Sa Bang-ji (1988)
Original title: 사방지
Sa Bang-ji is a 1988 Korean-language drama movie directed by Song Gyeong-sik, with a running time of 1h 34m. It stars Lee Hye-young, Bang Hee and Kwak Jeong-Hee.
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.
Quick answers
What is Sa Bang-ji about?
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.
When was Sa Bang-ji released?
Sa Bang-ji was released on 29 October 1988.
How long is Sa Bang-ji?
Sa Bang-ji runs 1h 34m.
Who made Sa Bang-ji?
Sa Bang-ji was directed by Song Gyeong-sik.