Life of Hae-oak

On top of the victims' corpses created by greed, again. The movie begins by showing a pigsty. Pigs. Bar exam students. A pigsty boarding house. Premium Korean pork. This is one of the best metaphors in recent movies. The view outside the window, which the mother first saw when she visited the house, was likely filled with hope for her daughter's future, a future that would also serve as a source of pride in her old age. That's why she kept giving her all, even as it drained her. The real estate agent who showed the house, along with others, is a character who deceives people for his own gain. He now drives a foreign car. The chaotic scene shown at the end of the epilogue calls to mind the initial confusion, creating a wonderful full-circle moment. The scene feels like a lair and a mass grave for the previous pigs. After watching the movie, the biggest question that lingers is, "What did Rael see in the fridge?" Considering that the fridge is where pork-pig corpses-are stored, the inside of the fridge likely mirrors the chaos at the beginning and end of the movie. The young boss emphasizes persistence and not giving up, but in reality, his actions are empty, hoping for luck. His behavior overlaps with that of Rael's mother. Thus, Rael's outburst towards the boss is also meant for her mother.

Personally, it felt like the Sinlim-dong version of *Whiplash*. It seems calm, but throughout the movie, you are swept away by various emotions like psychological pressure, disgust, fear, despair, and empathy. It's a film with a strong pull. Even after it ends, the process of revisiting the various familiar or innovative image references planted throughout the film is quite enjoyable. I look forward to the next work.

The conversation with the rude customer at the meat restaurant is integrated into the protagonist's situation, making the film immersive. Reflecting on the words used in that conversation brings to mind both the pigs trapped in the first scene and Hyeok herself. Unlike the mother's belief that hard work never betrays, the success of those who succeed through strange methods only makes Hyeok feel more miserable, causing me to reflect on my own life's efforts. It's been a while since I've encountered a movie worth revisiting.

Hope is often depicted as something positive and uplifting, but this film takes a different approach. Here, hope is not a beacon of light but a psychological trap. The protagonist clings desperately to the hope of passing her bar exams, believing that success will bring validation and relief. However, as the movie unfolds, it becomes clear that this hope is slowly destroying her. Every failure chips away at her self-worth, and the hope that once motivated her turns into an unbearable burden. The film portrays the suffocating weight of hope that is never fulfilled, showing how it can lead to despair rather than empowerment. The oppressive atmosphere, marked by tight, claustrophobic spaces and the constant reminder of her impending exams, intensifies the protagonist's torment. The audience is drawn into her spiral of anxiety and hopelessness, making the film an intense emotional experience. This exploration of hope as both a motivator and a source of pain is what sets this film apart, forcing viewers to rethink their own relationship with hope and ambition.

This is not a film that you can easily forget. Its exploration of themes such as ambition, failure, and societal pressure leaves a lasting impact long after the credits roll. The protagonist's struggles are portrayed with such emotional depth that they stay with you, forcing you to reflect on your own experiences with success and failure. The film doesn't offer easy answers or a feel-good resolution. Instead, it challenges viewers to confront the harsh realities of life-the pressures we face, the sacrifices we make, and the emotional toll of striving for success. The protagonist's journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring, making this film an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. Every scene, every moment is filled with tension and emotional weight, making it impossible to look away. This is not just a film about passing a bar exam; it's a meditation on life itself and the human condition. It's a film that stays with you, prompting reflection and discussion long after you've left the theater.

Infusing hope can sometimes be psychological torture. The clearest example of this is in this exam thriller. - The scene of a small compact car climbing a snow-covered hill was the best metaphor for the youth of this era.

It's been a year since the exam ended, but I still haven't taken down the post-it note from my window. When asked if I cried after the results, I said I was just glad I didn't have to tell my mother I'd failed. So many of the images I'd envisioned for myself appeared in the movie.

The genre is definitely horror. A name hidden under desire.

Civil service exams and casinos are always fair. The news only ever shows those who have succeeded, never revealing the ugly truths behind most cases.