Korean Cinema

Korean Cinema
 

Through multiple platforms and various media, students will learn about Korean cinema via use of classroom discussion, research, video titled Ode to my Father, and the reading of an article titled The World’s Best Cinema, Made in Korea by Jan Kuveler. The lesson will conclude with students selecting a Korean film of significance and analyzing the cultural or political impact of the film.

Grades: 6-8

Time: 2-3 Class Periods

Warm-up Activity:

·         Access students’ prior knowledge of Korean culture.

·         Discuss the controversial film ‘The Interview’.

·         Solicit questions based on the video. (Polls)

Essential Questions:

·         How can movies tell stories about a time and place?

·         How do historical events continue to impact politics and communities today?

·         What are the main characteristics of South Korean Cinema?

·         How do foreign movies differ from foreign films?                           

                                                                                                                                                           

 

Objectives:

·         Reflect on the experience of going to the movies and how it may change in the future.

·         Identify the main characteristics of South Korean Cinema.

·         Explore the diverse nature and influences of the movies.                 

Key Concepts/Vocabulary/Art Elements:

Characteristics, Diversity, Cinema, Controversial, Documentation, Card Stock

Materials

Chromebooks; Card Stock; Writing Implements: Markers, Crayons, Pastels, Water Colors; Glue Sticks; Rulers; Photographs

Art Concepts

Students will create a multimedia presentation after selecting a Korean film of significance and analyzing the cultural or political impact of the film.

 

Lesson 1:

Students will brainstorm and think about the last time they watched a foreign movie. Students will then describe how the movie was similar and different from films produced in the U.S.

Students will then describe the cinema going experience where they live and answer if it’s better to see a movie at the cinema of at home on TV.

 

Poll:

Students will be polled on if they think online streaming will replace the cinema theaters in the future. This poll will consist of a yes or no.

 

Class Discussion:

Select students to explain their responses.

 

Open Ended Question:

Last year a controversial film ‘The Interview’ depicted a group of journalists sent on a mission to kill the North Korean president Kim Jong-un. Is it disrespectful to produce a film like this?

 

Poll:

Students will respond with a yes or no to the following question: Sony refused to show this movie amid the cyber terrorist threat, was this the correct decision to make?

 

Class Discussion:

Select students to explain their responses.

 

Poll:

Like North Korea’s passion for cinema, the South Korean government have also invested a lot of money in promoting the movie industry. Should art be financially supported by the government?

 

Class Discussion:

Select students to explain their responses.

 

Lesson 2:

Recap the activities and conversations from the day prior. Distribute and read The World’s Best Cinema, Made in Korea by Jan Kuveler. Students will respond to questions about vanity in film and other films that are mentioned in the article.

 

Discussion (Think Pair Share):

Do you consider movies to be important? Describe your favorite type of movies.

 

Class Discussion:

Select students to explain their responses.

 

Poll:

Are you looking forward to seeing more Korean movies? This poll will consist of a yes or no.

 

Video:

Watch a trailer of blockbuster film which tells one of the country’s historical myths of the late sixteenth century Admiral Yi titled The Admiral: Roaring Currents.

 

Open Ended Question:

·         Write a brief summary of what you think this movie is about.

·         Which historical event from U.S. history would you like to be made into a film like this?

 

Class Discussion:

Select students to explain their responses.

 

Poll:

Do you think that Korean cinema will overtake the U.S. in terms of box office success soon?

 

Class Discussion:

If you were a film director, what type of movies would you like to shoot? If you were a government official, what types of movies would you like to shoot and why?

 

Class Discussion:

Select students to explain their responses.

 

Lesson 3

Recap the activities and conversations from the day prior.

 

Group students in up to four per table:

I will play clips from Ode to My Father by Yoon Je-kyoon that highlights specific historical events. Each group will create a presentation, selecting which event they would like to discuss and if the film made any cultural and political impacts. Groups will draw a movie poster that represents the film as they would sell it to viewers.

 

Lesson Reflection:

How do you feel about South Korean cinema? Reflect on what you’ve learned in this lesson. Be ready to share.

 

Source:

Nearpod: Korean cinema, the good, the bad, and the politics

Two Koreas, Fall 2019

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Billie Johnson Preview YouTube video The Admiral: Roaring Currents Official US Release Trailer (2014) - Choi Min-sik War Drama HD  The Admiral: Roaring Currents Official US Release Trailer (2014) - Choi Min-sik War Drama HD Preview YouTube video ODE TO MY FATHER - Official Int'l Main Trailer  ODE TO MY FATHER - Official Int'l Main Trailer