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Social Significance of Recent Korean Courtroom Films : A Case Study of Silenced, Unbowed, The Attorney and New Trial

한국 법정영화의 사회적 의미연구

  • Kim, Bo-Kyong (International Cultural Institute at Nanchang Institute of Science and Technology and Hummanities of Seoul National University)
  • 김보경 (난창공대 문화산업연구원 및 서울대학교 인문학연구원)
  • Received : 2021.07.14
  • Accepted : 2021.09.05
  • Published : 2021.09.30

Abstract

This study explores four Korean films: Silenced (2011), Unbowed (2012), The Attorney (2014), and New Trial (2017). Based on these films, this study explores the features of courtroom films and their social significance on society. The ability of Korean courtroom films to have such a profound impact on Korean society is something that is not usually witnessed in other countries. Also, the fact that they are low-budget works, not action/thrillers within the 'guaranteed star' system, and the fact that they present opportunities for netizens to call for change is a defining feature of Korean courtroom films. All four films have sparked controversy over the level of realism in Korean courtroom films, but what is more important is the way in which they portray contemporary social change. In summary, these four Korean courtroom films highlight the characteristics of social action and the means of mobilization required to effect it.

본 연구는 <도가니> (2011), <부러진 화살> (2012), <변호인> (2014), <재심>(2017)까지 네편의 영화를 통해 한국의 법정 영화의 특징과 한국 법정영화의 사회적 의미를 탐색한다. 한국 법정 영화가 한국 사회에 미치는 영향은 보통 다른 나라에서는 볼 수 없는 차별적인 것이다. 한국 법정 영화는 '스타' 체제 내의 액션/스릴러가 아닌 저예산 작품이라는 점과 네티즌들에게 변화를 촉구할 수 있는 기회를 제공한다는 특징을 지녔다. 네 편의 영화 모두 한국 법정영화의 사실성 수준에 대한 논란을 불러일으켰지만, 중요한 것은 현대 한국 사회의 변화를 어떻게 그려내느냐 하는 점이다. 요약하자면, 이 네 편의 한국 법정 영화는 사회적 행동의 특성과 그것을 실현하기 위한 사회 고발적 기능을 수행하고 있다.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This paper is suppored by the Institute of Humanities at Seoul National University.

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