5.3
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Sa Bang-ji
1988·Movie
·1h 34min·
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
Energy
MediumTense
Sa Bang-ji is tense.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
All heart traits
- Romance8Love stories and emotional connections.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Catharsis3Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia0Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
World
MediumHistory, society, and a real life story
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, society, and a real life story. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Rewatchability3Invites repeat viewing.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Biographical8Lives of notable figures.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Politics5Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Craft
MediumStandout characters and performances
The characters and performances stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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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
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Sa Bang-ji
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Sa Bang-ji worth watching?
59
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions 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.