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Shark: The Beginning

Name: Shark: The Beginning
Director: Johnny Chae
Released: 2021
Duration: 108 min

Representation Score

5.4/10

Fair

2021

TV-14

Director

Johnny Chae

Runtime

108 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Shark: The Beginning is a conventional action-drama that centers on physical ability to act and the classic underdog story. The narrative follows a male-dominated hierarchy of martial arts and juvenile detention, focusing on personal empowerment through mentorship. While the film provides a focused character study of an underdog overcoming personal limits, it lacks the systemic complexity necessary for a higher diversity rating. The storytelling adheres to established genre clichés rather than attempting to deconstruct social hierarchies or provide characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity. Ultimately, the film functions as a straightforward genre piece, emphasizing personal discipline and overcoming adversity without engaging in broader social or cultural critiques.

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Category Breakdown

Does Shark: The Beginning have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any visible LGBTQ+ narratives or non-cisgender identities.

How does Shark: The Beginning portray gender?

Fair

The story follows a traditional male-centric storyline focused on physical strength and discipline. It does not challenge traditional gender roles or elevate female perspectives.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Shark: The Beginning?

Fair

As a South Korean production, the film stays within its cultural context. It does not feature mixed-race casting or diverse ethnic character arcs.

How does Shark: The Beginning represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative relies on the classic underdog cliché and personal mentorship. It avoids critiquing social or religious institutions and instead emphasizes individual merit.

Does Shark: The Beginning include disability representation?

Limited

While the plot includes bullying and accidents, these elements do not give a significant role in driving the story to neurodivergent or disabled characters.

Present on Screen

Offers a focused character study of an underdog overcoming personal limits.
Uses a culturally specific South Korean framework for storytelling.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender gender narratives.
Does not challenge traditional gender roles or include significant female perspectives.
Does not use themes of trauma or accident to provide ability to act to disabled characters.

Official Synopsis

A bullied teenager who is locked up at a juvenile detention center due to an unexpected accident, meets a mixed martial arts champion to break through his own limits.

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