You are here:

What a Man Wants

Name: What a Man Wants
Director: Lee Byeong-heon
Released: 2018
Duration: 100 min

Representation Score

4.7/10

Fair

2018

PG-13

Director

Lee Byeong-heon

Runtime

100 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

What a Man Wants is a character-driven comedy that emphasizes emotional nuance over broad systemic representation. It excels in portraying its characters' vulnerabilities and resilience. The film stands out by giving female characters significant emotional depth and professional roles, challenging traditional gender stereotypes. However, it remains culturally specific and largely homogeneous, focusing on personal relationships and ethical dilemmas. Ultimately, the film explores the intricacies of human connections without questioning larger societal hierarchies or identity-based structures.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does What a Man Wants have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on heterosexual relationships and does not include any queer perspectives or non-cisgender identities in its main characters.

How does What a Man Wants portray gender?

Fair

Female characters have significant competence and emotional depth, but the central conflict revolves around male-centric desires and infidelity.

How racially and ethnically diverse is What a Man Wants?

Limited

The cast is primarily made up of actors from a similar ethnic background, reflecting the South Korean setting. There is no significant blending of races or diverse cultural backgrounds.

How does What a Man Wants represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative delves into personal ethics and subjective morality concerning marriage, focusing on individual relationships without addressing broader institutional or systemic issues.

Does What a Man Wants include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no significant depiction of visible or invisible disabilities. The narrative does not use disability as a central theme or tool for character development.

Present on Screen

Provides female characters with significant emotional depth and professional roles, challenging traditional gender stereotypes.
Explores the complexities of human connections and personal ethics without resorting to rigid moralism.

Limited or Absent

Does not include representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender gender perspectives.
Focuses on male-centric desires and patriarchal clichés through the protagonist's infidelity.
Offers limited racial and ethnic diversity, maintaining a culturally homogeneous production.

Official Synopsis

Set on Jeju Island, Seok-Geun is a middle-aged man and he works as a taxi driver. He is married to Dam-Deok. Seok-Geun constantly cheats on his wife, but it doesn't mean he does not love his wife.

How are these scores produced? →