Over the Border
2006
No user ratings available yet
Representation score: 5.4 out of 10
You are here:
Crossing
Representation Score
5.8/10
Fair
2008
Director
Kim Tae-gyun
Runtime
107 minutes
Average Rating
No ratings yetNew Showbiz Analysis
Crossing is a humanistic drama that highlights the struggles of North Korean families. Its strength lies in its geopolitical context, providing a non-Western perspective. However, the film leans on traditional dramatic archetypes, such as the 'suffering mother' and 'male protector' roles. Additionally, illness is used primarily as a plot mechanism to drive the male lead's actions, rather than as a nuanced character element.
Category Breakdown
Does Crossing have LGBTQ+ representation?
The film focuses on a traditional nuclear family unit. There are no LGBTQ+ characters or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities present in the narrative.
How does Crossing portray gender?
The story features traditional gender roles where the wife's illness drives the plot, while the husband acts as the protector. These roles are fairly conventional.
How racially and ethnically diverse is Crossing?
The film focuses on North Korean citizens navigating the Chinese borderlands, offering a unique perspective outside of Western-centric cinema.
How does Crossing represent religion and culture?
The narrative portrays the government as a source of oppression, highlighting the struggle for individual survival against state loyalty.
Does Crossing include disability representation?
The wife's critical illness serves as the main catalyst for the protagonist's journey. It is unclear whether her condition is handled with real ability to act or simply used as a plot device.
Present on Screen
- Provides a non-Western perspective centered around the geopolitical realities of the Korean Peninsula.
- Critiques state institutions and highlights the systemic oppression faced by individuals.
- Highlights the lived experiences of underrepresented populations navigating extreme poverty.
Limited or Absent
- Relies on traditional gender roles like the 'suffering mother' and 'male protector'.
- Uses illness primarily as a plot mechanism to drive the male lead's actions.
- Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or neurodivergent characters.
Official Synopsis
Yong-soo is an ex-soccer player who lives in a small coal-mine village in North Korea with his wife and young son, Joon. Although living in extreme poverty like many other families in North Korea, the family is happy just to be with each other. Then one day, Yong-soo's pregnant wife becomes critically ill. Let alone medicine, Yong-soo can't even find food for her in North Korea. So he decides to secretly cross the border to China hoping to find the medicine for his wife.
Where to Watch
Find another title
Type to search for movies. Use arrow keys to navigate suggestions, Enter to select or search, Escape to close.
Similar Movies
The Net
2016
No user ratings available yet
Representation score: 3.8 out of 10
Desert Dream
2007
No user ratings available yet
Representation score: 7.2 out of 10
Commitment
2013
No user ratings available yet
Representation score: 4.2 out of 10
Dooman River
2010
No user ratings available yet
Representation score: 8.6 out of 10
The Journals of Musan
2011
No user ratings available yet
Representation score: 6.3 out of 10
Made in China
2014
No user ratings available yet
Representation score: 8.4 out of 10
Grain in Ear
2005
No user ratings available yet
Representation score: 4.3 out of 10
Rate this Movie
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!
Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.