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Yesterday

Name: Yesterday
Director: Chong Yun-su
Released: 2002
Duration: 120 min

Representation Score

4.7/10

Fair

2002

Director

Chong Yun-su

Runtime

120 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Yesterday is a speculative thriller set in a reunified Korean Peninsula, exploring integrated identities and national cohesion. However, it adheres to traditional genre clichés regarding gender and social hierarchies. Male characters dominate the narrative, and female characters are often depicted through vulnerability. Despite this, the film provides a nuanced look at institutional power and state-sponsored science.

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Category Breakdown

Does Yesterday have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film centers around traditional heterosexual family bonds, focusing on the relationship between a father and his son.

How does Yesterday portray gender?

Fair

Male characters, particularly the lead investigator and antagonist, hold primary roles. Kim Hisu, a key figure, is often depicted through vulnerability and being kidnapped.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Yesterday?

Good

Set in a reunified Korean Peninsula, the film showcases a diverse team from both former North and South Korea, challenging monolithic representations.

How does Yesterday represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story involves themes of institutional history and state-sponsored science, using a biblical alias 'Goliath' to engage with traditional Western religious symbols.

Does Yesterday include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no visible or invisible disabilities portrayed as central to the character arcs or plot progression.

Present on Screen

Explores a unique, speculative geopolitical identity through a reunified Korean Peninsula.
Integrates former North and South Korean personnel, disrupting monolithic identity portrayals.
Critiques institutional power and state-sponsored scientific endeavors.

Limited or Absent

Does not represent non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth gender identities or same-sex intimacy.
Narrative ability to act is primarily centered around male characters.
Female characters are often framed through vulnerability rather than intellectual or physical dominance.

Official Synopsis

In 1990, number of children suddenly disappear. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defense selects an elite group of scientists for a top-secret mission. Then, 30 years later ... The year is 2020 on a reunified Korean Peninsula. A string of murders is committed against retired scientists. The Special Investigations (SI) unit staffed by a crack team from the former North and South Koreas and outfitted with the latest technology is brought in to investigate. The killer, however, far from being deterred, taunts them with a signature pendant at every murder scene. In an act of devilish boldness he even kidnaps the son of the investigation team's leader, Seok

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