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Once Upon a Time

Name: Once Upon a Time
Director: Jeong Yong-ki
Released: 2008
Duration: 110 min

Representation Score

5.6/10

Fair

2008

Director

Jeong Yong-ki

Runtime

110 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Once Upon a Time functions primarily as a heist comedy that derives its progressive weight from its historical setting. By centering Korean characters who actively plot against colonial Japanese authorities, the film provides a narrative of ethnic ability to act and resistance. However, the film remains largely conventional in its social depictions. It lacks visible LGBTQ+ representation or non-straight narratives and does not address traditional gender hierarchies or disabilities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Once Upon a Time have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include explicit LGBTQ+ characters or stories that go beyond the assumption that everyone is straight. The main relationship is between a con artist and a jazz singer, following a traditional pairing.

How does Once Upon a Time portray gender?

Fair

The narrative features a collaborative dynamic between the two leads. While the female lead holds a position of cultural influence, the film stays within standard genre frameworks.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Once Upon a Time?

Good

Set in 1940s Korea, the film centers on Korean protagonists resisting Japanese authorities. This positioning grants the local population significant control over their actions and disrupts the idea of the local population being passive subjects.

How does Once Upon a Time represent religion and culture?

Good

The heist premise serves as a critique of colonial institutions. By targeting Japanese authorities, the story challenges the legitimacy of the era's prevailing political power structures.

Does Once Upon a Time include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no documented evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in this work.

Present on Screen

The historical setting provides a strong framework for exploring ethnic ability to act and colonial resistance.
The narrative disrupts traditional power clichés by positioning local protagonists as active agents against an occupying force.
The heist format effectively critiques established colonial institutions and systemic authority.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks explicit LGBTQ+ representation or non-straight narratives.
There is no evidence of subverting traditional gender hierarchies or exploring diverse masculinities.
The story provides no visible representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

The film is a heist comedy set in 1940s Korea, and stars Park Yong-woo and Lee Bo-young as a con artist and jazz singer who each plot to steal a valuable diamond from the Japanese authorities.

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