The South Korean film industry never fails to give us unmissable films packed with actions and thrills every year. Not only do they have meritorious plots, but they have also cast the right actors to portray the characters. The new Korean film, "Midnight," will prove to you how good Korean writers and directors are when it comes to thriller films.
Synopsis
Kyung-mi (Jin Ki Joo) and her mother are born with hearing loss. Despite their condition, both of them are living an ordinary life. Kyung-mi works as a sign language counselor in a call center while her mother is a seamstress in a hanbok tailor shop. But on their way home, what seemed to be a normal night was suddenly befouled when a serial killer, Do Shik (Wi Ha Joon), saw her mother as his next victim along with So Jung Eun (Kim Hye Yoon), who just happened to pass by the area on her way home. Their unfortunate encounter with the serial killer is the start of a life-threatening hide-and-seek night.
Insights
Midnight is not just a thriller film about murders and crimes. It is a film that reflects the life of people with hearing loss. The film shows how people like them live their normal lives as they blend in with the community. But no matter how they try to blend in, there is always discrimination towards people like them. Kyung-mi experienced discrimination when she felt like she is not invited to their corporate dinner. Therefore, she invited herself instead. During their dinner, she was sexualized with words by her seniors. She couldn't hear them, but she can read their mouths.
With their condition, they are vulnerable to abuse and danger. If the person they are talking to is not familiar with sign language, they cannot convey their feelings. This may result in misunderstanding and misconception. When Kyung-mi and her mother went to the police station, the officers cannot understand her explanation about the crime. Even when they found out who the real culprit is, still, the police officer did not listen to them attentively. With this circumstance, the police force should also consider hiring sign language interpreters or include sign language training for their police officers. This is not just to build strong communication for people with special needs but also to give them assurance that they will be heard once they seek the help of the authorities.
The most disturbing part of the film is when Kyung-mi reached the crowded district after being chased by the killer. She asked for help, but nobody understands her. Nobody has ever interpreted the situation. Until she attacked and stabbed the killer to get the attention of the crowd. The falling action of this film proves how unaware and uneducated most of us when dealing with people with special needs. This film has enlightened us to also learned their language.
Midnight is another Korean thriller film you should check out. The casts were good in the portrayal of their characters especially, the two lead stars, Wi Ha Joon and Jin Ki Joo.
Source: Midnight
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