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Gull

Gull (2021)

Jul 28, 2021 1h 15m Drama

O-bok’s eldest daughter is about to get married to an educated, well-off young man, but she’s far from happy. It’s not just hot weather, hot flushes, her daughters’ materialism, her mother’s dementia, her husband’s drinking, or the impending gentrification of the food market where she sells fish – although all of that will push her to take a stand. After trying to cover it up, O-bok reveals to her daughter that she was raped by a fellow stallholder, the man organising the traders against their landlords. Increasingly furious, O-bok eschews the useless police to pursue her own justice, even if it means a physical fight.

Directed by Kim Mi-jo

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Kim Mi-jo
Writer
  • Kim Mi-jo

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Gull 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 Kim Mi-jo 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 2021, 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 Gull took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 75 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 130 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The film contains approximately 2187 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 2021, when this film is released:
  • The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
  • Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

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

Unlike Birdcage Inn, which focuses more on action than character development, Gull subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Let Us Meet Now and Ardor explore similar territory, Gull 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: July 28, 2021
  • Runtime: 1h 15m

Where to Watch

Fandor Amazon Channel

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