Come Come Come Upward

Come Come Come Upward is a profound South Korean drama that elegantly unravels a narrative of faith, power, religion, struggle, and the tumult of human emotions, offering an insightful perspective into the ethical and moral complexities of life. Directed by Im Kwon-Taek, a notable figure in the South Korean film industry, the film features remarkable performances by Kang Soo-youn, Yeong-mi Jin, and In-chon Yu. Released in the year 1989, this film majestically captures the struggle of following one's faith and aspirations amidst societal pressures.

The plot primarily follows two young female protagonists. Kang Soo-youn charismatically portrays the character of Agnes, a christian girl who has always dreamt of becoming a nun, and her spirit filled journey towards her aspiration. Yeong-mi Jin enriches the narrative with her exceptional portrayal of Iseon, a brilliant high school student whose ambition to excel in her academics and secure a place in a prestigious university gets intertwined with Agnes's journey. The movie presents the divergent paths that both these women take while also reflecting the societal issues or obstacles they encounter.

The character of Agnes encapsulates the ethos of deep-rooted faith and persistent spirit. As she covers the journey from being an ardent believer to serving the church as a novice nun, the viewers witness her face conflicts both within her faith and within herself. The societal pressure and slander doesn't deter her spirit but reveals her extraordinary resilience and the unabated drive to uncompromisingly follow her path.

On the other side of the spectrum is the character of Iseon, a diligent student who is engrossed in the world of academics, aspiring to top her final exams and secure a seat at the reputable Seoul National University. Though desperate to climb the ladder of success, she is constantly pulled down by the incompetence and negligence of her school. Her struggle with illogical superstition, corruption, and escaping the societal pressures of maintaining good grades forms the crux of her journey.

Their worlds collide when they cross lines at the same Catholic school, where they both struggle with their unique challenges. The stark contrast of their worlds makes for a compelling narrative, which is infused with a deep sense of uncertainty, determination, suspense, and a profound exploration of values and virtues.

In-chon Yu’s performance as the school principal adds a significant layer to the storyline, engaging viewers with a measured portrayal of authority and responsibility, set amidst the somewhat chaotic circumstances faced by the lead characters.

Magnificently directed, Im Kwon-Taek invites viewers into a world that starkly unveils complex human emotions, individual aspirations, struggles, and above all, the strength required to follow one's faith and ambitions amidst societal prejudices and difficulties. His exceptional cinematic techniques embellished with meticulous attention to detail, brings an exquisite depth to the film, making it not only a visual delight but also a profound insightful journey for the viewers.

The cinematography contributes to magnifying the emotional depth of the film, further augmented by an evocative soundtrack that does justice to the intense narrative. The backgrounds, frames, and hues are used significantly to enhance the portrayal of the nuanced emotional and moral complexities the characters go through.

Come Come Come Upward is a film that seamlessly merges conflicts of faith, aspiration, societal norms, and corruption with the individual paths of two young women, and their journey towards their ambition amidst societal discrepancies. The viewer is invited to traverse the intense labyrinth of these characters' existences, making the film a captivating and thought-provoking experience.

In conclusion, Come Come Come Upward offers an authentic excursion through the lives of two distinctively different, yet equally ambitious women, who overcome obstacles to stay true to their respective paths. Bringing to life a robust narrative centered around conflicting societal norms and vices, the film maintains an intense ambiance while shedding light on the often glossed-over aspects of human life and struggle, making it a vastly relevant and lingering cinematic masterpiece.