Sa Bang-ji

A somber, sensual period tragedy that lingers on forbidden tenderness and the cruelty of those who judge it.

Directed by

Song Gyeong-sik

Genres

Drama, Romance, History

Starring

Lee Hye-young, Bang Hee, Kwak Jeong-Hee

Overview

Sa Bangji was an intersex person who according to historical records lived during Korea’s Joseon Dynasty. Taken in by a kindly benefactor, Sa Bangji lives in a monastery that is one day visited by a young widow, Lee So-sa, who is in mourning following the death of her husband. The pair’s meeting seems predestined, with the erotic attraction between Sa Bangji and Lee So-sa soon evolving into something far more transcendent – and dangerous. While aspects of the film – its stylised depiction of female actors and sex – identify it as a product of its time, Sa Bangji is undeniably a milestone in screen representations of intersex people, a film that refuses to shy away from the horrendous stigmatization faced by its titular character.

How it feels

Melancholic, dark, romantic and earnest. Slow-burning and needs your attention.

About

Identity, love, betrayal, revenge

Content

Strong sexual content. Mild violence, gore and language.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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Watch the trailer on YouTube (opens in a new tab)