Sleeping Beauty
"Sleeping Beauty" (2008) is a South Korean drama directed by Lee Han Na, comprising three interwoven narratives that explore complex human relationships and societal issues. In the segment titled "My Cousin," sixth-grader Do Yeon, portrayed by Im Ah Young, attends her grandmother's funeral and reconnects with her cousin Sang Jun. Amidst the solemnity, they share a poignant experience that marks their coming-of-age. "Winter Sleep" follows Yi Rye, a woman in her fifties played by Kim Ja Young, who cares for her father suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Their strained relationship delves into themes of familial duty and the emotional toll of caregiving. The final story, "Sleeping Beauty," features Lee Na Ri as Su Jin, a young woman smuggled into Korea and coerced into an arranged marriage with an elderly man, Mr. Kim, portrayed by Kwon Tae Won. This narrative examines the exploitation inherent in human trafficking and the quest for autonomy. Ji Chang Wook appears in a supporting role as Jin Seo, adding depth to the ensemble cast. Through its triptych structure, "Sleeping Beauty" offers a contemplative look at the intersections of love, loss, and societal constraints.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 슬리핑 뷰티
🌎 Also Known As: Seulliping Byuti
🎭 Genres: Drama
🏷 Tags: Coming-of-Age, Family Relationships, Human Trafficking, Alzheimer’s Disease, Sexual Abuse
✍ Screenwriter & Director: Lee Han Na
🎬 Director: Lee Han Na
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Release Date: October 23, 2008
📺 Original Network: N/A
⏰ Duration: 1 hr. 49 min.
🔞 Content Rating: Not Yet Rated
Best Scenes
- In “My Cousin,” the poignant moment when Do Yeon and her cousin Sang Jun share a heartfelt conversation during their grandmother’s funeral, highlighting the innocence of youth amidst sorrow.
- In “Winter Sleep,” Yi Rye’s silent struggle as she cares for her father with dementia, capturing the emotional weight of caregiving.
- In “Sleeping Beauty,” Su Jin’s first night in the unfamiliar household, portraying her vulnerability and the beginning of her challenging journey.
- The scene where Yi Rye reminisces about her past, offering a glimpse into her lost dreams and the passage of time.
- The final sequence of “Sleeping Beauty,” where Su Jin makes a pivotal decision about her future, encapsulating her resilience.
Filming Locations
- Traditional Korean homes in suburban settings, providing an authentic backdrop for the familial narratives.
- Urban Seoul streets, contrasting the rural scenes and emphasizing the characters’ isolation.
- Hospitals and care facilities, highlighting the realities of elder care in “Winter Sleep.”
- Funeral halls, setting the somber tone for “My Cousin.”
- Countryside landscapes, reflecting the characters’ internal journeys and the passage of time.
Visual Design and Costumes
- Muted color palettes to reflect the melancholic themes across all three stories.
- Traditional Korean attire during the funeral scenes, emphasizing cultural authenticity.
- Simple, everyday clothing for characters, highlighting their ordinary lives amidst extraordinary circumstances.
- Natural lighting to enhance the realism and intimacy of each narrative.
- Minimalist set designs, focusing attention on character interactions and emotions.
Themes and Messages
- Exploration of familial bonds and the complexities within, as seen in “My Cousin.”
- The challenges and emotional toll of caregiving for aging parents in “Winter Sleep.”
- The exploitation and struggles faced by immigrants seeking a better life, depicted in “Sleeping Beauty.”
- The resilience of women confronting societal and personal adversities.
- The intersection of tradition and modernity in contemporary Korean society.
Interesting Facts
- “Sleeping Beauty” marks one of the early film appearances of actor Ji Chang Wook, who plays Jin Seo in the “Sleeping Beauty” segment.
- The film’s triptych structure allows for a multifaceted exploration of different societal issues within a single cinematic experience.
- Director Lee Han Na also served as the screenwriter, bringing a unified vision to the storytelling.
- The film delves into sensitive topics such as dementia, human trafficking, and familial estrangement, prompting viewers to reflect on these issues.
- “Sleeping Beauty” offers a contemplative portrayal of women’s experiences in various challenging circumstances, resonating with audiences seeking thought-provoking cinema.
Awards
As of now, there are no records of “Sleeping Beauty” (2008) receiving any awards or nominations. The film, directed by Lee Han Na, is noted for its exploration of complex human relationships and societal issues. Despite its thematic depth, it has not been recognized with formal accolades in the film industry.
Real-Life Loves on Set
Trailer
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