Small Girl in Fanciful Kingdom Mocks Economic System of Capitalism: Alice

In the world of Korean cinema, Ahn Gooc-jin's "Alice in Earnestland" stands out as a unique and thought-provoking film. Originally titled 앨리스 인 어네스트 랜드, it was first released in 2015 and has since gained critical acclaim, winning several awards including the New Talent Award at the 39th Hong Kong Asian Film Festival and the Grand Prize at the 16th Jeonju International Film Festival.

The film is a Korean retelling of the classic Alice in Wonderland story, but with a dark twist. Set in contemporary South Korea, the story unfolds around Jeong Su-nam, a character who fights to survive amidst capitalist challenges. Su-nam, portrayed by the down-to-earth feminist character, represents working-class women in the film.

The cinematography, credited to Lee Sook-jun, is a major strength of the film. A cascade of close-ups and jump cuts keeps the film from turning into a depressing watch and transforms it into a comedy instead. The use of these techniques adds to the surreal and dreamlike quality of the film, while also serving to heighten the tension and drama.

The story begins with Su-nam narrating her tale to Kyung-sook early in the film. Su-nam's first memories are from her school years, where she aspired to become an elite, not a factory worker. However, life takes a turn for the worse when her husband ends up in a coma and she is unable to bring him back to life.

Throughout the film, Su-nam is thrown into various ordeals, including being thrown into a washing machine in a laundromat. She also faces a number of monstrous characters, including a ghoul-like teacher with no eyes or nose, a manipulative neighbor, and a sexually abusive teacher. The monsters surrounding Su-nam represent the various oppressive systems she must fight against.

One of the most memorable scenes in the film is when Hyeong-Seok, a character in the film, kidnaps Su-nam and nearly murders her. However, Su-nam manages to turn the tables and ends up killing Hyeong-Seok, who is then seen in the washer after being killed.

The film raises questions about the survival of capitalism and can be considered a feminist film, as it portrays a strong female character fighting against oppressive systems. It also references a scene from Sergei Eisenstein's Battleship Potemkin, adding another layer of depth to the film.

Overall, "Alice in Earnestland" is a must-see for anyone interested in Korean cinema and thought-provoking films that challenge the status quo. With its unique blend of comedy, drama, and surrealism, it is a film that will leave a lasting impression.