This review may contain spoilers
Confused, but has the spirit.
This is one of the few things coming out of Asia that dares look at their fixation on women's bodies, even in the year 2025. For that, it gets some merit. Does it to it particularly well? Ehh.
This is a passionate project that feels very strongly about its issues, but it also fails to commit itself to carrying through, and it flubs the landing.
200 Pounds Beauty raises the question of women's bodily standards, sexism in the entertainment business, systemic shaming, pretty privilege and plastic surgery...while fat shaming and affirming those same things. It makes for a confused viewing experience.
The story line about Kang Ha Na's career resolves itself, the situation with Han Sang Jun does not. The relationship is the more poignant through line of the movie, Ha Na's love for this man who is kind to her face, but sees her as lesser. At no point is Han Sang Jun ever called upon to radically change his thinking, or to accept culpability for his attitudes and actions which have played across this woman's body like a warzone. He is a wholly undeserving partner for Ha Na, and the series shows its age and bias in the notion that she doesn't totally abandon him as a romantic prospect. He voices the same tired opinions as every other man- a woman must be beautiful to date him, but she can't have had plastic surgery to make herself into a beautiful object.
While this is an upbeat and often funny movie to watch, the undercurrent about female exploitation is quite dark, as is the production's inability to fully condemn it. Ha Na is surrounded by beautiful, untalented women; her talent only becomes worthy of attention and respect once she is beautiful; it is then which she is also no longer subject to being exploited by men around her, which is patently untrue. Beautiful women are at risk of more exploitation, beauty does not solve these problems. This lack of a critical eye and heart fundamentally cripple this movie, through it remains an interesting showcase in mid 2000's attitudes. For that reason, it is worth a watch.
This is a passionate project that feels very strongly about its issues, but it also fails to commit itself to carrying through, and it flubs the landing.
200 Pounds Beauty raises the question of women's bodily standards, sexism in the entertainment business, systemic shaming, pretty privilege and plastic surgery...while fat shaming and affirming those same things. It makes for a confused viewing experience.
The story line about Kang Ha Na's career resolves itself, the situation with Han Sang Jun does not. The relationship is the more poignant through line of the movie, Ha Na's love for this man who is kind to her face, but sees her as lesser. At no point is Han Sang Jun ever called upon to radically change his thinking, or to accept culpability for his attitudes and actions which have played across this woman's body like a warzone. He is a wholly undeserving partner for Ha Na, and the series shows its age and bias in the notion that she doesn't totally abandon him as a romantic prospect. He voices the same tired opinions as every other man- a woman must be beautiful to date him, but she can't have had plastic surgery to make herself into a beautiful object.
While this is an upbeat and often funny movie to watch, the undercurrent about female exploitation is quite dark, as is the production's inability to fully condemn it. Ha Na is surrounded by beautiful, untalented women; her talent only becomes worthy of attention and respect once she is beautiful; it is then which she is also no longer subject to being exploited by men around her, which is patently untrue. Beautiful women are at risk of more exploitation, beauty does not solve these problems. This lack of a critical eye and heart fundamentally cripple this movie, through it remains an interesting showcase in mid 2000's attitudes. For that reason, it is worth a watch.
Was this review helpful to you?
