Sex Is Zero

Sex Is Zero is a 2002 South Korean romantic comedy film directed by Jason Cho and starring Im Chang-jung and Park Ha-sun. The film revolves around the life of Eun-sik, a former soldier who returns to college after completing his mandatory military service. Eun-sik's primary objective upon enrolling in college is to secure a high rank in the upcoming state exam, which would not only boost his career prospects but also improve his social standing. Eun-sik's determination and strong desire to succeed make him quite strict with himself, adhering to a rigorous study routine that barely leaves time for relaxation or personal activities. His dedication is unwavering, and as a result, he faces difficulties in forming meaningful connections with his peers, preferring to maintain a significant distance between himself and others. His classmates often view him as a strict and intimidating individual. Upon entering his first-semester lectures, Eun-sik meets his classmate Eun-soo, a bright-eyed and optimistic young woman who quickly captures the attention of their female classmates but fails to do the same with the males in the class. However, Eun-soo has a very different plan of getting their attention. Unbeknownst to Eun-sik, Eun-soo is actually a beautiful woman disguising herself as a man to study alongside the males at the college, as there are fewer male students than female. Upon discovering the true identity of his classmate, Eun-sik feels a mix of amusement and curiosity towards Eun-soo. Despite the initial reservations he may have harbored about Eun-soo and her plan of deceiving others, Eun-sik is eventually drawn to her charms and starts developing a strong connection with her. However, their relationship faces numerous challenges due to their differences, as well as the pressures of their academic pursuits and societal expectations. One of the central aspects of Sex Is Zero lies in its portrayal of the difficulties faced by the characters in their pursuit of academic excellence. Throughout the film, the intense pressures of their college studies and the state exam loom over the characters like a specter. Both Eun-sik and Eun-soo demonstrate an unwavering dedication to their studies and an insatiable drive to succeed. As a result, they often find themselves neglecting their relationships and personal welfare in favor of their academic pursuits. Eun-soo's decision to disguise herself as a man in college raises a thought-provoking debate regarding societal standards and expectations. Why are females discouraged from studying in colleges and universities predominantly populated by males? The film does not attempt to tackle this complex social issue extensively but rather uses Eun-soo's character as a metaphor for the struggles women face in a male-dominated academic environment. Through Eun-soo's experiences, the audience gains an insight into the harsh realities faced by women who seek to pursue higher education and succeed in traditionally male-dominated fields. Beyond exploring these themes, Sex Is Zero also delves into the importance of embracing one's individuality and the significance of forming meaningful human connections in the midst of one's personal journey toward success. The film showcases the importance of balancing one's academic pursuits with personal relationships and the need to prioritize one's mental health in order to achieve true fulfillment. Throughout the movie, the director pays attention to small details, and Im Chang-jung and Park Ha-sun deliver strong, engaging performances as the two protagonists. Their characters display an undeniable chemistry and their interactions provide some of the film's most entertaining and humorous moments. Ultimately, Sex Is Zero is a charming and engaging romantic comedy that not only delves into the complexities of academic pursuits but also provides a compelling commentary on the importance of self-acceptance and personal growth. As the film reaches its conclusion, the viewer is left to ponder on the experiences of Eun-sik and Eun-soo, who both learn valuable lessons about embracing their true identities and building genuine connections with others.