Once Upon a Time in High School

Once Upon a Time in High School, released in 2004, presents an engaging and emotional drama set in the backdrop of South Korea during the 1970s. Starring Sang-woo Kwon, Lee Jung-Jin, Ga-in Han, the plot unwinds through the lives of high school students, wrestling with their own share of friendship, love, and rivalry in the oppressive regime of a Korean school.

Hyun-Soo Kwon (Sang-Woo Kwon), the protagonist of the film, is an introverted student who gets transferred to the Jungmoon High School, known for its stern discipline and physical punishment. Detached and reserved, Hyun-Soo is vested deep within his own world of Bruce Lee films and martial arts fantasies. His life takes a turn when he encounters Woo-Sik (Lee Jung-Jin), a rebellious and brawny student, and Eun-Ju (Ga-in Han), a beautiful and charismatic girl.

Woo-Sik appears to be the direct antithesis of Hyun-Soo, vibrant and rebellious, showcasing a violent and assertive demeanor. He defies the authoritarianism of the high school and becomes a symbol of resistance within the student body. Thus, their friendship seems unlikely, if not impossible. However, as the narrative progresses, they form an unusual bond of friendship. Woo-Sik resonates with Hyun-Soo's silent defiance, whereas the latter is drawn to the former’s bold and audacious spirit.

Contrarily, Eun-Ju is brought into the picture as an epitome of grace and tenderness. Her entry fleshes out the romantic angle in the story as both Hyun-Soo and Woo-Sik are mystified by her charm and find themselves attracted to her. However, this newfound romance adds another layer of complexity to their awkward friendship, bringing out themes of love, rivalries, and heartbreaking choices.

The film also presents a vivid portrayal of high school life during the 1970s in Korea, seen from the perspectives of students, teachers, and school authorities. The rigid discipline, the dominance of corporal punishment, and the paradoxical message of pursuing dreams yet conforming to strict societal norms are highlighted. The stark realism of student life in this environment is depicted throughout, offering valuable insight into South Korean society during this era.

The director Yu Ha brilliantly uses martial arts as a metaphor demonstrating Hyun-Soo's quest for identity and purpose in life. He introduces snippets of Hyun-Soo watching Bruce Lee movies, dreaming about martial art fights, and staging a tragic-hero character of himself in his fantasies. These sequences serve as a striking contrast to his existing life, characterized by submission and acceptance of rules.

The cast delivers impressive performances, lending depth and authenticity to their roles. Sang-Woo Kwon skillfully encapsulates the emotional breadth of Hyun-Soo's character, presenting a clear progression from an obedient student to a young man in search of his individuality. Equally praiseworthy is Lee Jung-Jin in his portrayal of the rugged and headstrong Woo-Sik, bringing to life the challenges of an adolescence spent in rebellion. Ga-in Han, too, plays the character of Eun-Ju with grace and finesse, beautifully rendering the tenderness and complexity of her character.

With its compelling narrative, Once Upon a Time in High School succeeds in encapsulating the trials, tribulations, and joys of high school life amidst an oppressive backdrop. Its thoughtful depiction of friendship, rivalry, and romance, converge to give a vivid picture of life coming of age in 1970s South Korea. Not only does it provide a nostalgic trip down memory lane for viewers familiar with that era, but it also provides important insights for present audiences into the domestic social dynamics of this time.

Visually arresting and emotionally intense, Once Upon a Time in High School is a movie that brings to life the essence of adolescence, and its struggles for identity, friendship, and love. It's a layered and impactful film that stays with you long after the credits roll and leaves the viewer with a sense of poignancy and deep contemplation.