Concrete Utopia Release (2023) Movie Review
In many big cities around the world, finding a place to live can be really expensive. The demand for housing is much higher than the construction rate, making even small apartments seem like a luxury. But in the Korean sci-fi movie "Concrete Utopia," it's clear that having a fancy address doesn't save you from a disaster.
After years of dealing with housing lotteries and rising costs, everything in Seoul comes crashing down when a huge earthquake hits the city. Almost everything is destroyed, and many people lose their lives-except for those living in the Hwang Gung Apartments, a well-protected complex. Now, the residents must decide whether to let non-resident refugees in or leave them to face the harsh, ruined city.
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In a chaotic future, people in a residential building decide to create strict rules.
only residents can live there.
residents must do their part, and food is given based on everyone's contributions.
all decisions are made by a vote among residents. Those who don't follow these rules are not allowed to stay. As things get tougher, the extreme rules create tricky situations, especially as resources become scarce.
Director Um Tae-hwa presents a darkly humorous and sometimes sad view of this future. The title "Concrete Utopia" is kind of ironic because the sturdy building can only protect residents from the weather, not hunger. The movie vividly shows the grim details of this harsh future, from worn-out clothes to dealing with the challenges when the water stops running – things you might not want to know, but you'll find out! The film paints a dystopian picture similar to "Lord of the Flies," where society falls apart in tough times. Despite the gloomy outlook, there's still a glimmer of hope as the movie and the residents strive to survive.
The best part of the movie is its three main characters: Min-sung, a government worker, Myung-hwa, a nurse, and Yeong-tak, an outsider. Park Seo-jun, playing Min-sung, does a fantastic job showing his inner struggles through silent, wide-eyed expressions. Park Bo-young, as his wife Myung-hwa, represents hope for humanity amid challenges. Her calm optimism keeps the story moving forward, even as others get caught up in internal politics. Lee Byung-hun's character, Yeong-tak, adds complexity to the plot with his shifty nature, skillfully developed by Director Um over the course of events.
While "Concrete Utopia" aims high, the execution falls a bit short. Still, it keeps you on the edge of your seat by exploring how scarcity affects people emotionally. The film humorously depicts how limited food can make individuals act selfishly, all while holding onto rules. But what's the point? Is it to highlight the hypocrisy of society or to show how apartment owners may not be generous to those in need? "Concrete Utopia" is a thought-provoking sci-fi experience, uncomfortable at times, but not as profound as the aftermath of the earthquake portrayed in the movie.