ACF 1624: Korean drama SILENCED on DVD this Tuesday, September 18th

CJ Entertainment

Presents

Silenced / Do-ga-ni

Directed by HWANG Dong-hyuk

South Korea, 2011, 125 minutes 

Presented in widescreen 2.35:1 aspect ratio

Korean 5.1 Dolby digital sound

English subtitles 

“Silenced has had an extraordinary impact.”

— The New York Times

“Silenced is harrowing.”  

—  L.A. Times

“… an incendiary and compelling conclusion …

[exposing] deep-rooted and far-reaching social injustice …”

— The Hollywood Reporter

“… Silenced will haunt a viewer for a while.”

— Seattle Times

“… a gripping account …

— Film Journal International

“… Nothing short of earth-shaking.”

—    The Economist

“Truth is being neglected throughout the world

… I hope this film awakens people ...”

— Director Hwang Dong-hyuk

The hideous truth – concealed for far too long – is revealed in Silenced, the real-life story of one man’s battle for justice, available on DVD on Tuesday, September 18 from CJ Entertainment America.

Based on the book Dogani – which elicited outrage across South Korea – Silenced is the heart-wrenching true story of horrific child abuse and the shocking human rights issues that continue to plague activists today.

When widower Kang In-ho becomes a teacher at the Ja-ae Academy for deaf children in Mujin, far from his home and family, he is thankful for a new start for himself and his young daughter, who is sick and requires surgery he can’t afford.

But all is not as it appears at the esteemed school and, as the gentle-natured In-ho slowly gains the trust of his reticent students, he uncovers a dark and shocking secret.  Though he is reluctant to step forward and lose the income he so desperately needs to help his daughter, he cannot turn his back on his tormented, young charges.

With the help of activist Seo Yu-jin, they risk everything to give the kids a voice and to challenge a system darkly intent on protecting the privileged perpetrators … not the children.

A powerful and moving tribute to great strength and heroic conviction …The story of one man – and one people’s – unwavering hope for change.

POSTSCRIPT: Although the accused received woefully minor sentences prior to the release of Silenced, the film – which sold 2.7 million tickets within two weeks of  theatrical release in Korea – elicited positive real-life results. President Lee Myung-bak publicly attended a screening and, amid much public outcry, revisions to national laws were put into effect.

Silenced won the “Black Dragon Audience Award” at the  2012  Udine Far East Film Festival; “Best Film” at the 2012 Film of the Year Awards; “Best Music” at the 2011 Blue Dragon Film Awards; and was an official selection at the 2012 Fantasia Film Festival.

Special features include: “The School” “The Children” deleted scenes, poster photo shoot, still gallery and trailer.