Em Silêncio

Silenced is a mixing pot of emotions; one full of hope, resentment, depression but ultimately injustice. There are many films made to impress viewers but this one is among the few, not just to impress you, but to deeply disturb you. It makes you crave for nothing but human dignity and fairness. The film had me stunned with astonishing performances especially the three brilliant child actors who perfectly portrayed their characters. Silenced is a bold piece of modern Korean cinema that should be seen by everyone.

To think this actually happened in real life makes me so mad. South Korea really needs to have harsher laws against sexual abuse. Even today they still have a long way to go .

"Silenced" is a powerful and harrowing film based on true events, exposing the dark realities within a school for deaf children in Gwangju, South Korea. Directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk and adapted from the novel The Crucible by Gong Ji-young, the film is a gut-wrenching account of abuse, systemic corruption, and the resilience of those who fight for justice.

Set in 2005, the story follows Kang In-ho, a newly appointed teacher at the school, who soon realizes that the children live in a state of deep emotional withdrawal. As he uncovers the horrific abuse they endure at the hands of the school's twin principals and other staff members, he faces a moral reckoning. Initially hesitant, In-ho soon devotes himself to seeking justice for the victims, putting his own life and career at risk.

Hwang Dong-hyuk's direction is both subtle and powerful, striking a balance between exposing the horrors of abuse and avoiding gratuitous depictions. The film doesn't rely on melodramatic clichés but instead delivers an unfiltered, painful realism. The performances are exceptionally moving-particularly the child actors, who, despite their silence, communicate volumes through their expressions.

Beyond the crimes themselves, Silenced also sheds light on the appalling failures of the South Korean legal system. Even with overwhelming evidence, the perpetrators receive only minimal punishment, highlighting a judiciary tainted by corruption and indifference. However, the film's impact extended beyond the screen-it ignited national outrage, leading to the school's closure and the reopening of the case, ultimately prompting legislative changes in South Korea's child protection laws.

Visually, the film is haunting. Hwang masterfully crafts an atmosphere of quiet dread, where even moments of supposed safety feel unsettling. The muted color palette and restrained cinematography amplify the film's emotional weight, making each revelation even more gut-wrenching.

Silenced is not just a film-it is a social statement, a call for awareness, and a testament to the power of storytelling. It forces viewers to confront the depths of human cruelty while championing those who dare to seek justice. Heartbreaking yet necessary, this is a film that lingers long after the credits roll.

Highly recommended-but only for those who can endure the painful truth.

9/10.

Do-ga-ni / Silenced (2013) : Brief Review -

Another heart-wrenching and disturbing classic with Korean Realism. It proves again that Law & Justice is nothing but a big joke in real life. Based on real events, Silence depicts the story of a school for the hearing-impaired where young deaf students girls and boys both were sexually assaulted by the faculty members over a long period of time. Don't tell me that reading this don't leave your mind disturbed. I have always admired the level of Brutalism and Realism in Korean films but earlier most of the times it was about thriller and revenge dramas. Now, I admire Korean Realism for showing the Cruel and brutal true events happened in the society and how helpless victims can be. You know i sometimes believe that this Law & Justice looks effective and useful only in reel world. Just like any fictional piece of writing, cops and court would do correct justice. But in real life it doesn't happen like that and this film proves it. Not just this, i have seen two more films just recently to prove it. 'Miracle In Cell No. 7', 'Hope' and now this 'Silenced' have convinced me to believe so. In all three films we see the wrong side of Law & Justice and we hate it like anything. Silenced is more brutal because it shows the cruelty against children, not adults. This was before Hollywood made Oscar Winning 'Spotlight' (2015), a film based on sensitive and taboo subject like spiritual abuse. Here, it was child abuse with more cruelty and few unbearable visuals. The film breaks the silence on one of the most serious crime ever done in the society but the punishment for it is not at all acceptable. Acting, writing, screenplay, background score, cinematography, dialogues and direction everything about this film is perfect. Overall, another mind-shattering Classic with uncompromised cinematic vision.

RATING - 8/10*

By - #samthebestest.

I watched the movie twice, and realized it really made me sad every time. The acts was so great, it was so believable, so touching.. I hope more people watch this movie and realize that we can make the world better by helping others.