Is Obituary Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1938)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 1938, Obituary represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Drama category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Seong-jae, a maid of Yeong-dal's house, lives with her daughter Soon-i. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama 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: "Seong-jae, a maid of Yeong-dal's house, lives with her daughter Soon-i. Her neighboring village, Seok-ju, loves Soon-i. However, as Yeong-dal's scheme makes it difficult to make a living for sewing, Soon-i becomes Yeong-dal's concubine. Sewing, who saved her foundation thanks to her daughter, opened the tavern she had always dreamed of. However, Soon-i leaves a letter without saying a word and she leaves for Pyongyang. After a while, a large sum of 150 won was remitted from her Soon-i. There she became a whore. When Seong-bong learns of her, he takes her Seok-ju and goes to find her. However, the way to pay off her 500 won debt was vague. On a rainy night, Seong-joo robs her pawnshop and gives Seok-joo a bundle of stolen money and collapses. But it was a piece of her newspaper and she felt relieved that she was freed from sin. In front of Se-bong, the happy wedding scene between Seok-ju and Soon-i comes to mind."

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 Shin-jae 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 Yun Bong-chun 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 Obituary 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 Drama, 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, Obituary explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1938 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Yun Bong-chun 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, Obituary 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 Shin-jae or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Obituary is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.