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Kick the Moon

Name: Kick the Moon
Director: Kim Sang-jin
Released: 2001
Duration: 118 min

Representation Score

1.9/10

Minimal

2001

Director

Kim Sang-jin

Runtime

118 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Kick the Moon is a localized comedy-drama that prioritizes humanistic, situational storytelling over ideological messaging. The film relies on conventional character archetypes and standard social hierarchies common to early 2000s South Korean cinema. Because the narrative focuses on a singular, culturally specific experience of youth and discipline, it lacks intentional diversity interventions. The film does not attempt to disrupt existing power dynamics or implement multi-layered approaches, resulting in a low diversity score.

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Category Breakdown

Does Kick the Moon have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film centers on a heterosexual relationship and does not feature any queer characters or subtext that challenges the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does Kick the Moon portray gender?

Fair

The story revolves around male competition and personal growth. Although the female lead has her own discipline in dance, the narrative maintains traditional gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Kick the Moon?

Minimal

The production features a predominantly Korean cast within a homogeneous setting. It reflects its specific national context without engaging in multi-ethnic casting or diverse ethnic blending.

How does Kick the Moon represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film depicts a standard urban South Korean social environment. It operates within traditional social structures and does not critique institutions like family or community.

Does Kick the Moon include disability representation?

Minimal

The narrative focuses on able-bodied pursuits such as Taekwondo and dance. There is no evidence of characters with visible or invisible disabilities integrated into the story.

Present on Screen

Offers authentic representation of a specific South Korean cultural context.
Avoids overt misogyny by focusing on the individual passions of its characters.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth gender narratives.
Does not include characters with visible or invisible disabilities.
Fails to engage with multi-ethnic casting or diverse ethnic identities.
Does not challenge traditional gender hierarchies or leadership roles.

Official Synopsis

Choi Ki-dong, who becomes a teacher, and Park Young-jun, who becomes a gang member, meet again after 10 years. To compete for Min Ju-ran, they start a fierce battle remembering their high school days, when the situation was completely different.

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