Courtesy of Pan Cinema
"FAQ," the debut feature film from director Kim Da-min, delves into the world of an 11-year-old girl navigating the pressures of South Korea's private education system.
The film follows elementary school student Dong-chun (played by Park Na-eun) as she grapples with the demands of after-school cram schools, enforced by her mother (portrayed by Park Hyo-joo).
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▲ Courtesy of Pan Cinema |
During a school trip, Dong-chun discovers a bottle of makgeolli, a Korean rice wine, which begins emitting noises as it ferments, revealing Morse code messages in the Persian alphabet.
Set against the backdrop of South Korea's rigorous private education system, Dong-chun embarks on a journey of self-discovery with the help of her unlikely companion, the talking makgeolli.
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▲ Courtesy of Pan Cinema |
Director Kim drew inspiration from personal experiences, including attending a makgeolli-making class and observing children waiting for cram school buses.
The film offers a satirical commentary on the pressures faced by young students in the private education system and explores themes of curiosity and self-discovery.
Lead actress Park Na-eun empathized with her character's suppressed desires and dreams amidst academic demands.
Director Kim, known for her work on the Netflix series "A Killer Paradox," sees the film as a reflection of her own journey of curiosity and exploration.
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