Backdrop preview School Excursion backdrop
School Excursion

School Excursion (1969)

Jan 23, 1969 1h 55m Drama

A school teacher on a remote island has to convince skeptical parents to allow him to take his class of young children to Seoul to experience modern, urban civilization for the first time.

Directed by Yu Hyun-mok

Cast

View All

Crew

Director
  • Yu Hyun-mok
Writer
  • Lee Sang-hyeon
Producer
  • Seong Dong-ho

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to review this movie!
Sign in to leave a review.

Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, School Excursion examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Yu Hyun-mok brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1969, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of School Excursion took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 115 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 158 minutes long.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.

Historical Context

  • In 1969, when this film was released:
  • The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
  • Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While School Excursion shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Lady Vengeance, which focuses more on action than character development, School Excursion subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Freedom Writers and Birdcage Inn explore similar territory, School Excursion stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: January 23, 1969
  • Runtime: 1h 55m

Similar Movies