Sa Bang-ji (1988)

Sa Bang-ji (1988) poster

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.

Director: Song Gyeong-sik
Genre: Drama, Romance, History
Runtime: 94 min
Release Date:

Cast

Screenplay

Cinematography: Joo Hong-shik
Editing: Hyun Kim
Production: Inchang Film
Country: South Korea
Language: 한국어/조선말
Original Language: ko

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Frequently Asked Questions

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.
Who directed Sa Bang-ji?
Sa Bang-ji was directed by Song Gyeong-sik.
Who stars in Sa Bang-ji?
Sa Bang-ji stars Lee Hye-young, Bang Hee, Kwak Jeong-Hee, Park Am, Lee Kyeong-hui.
How long is Sa Bang-ji?
Sa Bang-ji has a runtime of 1h 34m (94 minutes).
What genre is Sa Bang-ji?
Sa Bang-ji is a Drama, Romance, History film.
Where was Sa Bang-ji produced?
Sa Bang-ji was produced in South Korea.