Silenced (2011)

This is based on a true story but with some left out details but not enough to detract from the plot but I admit some of those details changed a little how I feel about the main character but not enough to not be inspired and love this movie. I consider myself a stoic person but I start with admitting, I cried hideously during this movie. I was a mess. I actually had to pause this to kind of gather myself a little. It was very hard for me to watch because I tend to be a mess about movies with these types of themes especially when it involves children. However, this particularly hit me hard because of how utterly messed up the system was and the fact that no one was willing to fight this injustice because of how risky it was. Yet, a part of me also examined myself and wondered, if I were in the situation as the teacher would I do the same? Ugh, it was a very good movie because it had a point to make and it also is a criticism of the Korean system. Something, I don't see in a lot of Korean movies. Furthermore, the knowledge that these are real people who were affected did a number on me not to mention the fact that these were deaf children. A little nick here is that I prefer the title Silenced to The Crucible mainly because I'm an Arthur Miller fan (not really I just somewhat respect him) and I see the similarities but not enough for me to care for it. I felt like the title "Silenced" had the double entendre about it that made this more poignant.

Lire davantage

First, I want to say that I was drawn to this film because of Gong Yoo (one of my favorites), which is why it is so important that he was a part of this film. I knew, based on the synopsis, that this would be a very different role from what I've seen him play before, but I had no idea how emotionally traumatizing the story would be.

I didn't think I would have a problem with the subject matter. I had recently watched the documentary Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God, which is a very similar story involving an American Catholic school for the deaf, so I felt prepared. What this film does differently than the documentary, is that it dares to actually show some of that abuse. The images are disturbing, and haunting, and at times it feels almost like it's too much. Still, these scenes made me so angry that the conclusion had a really strong impact on me. Apparently this is a sentiment that was shared by enough Koreans to have the investigation reopened as a result of this film.

Not only does this film deal with the stigma, and cover ups, involved in sexual abuse cases, it also shows how people with disabilities can be completely disregarded, and devalued. This is not a hero story with a happy ending, but rather a story of how everyday heros can choose to positively effect lives, even in the face of an adverse community.

The entire cast is outstanding, particularly the abused kids. Gong Yoo still has his charm, but it's nice to see him in a different kind of role. The film is well paced. It's a tearjerker, without being overly melodramatic or sentimental. The conclusion may not have been what I wanted to see, but it was still oddly inspiring.

I would definitely recommend this as a film that will leave you with something to think about. This may not be something that many people would want to watch again, because of the subject matter, but I can see myself rewatching it in time. This movie does a great job of giving a voice to an often silenced and ignored group. I think the least that can be done, even if it's a little difficult, is that we listen to those voices.

Lire davantage

This movie will touch you! It will leave you speechless and for the next few days you will be thinking about some scenes you saw in this movie.

The storyline is very good, the saddest thing here is that this movie wasn't made up or scripted. No, this movie was made because it really happend. The acting in this movie is amazing, ecxpecially the children. Damn they made it so believe-able, the emotions, the silinces just everything.

I gave the rewatch value a 9, but I won't rewatch is. This movie was really heavy. That is what it made so great, they didn't coverd things up, they showed it how it really happend. The only time I'll watch this movie is when someone will ask me to watch it with them.

Overall is this a must-see movie, I'd recommend it but you have got to be strong to watch this. It's not for the faint hearted people.

Lire davantage

well how do i say this.....this was one of the best movies i have ever watched. the acting was fantastic. especially the children. at first i was scared to watch this movie because of the graphic scenes i was afraid of. but i dont regret forcing myself to. its a story that should be told. to raise awareness of the atrocities that happen in the world. this movie made me cry so much and i usually dont cry easily. BE WARNED this isnt an easy movie to deal with so if ur faint at heart and love happy endings this movie is not recommended. i mean not much i can say since the other reviews pretty much said it all but a very sad, emotional, and life changing movie.

Lire davantage

I don't want to give this movie a high score because it's obvious how awful the situation was in real life. It pains me to think that this happened over 10 years ago and situations similar to this are still happening in the world. The movie sickened me and I felt as if my soul was as black as a tunnel. Many reviews mentioned crying however by the end I was so built up on rage and hatred. For those with weak hearts, I recommend you to prepare yourselves for what you are about to witness. The actors did a great job portraying the actual situation/film plotline. However, I cannot help but feel pain for the innocent and disgust for our corrupt world. damn that's deep af <.< just expressing some kept in rage (the end scene was so painfully realistic however I am certainly glad that the teacher is gone once and for all. 1 down, 3 more to go.

