For this week’s review we are sharing our thoughts about a 2020 movie, with an incredible cast and a candid story. Let’s talk about ‘Josée’.
Josée, the Tiger and the Fish
‘Josée’ was based on the short story by the Japanese writer Seiko Tanabe, this production was directed and written by Kim Jong-kwan.
This adaptation tells the story of Jessica (Josée)(Han Ji-min), a disabled woman with a tendency of living in her own little world. After being in a predicament she falls from her wheelchair, but a kind stranger helps her out and ends up becoming part of her life.
Lee Young-seok (Nam Joo-hyuk) is a college student with a good heart. He is trying his best to succeed in life and make it, however, as it tends to be, life gets hard but his perseverance helps him in moving forward with his plans.
After Young-seok helps Josée out and brings her to her house, he continues on visiting her and the granny living with her. They both enjoy each other’s company and start sharing long talks and unique dinners.
As they grow closer, Josée starts misinterpreting his company and asks him to not visit her again, he decides to do as she asks. However, after time passes he finds out about unfortunate events that have affected her greatly and decides to start visiting her again.
After Josée and Young-seok reunite again, their relationship changes, and he gets deeper into the world where she lives in and all the different sides of it. Inevitably, they both grow even closer, accept their feelings for each other, and start a relationship.
An unknown world
‘Josée’ as a movie does a great job showing how the life of a disable person can be affected when society is not suited well-enough for people with physical limitations.
I liked how the movie showed that despite her limited mobility, she was also capable of doing many things and looking after herself by becoming a well-read person, with a vast imagination and an interesting personality.
Throughout the movie Josée is shown as a rather cold person, grounded to the real world and its issues. Her straightforward personality and strong character were not for everyone, but she stood strong with her points of view and lifestyle.
This movie is a rather slow burn in its plot, but with a lot of detail and wonderful performances. If you are up to an interesting story with representation of minorities and strong female characters this production is for you. Check the trailer below.
