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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 16 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 107 minutes long.
  • The musical score contains over 77 unique compositions.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 2021, when this film is released:
  • Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
  • Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
  • 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 The Host, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Gull offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like 3-Iron and Now and Forever explore similar territory, Gull 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: July 28, 2021
  • Runtime: 1h 15m

Where to Watch

Fandor Amazon Channel

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