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Forgotten

Name: Forgotten
Director: Chang Hang-jun
Released: 2017
Duration: 108 min

Representation Score

5.7/10

Fair

2017

TV-MA

Director

Chang Hang-jun

Runtime

108 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Forgotten is a character-driven psychological thriller that finds its strength in its portrayal of neurodivergence. By focusing on Jin-seok, a character living with schizophrenia, the film offers a more integrated perspective on mental health. However, the film remains largely conventional in its social architecture. The narrative relies heavily on traditional male-driven conflict and narrow family structures, lacking the broader multi-layered depth or systemic critique found in more progressive cinema. Ultimately, while the film succeeds in providing a specific lens for disability, it falls short in representing broader gender, sexual orientation, and cultural diversity.

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Category Breakdown

Does Forgotten have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story focuses on familial bonds and psychological suspense. There are no LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender identities, maintaining traditional heterosexual assumptions.

How does Forgotten portray gender?

Fair

The plot centers on male protagonists and their interpersonal dynamics. Women are mentioned but do not have prominent roles or significant influence.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Forgotten?

Fair

As a South Korean production, the film offers a non-Western perspective. However, the cast appears homogeneous without blending diverse ethnic identities.

How does Forgotten represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film explores memory and identity within a domestic setting. It does not emphasize Western institutions or systemic power dynamics as central themes.

Does Forgotten include disability representation?

Good

The protagonist manages schizophrenia, which is an integral part of his character. This provides him with a significant role in driving the story, though the narrative may still rely on medicalized clichés.

Present on Screen

Provides meaningful engagement with neurodivergence by centering a protagonist with schizophrenia.
Offers a non-Western narrative perspective as a South Korean production.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender characters.
Relies on traditional gender hierarchies with limited female influence.
Does not explore multi-layered complexities or systemic social critiques.

Official Synopsis

Jin-seok, 21-year-old, moves into a new house with his family. He suffers from a slight schizophrenia but he carries an ordinary life under the warm care of the family. His older brother Yu-seok is a decent college student, a mentor, and role model for Jin-seok. One night, his beloved brother is kidnapped by unidentified assailants before Jin-seok's eye. Jin-seok can’t recognize their faces, but can remember only the VIN that matches with no car. After long silence of 19 days, suddenly Yu-seok returns home, but remembers nothing which had happened in the meantime. And soon Jin-seok feels Yu-seok is a total stranger.

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