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Once Again

Name: Once Again
Director: Shin Seung-hoon
Released: 2024
Duration: 104 min

Representation Score

6.7/10

Good

2024

Director

Shin Seung-hoon

Runtime

104 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Once Again (2024) is a character-driven film that uses fantasy to critique traditional social hierarchies. By placing a middle-aged man in a youthful body, the film explores his failures as a father, son, and husband. The film stands out for its willingness to challenge the stability of the family unit. It shifts focus from reinforcing traditional duties to promoting personal reclamation. However, the narrative remains limited by its narrow demographic focus. The lack of diverse representation and the reliance on a homogeneous cultural setting restrict a broader exploration of the human experience.

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Category Breakdown

Does Once Again have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include explicit LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-straight relationships. The story centers on the protagonist's efforts to fit into a traditional family structure.

How does Once Again portray gender?

Fair

The narrative moderately challenges traditional masculine roles by depicting the protagonist's struggle to change his life. His previous adherence to patriarchal norms led to social instability.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Once Again?

Fair

Set in 1997 South Korea, the film reflects a relatively homogeneous society. It does not feature multi-ethnic casting or challenge racial norms.

How does Once Again represent religion and culture?

Good

The film questions traditional family structures by emphasizing individual self-improvement over societal obligations. Spiritual objects like talismans support personal growth rather than strict religious rules.

Does Once Again include disability representation?

Fair

A facial scar serves as a key plot device representing physical impairment. The story focuses on the professional impact of disfigurement rather than the lived experience of disability.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional patriarchal roles and masculine leadership expectations.
Emphasizes individual self-actualization over rigid social duties.
Uses a fantasy premise to effectively critique historical familial dysfunction.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or queer character arcs.
Maintains a relatively homogeneous social and ethnic framework.
Treats physical disability primarily as a symbol of lost potential rather than lived experience.

Official Synopsis

In his 40s, the stuntman Woo-seok wishes to go back to the prime of his life in 1997, before a facial scar ended his acting dreams. One day, he purchases five talismans from an unknown monk, hoping to change his life. However, during a film shoot, a car accident transports him back to his high school days in 1997. Now living as the high school student, he embarks on a project to revamp his past life, which was filled with a troublesome father, son, and husband.

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