Director challenges Korea's patriarchal norms, gender roles

By Kwak Yeon-soo

Director Jeong Seung-o speaks during a press conference for the film “Move the Grave” held at Lotte Cinema Konkuk University Entrance Branch, Feb. 20. / Courtesy of Indiestory

Director Jeong Seung-o challenges patriarchal norms in his upcoming film “Move the Grave,” raising the question of whether stereotypical gender roles in modern society can be overturned.

“I grew up in a patriarchal family, which placed rigid gender expectations on me from a young age. I often witnessed how women are discriminated against during 'jesa,' the ceremony performed to honor ancestors,” Jeong said during a press conference for the film.

“Now that the patriarchy is almost over, I think we should dissolve existing family structures and think about an alternative family form.”

In “Move the Grave,” a dysfunctional family is forced into an impromptu reunion when construction work forces them to move their father's grave.

Four bickering sisters and one troublemaking son are set to embark on a road trip to their uncle's house, from where they will carry out the relocation of the grave.

However in the film, only-son Seung-rak, played by Kwak Min-kyu, does not answer his sisters' calls.

When the sisters then show up at their uncle's house without him, the conservative uncle refuses to move the grave without the son being present. Not knowing exactly where he lives, the four sisters set out to find their estranged brother, putting them on a journey which brings to the surface forgotten family wounds.

The dark comedy is a candid observation of modern Korean society which compellingly depicts each character. Women appear as dominant and rebellious, while men are portrayed as weak and immature.

However, Jeong denies that the story has a strong female point of view.

“Some may say it is a feminist film, but I wanted to deliver the story with a conventional, human-filled narrative,” he said.

Despite the difficult topics dealt with in the film, Jeong expressed his hope that it will resonate with audiences beyond culture, gender and race.

“The film covers a social aspect that anyone can sympathize with, so I hope it appeals to all audiences instead of merely being remembered as a black comedy,” he said. “It was interesting to know that foreign audiences had sympathy for characters after watching the film.”

Jeong won the Competition 1-2 at the Warsaw International Film Festival in 2019, which recognizes directors' first and second feature efforts. He was also awarded the CGV Arthouse Award at the Jeonju International Film Festival last year.

The release date of “Move the Grave” has currently been postponed due to the surge in coronavirus cases.