The Book of Fish

The film centers on a strong friendship between a scholar and a fisherman, but it does not include any explicit representations of LGBTQ+ identities or same-sex romantic relationships.

The story primarily features male perspectives, reflecting the social hierarchies of 19th-century Joseon. Women play minor roles and are mostly on the periphery of the central intellectual conflicts.

The cast is ethnically uniform, staying true to the historical period. However, the film highlights social diversity by contrasting the lives of high-ranking scholars with those of commoners.

The film criticizes institutional power and state-enforced orthodoxy. It portrays political factions and religious persecution as oppressive forces that hinder scientific progress and human freedom.

There are no characters with specific physical or cognitive disabilities. Instead, the film focuses on the socioeconomic hardships faced by exiles and the loss of ability to act caused by their situation.