Is Equal Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2022)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Equal, a standout production of 2022, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Music landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Equal is a two-hander Korean musical based on the Japanese stage play of the same name by Kenichi Suemitsu. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Music are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Equal is a two-hander Korean musical based on the Japanese stage play of the same name by Kenichi Suemitsu. The musical’s book and lyrics are by Soovin Kim, with music by Woody Pak.[1] The musical is set in 17th century Europe, during the Black Death pandemic. The story takes place over a week and follows the attempts of Theo, a country doctor, to find a cure for the mysterious illness that is killing his best friend Nicola.[2] Equal held its first theatrical run from December 31, 2021 to February 20, 2022 at Uniplex Hall 1 in Seoul, South Korea.[3] A second Seoul production ran from June 3, 2022 to July 24, 2022, also at Uniplex Hall 1. A number of the 2022 Seoul cast reprised their roles in Equal's first Japanese production, which ran from August 4, 2022 to August 14, 2022 at Tokyo's Hulic Hall."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Kim Kyung-rok provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by 심설인 is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its N/A minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Equal truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Music, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Equal explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2022 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and 심설인 respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Equal is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Kim Kyung-rok or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Equal is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.