Cast
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Lee Jung-hyun
as Soo-nam
Lee Hae-yeong
as Gyu-jung
Seo Young-hwa
as Kyung-sook
Dong Bang-woo
as Do-chul
Lee Jun-hyeok
as Hyeong-seok
Bae Je-gi
as Detective Jo
Lee Dae-yeon
as Subsection Chief
Park Eun-young
as Hee-jeong
Ji Dae-han
as Detective Park
Jung Young-ki
as Young Doctor
Jung Hye-ji
as Yeong-mi
Seo Joon-seo
as Yeong-mi's Son
Jeong Ae-hwa
as Supermarket Owner
Jeong Gye-soon
as Hyeong-seok's Mother
Kim Choo-wol
as Female Chief
Crew
Director
- Ahn Gooc-jin
Writer
- Ahn Gooc-jin
Producer
- Yu Young-sik
- Choi Equan
- Kim Ji-hoon
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Alice in Earnestland examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Ahn Gooc-jin 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 2015, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Alice in Earnestland took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 87 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 145 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 75 unique compositions.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2015, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Alice in Earnestland shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Man on the Roof, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Alice in Earnestland subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like $pent and Crooks in Clover explore similar territory, Alice in Earnestland stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: August 13, 2015
- Runtime: 1h 27m
