Also know as The Memorial Gate for Virtuous Women (???) is a 1962 South Korean film directed by Shin Sang-ok that gives a close up look at the reality of being a widow in Joseon.
The film tells the story of the widow of a nobleman who bears a son after having an affair with her servant. The servant and the baby are driven from the home by the woman's irate in-laws.
The film tells the story of the widow of a nobleman who bears a son after having an affair with her servant. The servant and the baby are driven from the home by the woman's irate in-laws.
A widow and her daughter fall in love with the same man. The village wants to build an arch at the entrance of the village in honour to the widow. The arch embodies the confucian values and moral of chastity and is a prestigious symbol for the village. The widow has to decide to keep chastity and allow the village to get the arch or follow her desires and get married.
