credible and harsh image of reality where one has to grapple with homelessness, poverty, and societal resistance. It does not paint a rosy image of life, rather it searches for the true meaning of survival in daunting conditions and how these young women cope with it.

The director of the film, young Korean filmmaker Lee Hwan acted both as a director and screenwriter. Hwan skillfully navigates through the layers of complexities and social hypocrisy with his direction. His style of storytelling is raw and real, unveiling the seamier side of life, devoid of any glamour or glitz.

Each moment in Young Adult Matters is a revelation in itself, as it strips bare the reality of the characters’ lives. The movie treads upon its themes with grace and grit, simultaneously exposing the rawness and rigidity of a society that might turn its back on those who dare to defy its norms.

Besides its compelling narrative and strong cast performance, Young Adult Matters also does an amazing job on the technical front. The gritty cinematography of the movie is a tool used to make even the harsh reality look raw and beautiful. The background score is also noteworthy for enhancing the overall tone of the movie and augmenting its emotional impact manifold.

Overall, Young Adult Matters is a tale of resilience and survival, narrated through the lives of young women, who are bound to navigate their journey amidst grim realities, and yet continue to strive for a semblance of normalcy or happiness. It's a bold cinematic venture that dispels facade to expose harsh realities, showcasing the world as it is, without any sugarcoating. It's an emotional roller coaster ride that brings in the spectators to inhabit the struggles and hopes of its young unyielding protagonists.

While Young Adult Matters is a film that deals with harsh and grim subjects, it never leans towards gratuitous drama or depictions. It remains centered in its exploration of young adults fighting the battles of life, evoking a profound sense of sympathy and understanding, and therefore stays with the viewers long after they have witnessed it.

Young Adult Matters is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 8 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.