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The Tooth and the Nail

Name: The Tooth and the Nail
Director: Jung Sik, Kim Hwi
Released: 2017
Duration: 109 min

Representation Score

2.3/10

Limited

2017

Director

Jung Sik, Kim Hwi

Runtime

109 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Tooth and the Nail is a localized thriller that relies on traditional mystery clichés. The narrative centers on a male protagonist investigating the death of his fiancée, reinforcing conventional gender roles and ability to act. While the film provides a culturally specific South Korean setting, it does not integrate perspectives that reflect multiple aspects of identity or disrupt social hierarchies. Character dynamics follow standard genre conventions, emphasizing individual ability to act over systemic issues. Ultimately, the film functions as a straightforward genre piece, lacking the intentionality needed to address broader social or identity-based themes.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Tooth and the Nail have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on a heterosexual relationship between Seok-jin and Ha-yeon. There is no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or critiques of the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does The Tooth and the Nail portray gender?

Fair

Ha-yeon plays a central role as a magician's assistant, suggesting traditional gender roles. The plot primarily revolves around the male protagonist's actions and decisions.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Tooth and the Nail?

Fair

Set in South Korea, the film offers a culturally specific narrative without exploring multi-ethnic identities or diverse racial backgrounds.

How does The Tooth and the Nail represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film follows conventional thriller clichés, focusing on resolving a personal tragedy rather than challenging institutional structures or promoting moral ambiguity.

Does The Tooth and the Nail include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of characters dealing with physical, neurodivergent, or mental health challenges.

Present on Screen

Offers a culturally specific South Korean narrative context.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender perspectives.
Gender roles adhere to traditional hierarchies with male-centric ability to act.
Does not explore diverse racial or multi-ethnic identities.
Fails to include characters navigating disabilities or neurodivergence.

Official Synopsis

Seok-jin, a magician at a club, meets a mysterious woman, Ha-yeon, who soon becomes his assistant and fiance. Things take a turn when she is found dead and he must find out what happened.

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