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A Year-End Medley

Name: A Year-End Medley
Director: Kwak Jae-yong
Released: 2021
Duration: 137 min

Representation Score

5.3/10

Fair

2021

Director

Kwak Jae-yong

Runtime

137 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

A Year-End Medley operates as a conventional romantic comedy, using the ensemble format of a hotel setting to explore interpersonal connections. The film leans heavily into traditional clichés, focusing on nostalgia and the sentimental aspects of holiday gatherings. While the setting allows for multiple character stories, the narrative lacks engagement with diverse identities or systemic critiques. It prioritizes emotional resonance and social cohesion over the representation of underrepresented groups or the subversion of societal norms. Ultimately, the film functions as a standard genre piece that adheres to established romantic and cultural frameworks without expanding its scope to include broader social perspectives.

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Category Breakdown

Does A Year-End Medley have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film follows a typical romantic comedy structure focused on various couples. It doesn't explicitly address non-conforming gender identities or challenge assumptions about straight relationships.

How does A Year-End Medley portray gender?

Fair

The story revolves around a young man and woman, relying on traditional romantic archetypes. There's no indication of challenging gender hierarchies or presenting non-traditional roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is A Year-End Medley?

Fair

As a South Korean production, the film reflects the country’s demographics. The ensemble setting does not show a deliberate effort towards multicultural casting or altering racial expectations.

How does A Year-End Medley represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story highlights nostalgia and the sentimental value of New Year traditions. It uses a commercial hotel setting as a neutral backdrop for human connection without critiquing institutions.

Does A Year-End Medley include disability representation?

Limited

The plot centers on romantic connections and memories. There is no mention of characters dealing with physical disabilities, neurodivergence, or mental health issues.

Present on Screen

The ensemble hotel setting provides a versatile framework for multiple interconnected human stories.
The focus on nostalgia and memory offers a relatable emotional core for a general audience.

Limited or Absent

The film relies on traditional romantic archetypes rather than exploring non-traditional gender roles.
There is a lack of visible representation for LGBTQ+ identities or neurodivergent characters.
The narrative does not engage with multiculturalism or diverse racial perspectives beyond its domestic context.

Official Synopsis

A romantic comedy of a young man and woman that is told in the background of hotel 'Emross'. It has stories of people who met each other at Hotel Emross during the New Year holidays. Each one has his own memory to relate and create relationships or just going nostalgic.

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