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Sa Bang-ji

1988·Movie
1h 34min

Where to watch

No stream option in US yet.

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

Sa Bang-ji fingerprint

No humor.

Energy

Tense

  • Tension7
  • Fast Pace4
  • Violence4

Heart

Romantic and moving

  • Romance8
  • Pathos8
  • Melancholy7

Humor

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay3
  • Situational Comedy0
  • Physical Comedy0

World

History, society, and a real life story

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion8
  • Novelty8
  • Dialogue Centrality6

Craft

Standout characters and performances

  • Character Depth9
  • Acting8
  • Direction7

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Cinematography7
  • Visual Stylization7
  • Editing6

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightPartner WatchSolo WatchThought-Provoking

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About

Sa Bangji was an intersex person who according to historical records lived during Korea’s Joseon Dynasty. Taken in by a kindly benefactor, Sa Bangji lives in a monastery that is one day visited by a young widow, Lee So-sa, who is in mourning following the death of her husband. The pair’s meeting seems predestined, with the erotic attraction between Sa Bangji and Lee So-sa soon evolving into something far more transcendent – and dangerous. While aspects of the film – its stylised depiction of female actors and sex – identify it as a product of its time, Sa Bangji is undeniably a milestone in screen representations of intersex people, a film that refuses to shy away from the horrendous stigmatization faced by its titular character.
Historical Korean DramaIntersex ProtagonistTaboo RomanceSocietal StigmaErotic & IntenseTragic Love StoryHuman RightsPeriod AuthenticGroundbreaking Representation

Crew

Directed by:
Produced by:

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about Sa Bang-ji

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Sa Bang-ji legally?

GoodWatch doesn't know of a legal streaming option for Sa Bang-ji in the United States right now. Pick another country in the Where to Watch section to check elsewhere.

Is Sa Bang-ji worth watching?

59
DecentGoodWatch score

Opinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 60/100 (IMDb 5.3). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Sa Bang-ji rated?

NuditySexual contentDisturbing imagery

Content advisories: nudity, sexual content, and disturbing imagery.

How long is Sa Bang-ji?

1 h 34 min

Sa Bang-ji runs 1 h 34 min.

Is Sa Bang-ji based on a true story?

Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.

What language is Sa Bang-ji in?

Korean

It was made in Korean. Produced in South Korea.