Lire davantage

the story is quite not pleasing into the eyes if your going to watch it. but its based on the reality life so you need to deal with it. the actor /actresses act well very convincing. the music is good. As for me I won't watched this ever again. I can't move while watching this kind of movie. I can't believe it really exist even I've experience this kind of physical abuse. I just seat on my bed while watching this I just giggling with anger. Why do they need to do those things are they human or demon opps sorry for the word. I just spill out my feelings towards the movie. I really cried out of this movie. Thanks to the producer who made this it gave an open eyes to all who are parents are being abusive with their children.

Lire davantage

Going to preface this review by letting you know that the sexual abuse in this movie is pretty graphic. And somewhat frequent. If that's something you can't handle, I would suggest not watching this movie.

Story: The story, sadly true, is about deaf and mute children who suffer constant sexual abuse from the people paid to protect them.

The movie is a lot more graphic than I would have originally imagined it being, and in the end, that's what makes this movie so amazing. It seems so incredibly real the whole time you're watching it that it just breaks your heart. Every scream, every tear, and every bit of abuse you witness on screen just tears you up inside.

I really enjoy the pace of the movie. We get some time to see the main characters, build a connection with them, and see how affected they are by the abuse, and this movie leaves a huge impact on you because of that.

Acting/Cast: Gong Yoo has been my favorite actor from the second I started watching Korean dramas/movies. Given the storyline and his ability to always grab me with his acting, I knew I wouldn't regret my choice to watch this movie. I was definitely not disappointed by this man. His ability to just jump into any role and play it perfectly is fantastic.

Baek Seung Hwan, Kim Hyun Soo, and Jung In Seo all deserve praise for their acting in this movie. They all managed to portray abused children so perfectly that you believe every single second of it. When they cry, you cry; when you have to sit there and watch them get sexually molested, you cry.
If you're anything like me though, even though each of their stories breaks your heart, Baek Seung Hwan's acting/character will just kill you.

Jang Gwang also did a fantastic job in his role. Not only did he have to play twins; he had to play twins that both sexually molested students.

Music: I only remember two songs from this movie, and that's only because they play a pretty vital role. Normally I would score low for that, but the lack of music playing in the movie really helped. Instead of distracting you with music, it lets you focus on everything that's happening.

Rewatch Value: So far, I've watched this twice. I'm sure I'll watch it many more times in the future.

Overall: Overall, this movie is sheer perfection. It's brilliantly told, the acting is spectacular, and it manages to just make you sit there and think long after you've finished it.

Lire davantage

Firstly, be warned that some scenes are *extremely* disturbing and this movie is for mature audience that can handle very sensitive issues. The movie is also based on a true story.
That being said, the story is a very painful face slap of injustice and a sad reality. It's a great movie for it does exactly what its meant to do and you feel exactly what your meant to feel. It's really sickening to see how inhuman people can be. The characters are very authentic and the actors delivered well.
Though it's a good movie worth the watch, I don't know how many people would enjoy the re-watch.

Lire davantage

I don't exactly know if I should say I loved it or hated it. It had me in tears from the start. It was amazing in how they did this.
I usually don't watch things like this put the plot pulled me in. Its based off a true story which made it harder to watch.
The acting was very good. I didn't think young kids could act like this. The kids were the ones that made me cry the most.
So I want people to watch this. I want people to watch and see how good these actors are and how good the movie is. I loved it. No, I won't re-watch it. My heart can't handle that.
Its more then I expected.

Lire davantage

Story: Heartbreaking, but a story that needed to be told nonetheless. This goes to prove that justice isn't always served up as much as it should be. This will have you fighting with yourself whether or not to look at the screen, because it tugs at an area deep inside your heart. Have a box of tissues ready along with something to relieve your anger and frustrations on, because this is going to reach in and pull emotions out of you that can't be ignored. Be warned this is a movie meant for mature audiences because there are many scenes with graphic images and dark concepts not meant for the weak of heart.

Acting/Cast: Phenomenal acting and great cast. This must have been hard for the children to act out. It takes real skill to portray the emotions in the way these kids did without having actually experiencing such events. They were truly talented. Only thing I'm left wondering is if the people who portrayed the antagonists had to take breaks in between scenes due to the overall stress of the story. This had to have been hard on the actors as well due to the overall story.

Music: I only recall a couple songs being played in the movie, but the instrumentals and music were decent.

Rewatch Value: This was an emotionally hard video to watch, and to many it might be too hard to watch again. But I could see myself watching it again, and possibly trying to get a friend to watch it with me as well.

Overall, this was a great movie, but you better be emotionally prepared for what you're about to see. If you're expecting an ending where justice is served in full, you'll be very disappointed. I highly recommend this film to someone who wants their hearts to be truly touched and for someone who wants to see the darker realities that exist in today's world. To me, this is a must-see. In fact, I think this could have easily been drawn out to be turned into a minidrama series.

Lire davantage