Cast
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Chae Min-seo
as Yeong-hye
Hyun Sung
as Min-ho
Kim Yeo-jin
as Ji-hye
Kim Young-jae
as Kil-soo
Yoon Ji-hye
as Hye-kyeong
Tae In-ho
as Sang-min
Choi Jin-ho
as Dr. Park
Lee Seung-yeon
as Head nurse
Gi Ju-bong
as Ji-hye's Father
Kim Ui-jin
as Ji-woo
Go Ju-yeon
as Ji-hye (young)
Park Ji-yeon
as Nurse #1
Son Hee-soon
as Ji-hye's mother - Special appearance
Crew
Director
- Lim Woo-seong
Writer
- Lim Woo-seong
Producer
- Lim Min-sub
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Drama/Romance/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Vegetarian presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Lim Woo-seong 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 2010, 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 Vegetarian took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 134 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The musical score contains over 48 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2010, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Vegetarian shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Memories of a Rainy Day, which focuses more on action than character development, Vegetarian offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Prince of Darkness and Waltz with Bashir explore similar territory, Vegetarian 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: February 18, 2010
- Runtime: 1h 40m
