The Fake(Yeon Sang-Ho, 2013): South Korea

Reviewed by Gabriella Baez. Viewed at the AFI Film Festival, Los Angeles.

The original Korean title being Saibi, which translates to “something that looks like something else but isn’t,” sets a road map through the films overall theme of deception. Easily dismissed as a childish cartoon due to films animated nature, The Fake directed by Yeon Sang-Ho  is not only uniquely crafted by also sends a strong message about societal reflex. The setting of the film takes place in a small rural town on the outskirts of Seoul, in South Korea. The town is in constant distress of the fear of an upcoming flood that is suspected to destroy the valley. In their time of need, a seemingly kind pastor and equally sociable businessman begin to literally sell the idea that they can be save through their faith in God; not to mention their financial cooperation. The town is won over by these two new comers and put their faith in God and their wallets in the hands of a wanted felon.

Being persuaded due to the vulnerability of their situation, the people are manipulated into them in giving them money. The pastor and businessman promise the people that with their money they will build a refuge so that they can all survive. Unknowingly giving their funds to scammers, the only non-oblivious person is the one most hated person in town; Ming-Chul. Being a terribly brutal character, pronounced by his constant swearing and unforgivable actions (losing his daughters college fund in a card game) Ming-Chul is anything but trust worthy. Similar to the old fable of The Girl Who Cried Wolf, the main character is disadvantaged by his heavy record as a liar when he goes about trying to convince people of the true scam.

As the pressure beings to consume the town’s people in their hardship, the society as a whole looks to an extremely charismatic and polite Pastor who seems to have all the answers. Through their conformist attitudes the film demonstrates the extremist side of Christianity in South Korea. Not only is this a reflection upon religion, but the idea of looking towards a symbol of hope is a basic survival instinct of human behavior. Clinging on to hope is reflected as naïve because it can easily distort the truth. The film also elaborates on the irony of friendly charismatic people in their easily drawn efforts to spread a lie. Society is willing to accept the information without a doubt due to the source being seemingly good natured. Although often it is the aggressive and non-social individuals that speak the truth, are dismissed due to their lack of popularity.

In summary, I would definitely recommend this film for the artistic perspective it takes on animation and incorporating the director’s strength with a powerful message. I felt that this film give great insight to the capacity of humanity to seek refuge and the lies we tell to survive.  The film also narrows in on religion, which comes off less aggressive due to the animation. If you have yet to experiment with Korean or Japanese animation I think that any viewer would be pleasantly surprised by the beauty and emotional capacity of the characters.