Between the Knees

Between the Knees is a poignant and thought-provoking South Korean drama film that delves into the complexities of human relationships, societal expectations, and the struggles of personal growth. At its core, the film revolves around the life of Ja-young, a talented and passionate flutist, who finds herself embroiled in a family dynamics that are fraught with tension, anger, and disappointment. The film begins with Ja-young's father having an affair and fathering a child out of wedlock. This shocking revelation prompts Ja-young's mother to abandon her own emotional well-being and plunge into a rigidly dogmatic world view. She becomes consumed by a deep-seated anger towards her husband, transforming her perspective on life and relationships, especially in regards to sex. For her, it becomes a sin, something to be condemned and forbidden, rather than a natural and beautiful expression of human intimacy. As a result, Ja-young grows up under a suffocating influence of her mother's oppressive notions. Her mother's extreme views on sex and relationships dictate her behavior, forcing Ja-young to internalize these rigid values and suppress her own desires. Ja-young's passion for flutism serves as a means of emotional expression and a way to transcend the suffocating atmosphere at home. The tension within the family dynamic is palpable, with Ja-young's father caught in the middle of his wife's anger and his own desire for forgiveness. His affair becomes a source of guilt and resentment, creating a rift between him and his family. The father's inability to express his true emotions and face his mistakes only serves to exacerbate the situation, further damaging his relationships with Ja-young and his mistress. As Ja-young navigates her turbulent adolescence, she begins to question her mother's extreme views on sex and relationships. She struggles to reconcile her own desires and aspirations with the strict expectations placed upon her. Her relationship with her mother becomes increasingly complicated, with Ja-young caught between her loyalty and her own longing for understanding and acceptance. The film takes a poignant turn when Ja-young's mother's past is slowly revealed. The mother's own experiences and emotions, which had been suppressed for so long, begin to surface. We learn about her own history, her struggles, and her disappointments, which had led her to develop such a rigid worldview. This newfound understanding creates a sense of empathy and compassion within Ja-young, allowing her to see her mother in a different light. However, this newfound understanding is short-lived, as Ja-young soon realizes that her mother's past cannot be changed, and she is still trapped in her own cycle of guilt and anger. The film's climax revolves around Ja-young's emotional confrontation with her mother, as she tries to break free from the suffocating influence of her upbringing and forge her own path. In the end, Ja-young emerges stronger, more confident, and more determined to express her own desires and aspirations. Her music becomes a powerful outlet for her emotions, and she begins to find her own voice and independence. The film concludes on a hopeful note, suggesting that even in the face of adversity and hardship, individuals have the power to break free and create a better future for themselves. Between the Knees is a deeply moving and thought-provoking film that sheds light on the complexities of human relationships and the struggle for personal growth and self-discovery. Through its nuanced characters and poignant storytelling, the film offers a powerful commentary on the societal expectations that restrict human potential and the beauty of breaking free from those shackles to forge one's own path.