Seobok attempts to navigate the critical role of death in defining life, demonstrating how our obsession with eternal youth and longevity poses a clear and present danger. Fantasia Film Festival presents Seobok. Book tickets here.
Mark Twain once famously wrote, “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” In this statement, Twain explores how the concept of death is central to human behaviour and the importance of living our lives to the full. After all, without our conscious realisation of individual mortality, would the human race not fall further into individualistic and selfish behaviour? Indeed, we can easily argue that death helps keep life in balance.
These themes have long held a place in science fiction filmmaking as directors explore what it means to be human; from Interstellar to High Life, many have explored the notion of human mortality in an ever-expanding universe of infinite possibilities. However, with Seobok, director Lee Yong-ju brings us down to earth by exploring genetic engineering and the connection between mortality and human consciousness. Here, Seobok pays homage to themes found in D.A.R.Y.L. (1985) and Blade Runner (1982), while also embracing the comic book world of the X-Men. The result is a fascinating mix of genres as Lee Yong-Ju merges science fiction with electrifying action and the classic road trip.
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A retired government agent, Gi-hon (Gong Yoo), is slowly falling apart, his days a toxic mix of regret and drugs as he attempts to control a brain tumour slowly eating away at him. However, when his ex-employer returns from the shadows, Gi-hon finds himself blackmailed into taking on a new mission. His top-secret task is to escort a valuable scientific product from one lab to another. But when Gi-hon arrives at the hidden lab, he is surprised to find the product is, in fact, a young man. Seobok (Park Bo-gum) is a product of genetic engineering —a clone created to address humankind’s most significant flaw: death.
Seobok’s blood carries properties that will enable the human race to find immortality, but his life is one of a mere gold-plated lab rat as he is prodded and probed. But as Gi-hon accompanies Seobok in an armoured transport designed to protect them, a surprise assault on their convoy places Gi-hon & Seobok in mortal danger. As they run for their lives, the hopes, dreams, and thoughts of both men collide in a blaze of rebellion.
Seobok will undoubtedly divide opinion due to its mix of genres and themes. For example, those seeking an action movie may be disappointed by the drama that weaves through the electrifying but short action sequences. At the same time, those seeking pure sci-fi may feel Seobok strays too far into comic book territory, especially in its finale. However, Seobok will enthral those willing to enter Lee Yong-Ju’s world with an open mind as its creativity jumps from the screen with its bold and fresh approach to a series of tried and tested themes.
This success would not be possible without the lead performances of Gong Yoo and Park Bo-Gum, who effortlessly dovetail the action set pieces with the film’s broader themes of mortality, bringing me back to Mark Twain’s thoughts on the subject of death. Seobok attempts to navigate the critical role of death in defining life, demonstrating how our obsession with eternal youth and longevity poses a clear and present danger.
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