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Man of Will

Name: Man of Will
Director: Lee Won-tae
Released: 2017
Duration: 115 min

Representation Score

5.7/10

Fair

2017

Director

Lee Won-tae

Runtime

115 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Man of Will is a historical drama that highlights ethnic empowerment and challenges imperialist hegemony. By focusing on the Korean struggle for independence, the film offers a counter-narrative to Eurocentric historical perspectives. However, the film heavily relies on traditional masculine archetypes, limiting the scope of gender diversity and subversion within the story. While the film effectively portrays racial and cultural resistance, it lacks representation for LGBTQ+ identities and characters with disabilities, resulting in a focused but somewhat narrow social landscape.

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Category Breakdown

Does Man of Will have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities. The narrative emphasizes collective struggle for sovereignty through traditional comradeship.

How does Man of Will portray gender?

Fair

Male protagonists dominate the narrative, highlighting traditional masculine roles of strength and leadership. Women play supporting or symbolic roles rather than driving the main storyline.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Man of Will?

Excellent

The story centers on the Korean experience against Japanese imperial authority, focusing on ethnic resistance and ability to act. This provides a strong framework for ethnic empowerment.

How does Man of Will represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques imperialist institutions by depicting colonial administration as oppressive. It aligns with anti-colonialist frameworks through its portrayal of resistance.

Does Man of Will include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no discernible evidence of characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities in the film.

Present on Screen

Emphasizes Korean ethnic ability to act and national identity.
Critiques colonial and imperialist power structures.
Provides a progressive historical perspective through anti-colonialist themes.

Limited or Absent

Limited representation of diverse gender roles beyond traditional masculine archetypes.
Lacks LGBTQ+ representation or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
No visible inclusion of characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Young Kim Chang-soo is placed behind bars, charged with murdering a Japanese person who took part in Empress Myeongseong's assassination. In prison, Kim Chang-soo sees how Koreans are persecuted and grows into a fighter for Korean independence.

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