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The Preparation

Name: The Preparation
Director: Cho Young-jun
Released: 2017
Duration: 114 min

Representation Score

6.8/10

Good

2017

Director

Cho Young-jun

Runtime

114 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film excels in its nuanced portrayal of disability, focusing on the protagonist's ability to drive the story and survival rather than using him merely as a plot device. By centering on In-gyu's lived experience, the narrative provides a respectful look at the complexities of intellectual disability. However, the film remains within traditional familial frameworks. While the female lead shows strength, the story lacks broader explorations of diverse social critiques or LGBTQ+ identities. Ultimately, the work is a grounded social realist drama that succeeds in its specific focus on caregiving and disability, even if it stays within conventional cultural boundaries.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Preparation have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not explicitly depict LGBTQ+ identities or relationships that go beyond the assumption that everyone is straight. The story focuses mainly on the maternal bond and does not explore queer themes.

How does The Preparation portray gender?

Fair

Ae-soon shows significant control over her story as she deals with her terminal diagnosis. She becomes an empowered decision-maker by planning for her son's future, shifting from a passive sufferer to an active planner.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Preparation?

Fair

This South Korean film presents a localized perspective on family and disability, avoiding Western-centric narratives. It focuses on culturally specific social dynamics.

How does The Preparation represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story explores the tension between traditional familial duties and the need for personal independence. It avoids idealized family clichés by offering a realistic portrayal of caregiving.

Does The Preparation include disability representation?

Good

The film centers on a protagonist with an intellectual disability, treating his experiences with dignity. It emphasizes his autonomy and the systemic challenges he faces during his transition to independence.

Present on Screen

Provides meaningful, dignified representation of a protagonist with an intellectual disability.
Features a strong female lead who exercises control despite her terminal illness.
Avoids idealized family clichés by presenting a realistic, complex view of caregiving.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight relationships.
Focuses on traditional familial structures rather than broader multi-layered or identity-driven subversions.

Official Synopsis

In-gyu has intellectual disability. His mother, Ae-soon, takes care of him, nagging him all the time. One day, she is diagnosed with terminal cancer and prepares for her son's independence.

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