Film critic Djuna’s opinion regarding overlap between film “Rules of Dating” and the recent reports of a Hanssem male supervisor allegedly sexually assaulting a new female employee sparked another controversy through Twitter on Saturday.
Djuna expressed surprise at the public’s denial of the movie’s intention and the background of sexual assault when the movie came out in 2005. The film critic added that it did not matter so much how one watches the movie, but rather the acknowledgement of the main issue at hand: sexual assault. Many Twitter users agreed with Djuna’s perspective and shared the post.
(Sidus Pictures)
According to the film critic, the overall plot of the movie incorporates many similar elements to the Hanssem case.
Released in 2005, “Rules of Dating” portrays the relationship between English high school teacher Yurim and art teacher-in-training Hong. Throughout the movie, Yurim persistently requests Hong make love to her and she finally succeeds after the two drink together.
The plot bears close similarity to what might have happened between the Hanssem employees with the female worker's denial of “consensual sex,” contrary to her supervisor's claims.
(Yonhap)
At the time of the movie’s release, the online community fiercely debated whether it was “rape” or “the beginning of love.” Some criticized the movie for its glorification of rape and harassment.
“Rules of Dating” was co-written by Ko Yoon-hee and director Han Jae-lim for his debut production. Despite negative reviews, Han’s film received the 2005 Best Film Award from the Busan Film Critics Association with main characters Park Hae-il and Kang Hye-jung.
By Catherine Chung (
cec82@heraldcorp.com)
