This post is about the K-movie, “Innocent Witness”.
“증인” (Witness) is a South Korean film released in 2019, directed by Lee Han. It’s also known internationally as “Innocent Witness.” The film revolves around the story of an autistic teenager who is the sole witness to a murder, and a lawyer who aims to prove the innocence of a suspect in the case. Here’s a look at the main cast and their roles:
- Jung Woo-sung plays Soon-ho, a former human rights lawyer who has now joined a major law firm. He takes on the murder case in an attempt to become a partner at the law firm, but his journey leads him to question his own beliefs and morals as he forms a bond with the witness.
- Kim Hyang-gi plays Ji-woo, the autistic teenager who witnesses the murder. Her detailed observations and unique perspective on the event become crucial to the case, and her relationship with Soon-ho becomes a pivotal part of the story.
- Lee Kyu-hyung plays Hee-joong, the suspect in the murder case. He is a maintenance worker at the apartment complex where the murder takes place.
- Yum Hye-ran plays Mi-ran, Ji-woo’s mother, who is protective of her daughter and initially hesitant about involving her in the trial.
- Jang Young-nam plays Hyun-jung, Soon-ho’s colleague who helps him with the case.
“Innocent Witness” is a compelling courtroom drama that touches on themes of justice, empathy, and understanding. The film was praised for its performances, especially by Kim Hyang-gi, whose portrayal of an autistic teenager was both sensitive and powerful. The narrative not only focuses on the legal battle but also on the human connections that develop throughout the trial, offering a poignant look at the societal perceptions of autism.
“Innocent Witness” Plot
“Innocent Witness,” a South Korean movie from 2019, tells a touching story about Yang Soon-ho (portrayed by Jung Woo-sung), a lawyer, and Jang-Young (portrayed by Kim Hyang-gi), a girl who has autism spectrum but becomes a super important witness in a car accident case.
The story begins when Soon-ho agrees to help an old man named Sung-chul, who is accused of hitting someone with his car and driving away. Sadly, the person who got hurt passed away, making it a really sad situation. Jang-Young, despite having trouble understanding the situation, is the only person who saw what happened and can remember it really well.
As Soon-ho tries to figure out what really went down, he faces problems from the people trying to prove Sung-chul did something wrong and from people who don’t trust Jang-Young because of her disables. The movie gently talks about the challenges Jang-Young faces because of how she sees things, showing us how important it is to understand and be kind to everyone, no matter their differences.
The heart of the story is how Soon-ho is determined to protect Jang-Young from the tough legal stuff and the mean things people say because of her disables. The movie mixes the drama happening in the courtroom with a warm story about justice, friendships, and how people sometimes judge others unfairly.
What makes the story special is Jang-Young’s incredible memory and her way of seeing things, even though her appearance is not perfect. Instead of her not being able to help, she becomes a really important part of figuring out what happened. The movie shows us the surprising friendship between Soon-ho and Jang-Young as they work together to find out the truth.
In the courtroom, besides talking about what’s right and wrong, the movie also talks about changing how people think about others, especially those who may be different. The film helps us understand the challenges people with unique abilities face.
During the story, we see Soon-ho doing everything he can to protect Jang-Young from a system that might not understand her well. We see him turning from just a lawyer into someone who fights for what’s fair, and someone who cares about others, no matter who they are.
The movie also shares the emotional journey of Jang-Young. She has to deal with being part of the legal stuff and with people treating her differently because of how she sees things. But even with all the challenges, she shows how strong she is, and that sometimes people can do more than we think, even when others see them as weak.
So, “Innocent Witness” isn’t just a movie to watch, but it’s also a way to learn about the difficulties some people face in the legal world. It asks us to care about Jang-Young and to think about how we see others, making it a movie that’s not just interesting but also makes us think and feel a lot.
“Secret Sunshine” Review
“Innocent Witness” is a captivating legal drama that takes you on a heartfelt journey through themes of justice, morality, and personal growth. The film follows the story of Yang Soon-ho, a lawyer making a shift from a pro-democracy group to a prestigious law firm. Assigned to a case involving the suicide of an elderly person witnessed by a mute girl with autism, the movie unfolds with emotional depth and moral complexity.
What makes “Innocent Witness” stand out is the exceptional performances by the lead actors, Jung Woo-sung and Kim Hyang-gi. They bring authenticity and conviction to characters grappling with ethical dilemmas in a way that resonates with the audience. The chemistry between Soon-ho and the mute girl adds a touching layer to the story, exploring the challenges of communication and highlighting the profound impact of honesty, especially within the context of a legal setting.
The film thoughtfully challenges the conventional notion of what makes a person “good,” prompting viewers to reflect on societal norms and the sometimes conflicting pursuit of personal gain over truth. Soon-ho’s internal struggle becomes a central theme, serving as a microcosm for broader societal issues related to power dynamics and the moral choices inherent in the quest for justice.
What sets this movie apart is its ability to engage audiences in a gripping courtroom drama while also delving into the deeper complexities of human morality. The unexpected twists and turns in the resolution of the case keep viewers on the edge of their seats, adding an element of suspense to the narrative.
While maintaining a serious tone, “Innocent Witness” skillfully balances its exploration of societal issues with moments of genuine emotion. The decision to prioritize truth over personal gain is a powerful message that resonates throughout the film. It serves as a reminder of the moral compass that should guide individuals, even in the face of societal pressures.
Despite the film occasionally deviating from intense exploration of certain emotional moments, it remains a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant legal drama. It earns high praise for its accessibility and ability to shed light on the intricacies of moral choices within the legal system. For those who appreciate films that challenge societal norms and encourage introspection, “Innocent Witness” is highly recommended.
“Innocent Witness” Backstories
The movie is set in 2016, and specific dates, such as July 7, 2016, are mentioned in the video recording of Jiwoo’s testimony. Additionally, a banner outside Jiwoo’s school reads “2017 School Year Gohyeon High School Entrance Orientation,” although it’s important to note that this banner was created for the movie and the actual filming took place at Kyungbok High School, not Gohyeon High School.
The film also includes a scene with a phone call displaying the date as August 30, 2016. These details provide a clear temporal background, anchoring the narrative in a specific timeframe.
Kim Hyang-gi, who plays a significant role in the movie, previously appeared in the 2013 film “Elegant Lies” and the 2015 film “Remember You.” This marks her third collaboration with director Lee Han and her third film where she portrays a mother-daughter relationship, following “Thread of Lies” and “A Werewolf Boy.” It’s worth noting that Kim Hyang-gi and Jung Woo-sung had previously appeared together in a commercial, adding another layer to their on-screen chemistry.
In the early scenes of the film, there’s an interesting observation when Jung Woo-sung makes a phone call. The camera angle suggests that it might have been intentionally shot upside down, giving a unique visual perspective. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that it wasn’t shot upside down, as you can see the letters between his fingers and a slight glimpse of a product mark on the back of his index finger. The intentional concealment of the phone model, likely an iPhone, may have been done to avoid any distracting advertising effects due to its distinctive design.
The school where the movie was filmed is Kyungbok High School in Cheongun-dong, Jongno-gu. Specific scenes, such as Jung Woo-sung waiting for Kim Hyang-gi at the school gate and their conversations while walking, were shot inside the school premises. The scene depicting male students harassing Jiwoo with a soccer ball also appears to be filmed at the same school. It’s interesting to note that Kyungbok High School is an all-boys high school.
These behind-the-scenes insights provide a deeper understanding of the film’s production choices, such as the use of specific dates, intentional camera angles, and the selection of filming locations, contributing to the overall authenticity and immersive experience of “Innocent Witness.”
