Foreign Films’ Impact & Evolution.
ANSWER
- Success of “The Host” and Korean Cinema: “The Host” achieved immense success by combining several factors that resonated with both Korean and international audiences.
- Unique Monster Concept: The film introduced a novel monster concept, a mutated creature born from toxic waste in the Han River. This originality captured the audience’s attention, as it offered something fresh in the monster movie genre.
- Family Dynamics: “The Host” skillfully blended a family drama with the monster plot. The film focused on the Park family’s emotional journey to rescue their abducted daughter, creating a strong emotional connection for viewers.
- Social Commentary: Korean cinema often incorporates social commentary, and “The Host” was no exception. It critiqued government incompetence and mishandling of crises, which resonated with audiences during a time when societal concerns were prominent.
- Genre Blending: The film successfully combined elements of horror, comedy, and drama, appealing to a wide range of viewers with different tastes.
- International Appeal: Korean cinema has gained international recognition for its unique storytelling and aesthetics. Films like “Oldboy” and “Parasite” have also received acclaim, contributing to the global popularity of Korean cinema.
- Social Class and Wealth in “Roma”: In “Roma,” social class and wealth are central themes that connect the stories. The film explores these themes through the following examples:
- Contrasting Lives: The film depicts the stark contrast between the upper-middle-class family, the Gibrans, and their live-in housekeeper, Cleo. Cleo’s modest background and the Gibrans’ wealth highlight the social divide.
- Dependence on Domestic Help: The Gibrans rely heavily on Cleo for household tasks and childcare, highlighting the power dynamics inherent in employer-employee relationships, especially in the context of domestic labor.
- Social Unrest: The backdrop of Mexico in the 1960s, with political protests and social upheaval, reflects the broader societal issues related to class and wealth inequality.
- Parallel Lives: The film shows how the personal experiences of the Gibrans and Cleo intersect, emphasizing the interconnectedness of their lives despite their different social positions.
- Throughlines in Different Cultures’ Films: Despite cultural differences, certain throughlines can be identified in the films:
- Family and Relationships: Many films, including “The Host,” “Roma,” and “Parasite,” delve into complex family dynamics and relationships, often as a lens to explore broader societal issues.
- Social Injustice: Films like “City of God” and “Pan’s Labyrinth” address social injustices and the impact of violence on communities, highlighting universal themes of oppression and resilience.
- Genre Hybridity: Films like “Amélie” and “The Grand Budapest Hotel” blend genres, combining elements of comedy, drama, and fantasy to create unique storytelling experiences.
- Human Struggles: Across cultures, films often explore themes of identity, love, survival, and the human condition, resonating with audiences worldwide.
- Evolution of Film as an International Artform: The argument that film evolved from a national artform to an international one holds true, as demonstrated by our discussions and film examples:
- Global Influence: Hollywood has been a major driver of international cinema, influencing filmmaking styles and storytelling worldwide.
- Cross-Cultural Collaborations: Films like “Babel” and “Slumdog Millionaire” feature international casts and crews, showcasing collaboration across borders.
- Festivals and Awards: The recognition of foreign films at prestigious festivals like the Oscars reflects the internationalization of cinema.
- Streaming Platforms: Platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime have made international films more accessible to global audiences, further blurring national boundaries.
- Personal Perspective on Foreign Film: Regarding my own interest in foreign film, I have become more open to and appreciative of it over the semester. Exposure to diverse cultures, storytelling styles, and themes has enriched my cinematic experience. I believe this change in perspective is likely to occur on a broader level as well, as more people embrace the global diversity of cinema. Films like “Parasite” and “Roma” have shown that foreign films can break through language and cultural barriers to resonate with audiences worldwide, indicating a growing appreciation for international cinema. Subtitles are no longer a significant barrier as viewers recognize the depth and universality of foreign storytelling.
QUESTION
Description
The Host was released in Korea in 2006 and became the highest grossing film in the nation’s history at the time, as well as the highest grossing Korean film in the United States, marking a new high point in the growing Korean wave of cinema on the international stage. It was also highly praised by critics worldwide. What does this crowd pleasing monster movie do to achieve such success? What is it about Korean film that seems to resonate so strongly with modern audiences? Cite examples from The Host and/or other Korean films in your answer.
Alfonso Cuaron’s Roma is a Mexican film produced by Netflix. Set in the 1960’s, it intertwines the story of a society experiencing major social upheaval with an autobiographical story of a wealthy family and their live-in housekeeper. How does the issue of social class and wealth seem to drive and connect the stories found in the film? Cite examples from Roma in your answer.
All of the films that we have watched over the course of the semester come from different cultures at different times. Some were considered to be great successes in their time, while others have seen their acclaim grow over the years, but all are considered important examples of films from their respective cultures. Despite their many differences, do you see any throughlines connecting the various films in terms of story, structure, style, or themes? Cite examples from three or more films in your answer.
One of the arguments made in World on Film is that as the 20th century progressed, the general thrust of film moved from being a national artform to a more international one. Based on our discussions and the films that we viewed, do you agree with that argument? Cite examples from some of the films that we watched over the course of the semester, along with other international films to support your point.
At the beginning of the semester, we explored the factors that keep Americans away from foreign film (subtitles being number one on that list). Now, at the end of the semester, how would you compare yourself to the average American when it comes to your interest in and enjoyment of foreign film? Has that changed since the beginning of the semester? Do you see this as something that is likely to change on a broader level? Cite examples from some of the films we discussed or other foreign films to support your answer.
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