Actor Jo Jung Suk‘s latest film, Pilot, has premiered, stirring up significant conversation among moviegoers and critics alike. The film, inspired by the 2012 Swedish original Cockpit, has been described by some as the “Barbie” of South Korea.
Overview of “Pilot”
Pilot features Jo Jung Suk in a dual role as Han Jung Woo and Han Jung Mi. The plot revolves around Han Jung Woo, a once successful pilot who becomes unemployed overnight. By a twist of fate, he secures a new job after adopting a new identity.
- Movie Title: Pilot
- Main Actor: Jo Jung Suk
- Roles: Han Jung Woo, Han Jung Mi
- Inspired by: 2012 Swedish film Cockpit
Positive Reception from Audiences
The film has garnered positive reviews from viewers who enjoyed its comedic elements and family-friendly appeal. Here are some comments from moviegoers:
- “A great movie to watch with the whole family. We had a good time, thanks!”
- “It was such a good movie. Great comedy to watch without overthinking things!”
- “Highly recommend watching it in the theaters!”
- “I laughed so much, I almost cried. Some of the scenes were so creative.”
- “Jo Jung Suk and the rest of the cast showcased their incredible acting skills. Han Sun Hwa truly channeled the younger sister energy.”
Critic’s Perspective on Gender Issues
A critic from CINE21 magazine highlighted the film’s exploration of gender issues, particularly in the context of South Korea’s ongoing gender conflict. The critic emphasized how the movie addresses sexism and promotes gender equality.
“About Pilot… Korea has a long way to go, but I think Pilot makes a good start. It spoon feeds the viewers, showing how complimenting women and calling them a bouquet of flowers would be considered sexist. And it kindly lays out the fact that getting fired for making sexist remarks as such is not something to whine about, but something to shut up and apologize for.” — Im Soo Yeon
Controversial Reactions from Male-Driven Communities
The film has also sparked heated debates within male-driven online communities, with some men expressing discomfort and disagreement with the film’s portrayal of gender dynamics.
- “Just victimizing themselves. Telling a man he’s handsome or ripped is praise, but when it’s reversed, it’s sexual harassment. Haha.”
- “Sure, depending on how it’s said, it could be taken as discrimination. But overall, I think [women] are too sensitive. Including the critic who wrote the review.”
- “I’ve never had a woman who didn’t like it when I complimented them about their looks. Like, most of them were genuine in their reactions. I’m surprised there are women who think it’s sexism.”
- “The critic is so mad.”
- “Telling a woman she looks beautiful is NOT discriminating against their gender, it’s obvious.”
- “Thanks for the opinion.”
Some even voiced that women are “too sensitive” and “victimizing” themselves.
- “Have you ever been discriminated against for the way you look, though? Women are constantly having to think about their appearances—becoming more obsessed with cosmetic procedures and makeup. They even start questioning themselves over who they really are. It makes them vulnerable.”
- “Yeah, okay. But there’s a difference in being told they’re ugly vs. pretty.”
- “I’ve never been discriminated against for the way I look or anything… But I think it’s only human nature that we feel more inclined toward people who are good-looking. Like, that’s instinct. So… It’s hard for me to agree with the idea that [complimenting someone on their looks] is wrong.”
- “Some people might be into beautifying themselves for the compliments, but it’s not the case for everyone. Some people don’t want to be complimented on their looks, period. There was a Japanese woman who got so harassed by men complimenting her that she shaved her hair off and started wearing glasses to make herself look less appealing.”
- “Wait, so complimenting women on their looks is sexism? Men can be subject to compliments about appearances, too. No?”
Even one-starred, negative reviews were listed for Pilot being “a movie that makes men feel uncomfortable.”
“A movie trying to push a misandry agenda. It was the worst. It wasn’t even good, and it was trying to split men and women up.”
“The plot of this movie makes men feel uncomfortable. Like, it casts a shadow on all men as potential sexual harassers. What airline will fire a pilot for complimenting a female flight attendant’s appearance at a company dinner? I get what the female director was trying to do, though. I bet she’s not going to get married, have children, or date a man.”
Viewer Ratings and Gender Divide
Viewer ratings on platforms like Naver reveal a noticeable divide between male and female audiences.
- Male Rating: 7.36
- Female Rating: 8.94
Growing Support Despite Controversy
Despite the controversy, many moviegoers are showing their support for Pilot, appreciating its attempt to tackle serious issues through comedy.
- “I watched it and it was good. I think it’s a huge step for a Korean commercial movie to even talk about something like this, serious or not. Please go watch it.”
- “I was worried about it before the premiere, but now I see it’s pressing all the incel buttons. Haha. I might go watch it, too.”
- “Oh, I’ll have to go watch it. Haha.”
- “Who knew how incels react would sell a movie like this? LOL.”
- “There was not a single scene that felt like it could be upsetting. I doubt they even watched the movie. Anyway, it was a well-made movie. There was a lot of funny moments that had everyone laughing. Great to watch for fun. I loved Jo Jung Suk’s acting, but I was also surprised by Han Sun Hwa. The character of Jo Jung Suk’s mother was hilarious.”
- “I hesitated watching because of the whole ‘man disguising as a woman’ idea, but seeing the incel response, I might just go see it. Haha.”
- “Sold. Will watch.”
- “When there was a bit of backlash about the premise of the movie, someone who had seen it at the private screening said that it would 100% die down once it premiered.”
- “Yeah, there was talk about treating the issue too lightly. But seeing how it got all the incels pressed… Treating it seriously wouldn’t have made sense at this time. We need more movies like this. Something light but still shining light on the issues at hand. That way, people can learn slow and steady.”
- “I watched it, it was hilarious. Haha.”
- “Immediately reserved a ticket.”
- “It’s like ‘Barbie’ but South Korean.”
- “It was good. I just got home from watching it.”
- “I saw it and it made me laugh a lot. That’s what comedy movies are supposed to do, right?”
- “It had me cracking up.”
- “I liked it, too.”
- “The reviews are strange, haha. There were parts that I didn’t love. But it was a decent family movie. It’s not the greatest piece of work in cinema history, so keep your expectations low. But you’ll have a good time.”
- “I watched it and I thought it was f*cking hilarious.”
- “It’s a good watch if you don’t expect too much, haha. Jo Jung Suk is really good at acting.”
- “It was such a good movie, haha. Everyone was laughing and having a good time.”
Comparisons to “Barbie”
Some viewers have even likened Pilot to the recent Hollywood film Barbie, praising its approach to gender issues and social commentary.
- “It’s like ‘Barbie’ but South Korean.”
- “Dubbing it the ‘Barbie of Korea,’ Koreans are praising the ‘first steps’ the movie has taken toward any reform at all.”
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