A Frozen Flower

2008 NC-17 132 min Korean

You can find this movie on Viki.

I found this movie awhile ago, but didn’t watch it because I was worried it would be triggering. It definitely deserves it’s NC-17 rating. There are several sex scenes that, although they show no genitalia, are explicit. There is also a great deal of violence, some gore, and self harm.

Viki lists the movie as “Costume & Period” and “BL”. However, if you are looking for a feel-good “boy love” romance, this is not it. In fact, I would be very reluctant to categorize it as BL.

Also, if you are a Song Joong-ki fan and are watching it for that reason, you will be disappointed. He is playing a very minor character.

The relationships between the characters are often painfully unhealthy to the point where I suspect many viewers might become uncomfortable. However, the film artfully makes nobody a mindless villain. Even when people are making decisions that make you want to scream at the screen because you know it will end badly, or doing absolutely horrendous things, the motivations for those actions are obvious and conveyed very well.

You are allowed, at least, some sympathy for the situations the characters find themselves in, that they often have very little control over.

The film also avoids making the “court intrigue” aspects overly complicated or dry. The plot is tight, understandable, and keeps you engaged.

I think it’s possible for someone to watch this film and see homophobia. I did not view it in that way, but if you are looking for “good” representation, this is also, not remotely it.

Despite all that, and maybe in some ways, because of it – it was a great movie – in a rip-your-heart-out-and-stomp-on-it sort of way.