You are here:

Monopoly

Name: Monopoly
Director: Hang-bae Lee
Released: 2006
Duration: 91 min

Representation Score

5.6/10

Fair

2006

Director

Hang-bae Lee

Runtime

91 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Monopoly offers a nuanced take on the thriller genre by focusing on systemic disruption within a Korean context. It effectively challenges the sanctity of capitalist structures through its protagonists' ambitions. However, the film remains limited by its narrow demographic focus. The narrative is heavily centered on masculine pursuits and lacks significant female or disabled representation. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its cultural critique and its exploration of unconventional interpersonal bonds, even if it avoids explicit identity labels.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Monopoly have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film highlights a strong bond between Kyung-ho and John, suggesting a close and possibly unconventional relationship. However, it does not explicitly confirm their queer identities.

How does Monopoly portray gender?

Fair

The story focuses on a male-dominated power dynamic centered around technical expertise. There are no female characters in key decision-making roles, limiting gender diversity.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Monopoly?

Fair

Set in Korea, the film presents a non-Western perspective on crime. The character John hints at a possible cross-cultural influence within the domestic banking sector.

How does Monopoly represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative sharply criticizes capitalist institutions, portraying the banking system as a target for exploitation rather than a pillar of social stability.

Does Monopoly include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not provide any information about characters with physical, sensory, or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

Provides a non-Western perspective on the crime thriller genre.
Critiques established capitalist and financial institutions.
Explores unconventional interpersonal bonds and non-traditional relationship structures.

Limited or Absent

Lacks female characters in primary decision-making roles.
Does not represent physical, sensory, or neurodivergent disabilities.
Relies on subtext rather than explicit confirmation of queer identities.

Official Synopsis

Kyung-ho is a genius computer programmer who manages the on-line networks of all banks in Korea. One day, he accidentally runs into a man, John, who is an attractive businessman. John invites Kyung-ho to experience his lifestyle in high society. Through these lavish escapades, Kyung-ho is awakened to his hidden desires. As Kyung-ho finds out about a secret project John is working on, John asks him to join him in a plan to illegally withdraw small amounts of money from all the bank accounts across Korea by using Kyung-ho’s genius computer programming skills. With absolute trust in John, Kyung-ho finally joins this huge con game against Korea. Will John and Kyung-ho, who dream of being on top of the world, be the winners of this game?

How are these scores produced? →