antzkr Review of Plastic Tree

Plastic Tree (2003)

Ugly SK male culture+Lars von Trier's nihilism=angry viewer

[3/10 · 9 March 2006]

Let me start of by saying that I do like Lars von trier a lot - in fact I think he is one of the best directors of our time - but I cannot help myself comparing this South Korean effort with the other Goldern Heart trilogy. However, the only similarity is the martyrdom of the female. In this film, martyrdom is taken to a new mean spirited, spiteful and vindictive level - this time the women goads her own sacrifice rather than choosing a fate in the task of a higher purpose. I know quite a bit about South Korean culture and in a quite bizarre way, the sheer misogyny towards women in general displayed throughout this film, does tend to reflect the underlying power relations going on in this society. For those who think I am overgeneralising, its hard to convey to those who have never met - let alone been to - South Korea to understand the subtle elements which comprises of this complex and greatly misunderstood society. Yet this emotionally-fragile, childish and impotent representation of South Korean men seems to be taken to extreme lengths. But overall the general culture of masculinity is shown for all to see here. Even though many South Korean feminists despise Kim Ki Duk for using such similar strategies for the portrayal of womanhood (which I think is a little unfair) it seems to be they missed the biggest fish in the pond! I'm not too sure if I would recommend this film because even hours later after this film had finished, I was left with a real bad taste in my mouth. Feminists beware - this feature will make you want to punch the television screen in disgust. I'm only giving this a decent mark because of the excellent style, cinemagratography and strong performance given by the cast in the roles. Ugh :(