Cheering and Encouraging at the 'Beauty's Banquet'

Cheering and Encouraging at the 'Beauty's Banquet'

 

Director Kim Dong-eun's Influence on the Rise of Independent Films Through OTT Platforms

With the rise of OTT platforms, not only commercial films but also independent and short films have found a more accessible stage than ever before. Among them, there are short films that pack a punch in less than 50 minutes, ranging from lively and creative ideas to sharp social messages. As the editor, I would like to introduce some of these films that have caught my attention.

In a dark and messy room, a beautiful woman stuffs herself with cookies and chocolates. She then rushes to the bathroom to vomit it all out. Taking a selfie and checking her appearance, she smiles at the camera but is clearly dissatisfied. She throws her phone and screams in frustration.

 

That night, dressed in her finest attire, the woman meets a man named Woo-jin through a dating app. In the restroom of a bar, she sees another woman vomiting just like her. The woman has a butterfly tattoo on her wrist and scars from self-harm. Back at the table, the woman falls for Woo-jin's compliments and ends up going to a motel with him. However, she becomes self-conscious about her body and ends up going back home. She eats ramen and drinks milk to calm her nerves before throwing it all up again. Exhausted, she collapses and wakes up to face the morning with the burden of society's expectations and her own self-loathing.

After removing her makeup and changing into comfortable clothes, she goes to the grocery store and prepares a simple meal. She struggles to keep her food down but eventually manages to eat with chopsticks. In today's society, everything revolves around appearances. We know that the obsession with beauty is a harmful phenomenon, yet it has become a major topic and concern for many.

In conclusion, "Beautybanquet" is a thought-provoking film that sheds light on the toxic beauty standards in our society. It portrays the struggles of a woman who is constantly bombarded with unrealistic expectations and the pressure to conform. As someone who has also experienced the pressure to fit into society's narrow definition of beauty, this film resonated with me deeply. It serves as a reminder that we need to challenge and change these harmful societal norms. Let's strive for a society where everyone can feel comfortable and confident in their own skin.