Korean Movie Night: Collective Invention 돌연변이 (2015) Korean

Lee Kwang Soo, Park Bo Young, Lee Chun Hee, Jang Gwang, Lee Byung Joon, Kim Hee Won

Movie rating: 8/10     Neck score: ?? (A?)

I was both happy and sad to watch this because while Kwang Soo is an amazing actor who can emote even with a fish head on, it meant that I didn't get to see his face the entire time, and that always makes me sad. Plus, it is a show about a man who gets turned into a half fish man, so how happy could it be? It was definitely designed to get you in the feels. It brings up the dilemma of what is right, between the advancement of science and cultural economy and human rights. The whole time everyone is fighting over Park Goo (Lee Kwang Soo) and what should happen to him, Goo is just so humble and patient about it. It makes the heart bleed for him.



I love the documentary narrative style, with our narrator being aspiring reporter Sang Won (Lee Chun Hee) who was given the assignment to get the scoop on the fish man in hopes that he can get a job as a reporter while all the news station reporters are on strike. He is dealing with wanting to get a job versus screwing his fellow reporters over, and in general the educational and job hunting system that he has little chance in as a community college graduate. He empathizes with Goo, as he is also trapped, but is torn between his own problems of trying to fit in and following his dream.

This movie is a statement against the current working and job hunting conditions as we are given a very ordinary man who becomes extraordinary in not a good way. He is unemployed after college and looking for some quick cash while studying for the civil service exams, and because of that becomes a fish. Park Bo Young does a great job playing the "girlfriend" character, who is there to exploit the opportunity, but also feels guilty. She is rebelling against the system as a college drop out who doesn't see the point in going considering the current market. She is also an internet troll and active netizen, who would do anything for some quick cash as well. Add the aspiring reporter community college graduate and we have three facets of young people caught in the current job market and working culture.

It also makes some statements on media culture and corporate manipulation, as we see how the world views our poor fish man based on how the news is reported. We also see how the media is manipulated by corporate drive as Goo's situation is used for profit or the advancement of science. Basically it is designed to get you angry and make you sad all at once. The ending was interesting, but as a whole the show left a good impression and was not overly dramatic or depressing. It gave you feels, but not in a bad way. I think it is definitely worth the watch, especially if you want to see some amazing physical acting, because Kwang Soo stole the show and he only had like 10 lines. How can someone emote so well with a fish head? Only uri Oppa. Heart.