Bujaeui gieok (2018) User Reviews

Compelling and morose documentary

[davyu-73849 · 8/10 · 18 January 2020]

This documentary is not for the faint of heart as it details the tragedy of MV Sewol sinking that claimed more than 300 lives, mostly school children. It also details the corruption and negligence of the government as it resurfaces more during the investigation. If you wonder how would the parents feel when they lose their children, this documentary evokes the exact emotions and hopelessness the parents are imbued with.

In the Absence of good judgment

[MovieJunkie5 · 8/10 · 31 January 2020]

When you're witnessing a tragedy on the making and the first thing you order is to put cameras to record footage from the inside you know there's no hope. From the perspective of the movie it could've been so simpler, with plenty of time to get out of the ferry... But there's still hope because of people like Jeon Gwang-Geun, whose heroic acts brought peace and a chance to bury their children to dozens of families.

Unbelievable

[mike-tan-58-412540 · 9/10 · 16 July 2020]

A must see. One of the best documentaries made. Gripping and intense. Why unbelievable: government officials just standing by, only talking and showing no leadership and initiative in such a dramatic event. In contrary, a deep bow and salute to the civilian divers and parents.

The most Powerful Documentary I've screened this year

[ScottduPont · 10/10 · 9 February 2020]

I was absolutely floored when I saw this film. The filmmakers had footage from the teenagers on board the ship, news stations, helicopters, drones, and later the heroic civilian divers. This is a must-see film that we can all learn lessons from, so that a tragic event like this never happens again. I met some of the family members at the screening who all support this film as well. Very powerful film!

South Korea's year shows some tragic things

[lee_eisenberg · 10/10 · 22 April 2020]

Prior to "In the Absence" and "Parasite", no South Korean movie had ever gotten nominated for an Oscar. I haven't seen the latter, but I just watched the former. It tells the story of one of the most tragic events in South Korea this century. Everyone should know this story.