Cha Seung-won’s tortured inner life in High Heel
by javabeans
When I first heard about the movie High Heel (also called Man on High Heels), in which Cha Seung-won teams with director Jang Jin of all those heartwarming funny feel-good movies (and Saturday Night Live Korea), playing a cop who likes to dress up in women’s clothing, I was expecting funny. Upbeat. Poignant and humorous.
I wasn’t expecting a hard-edged, blood-spattered noir, that’s for certain. In fact I was so surprised at the trailers and stills for this movie that I did a double-take and went back to the old stories to confirm that I hadn’t read them wrong. It definitely isn’t the movie I expected to come next from the director of Romantic Heaven, Good Morning President, or Quiz Show Scandal. (Turns out the media had reported it as an action comedy, so it wasn’t all my fault, I swear!)
That said, the movie may be a complete 180 from what I was expecting but in no way is that bad, because it looks incredibly stylish and suggests another powerhouse performance from Cha Seung-won as a crime detective who struggles to hide his inner self—his inner self that longs to be a woman. That’s a tough struggle for anybody to work through, but it’s particularly difficult for his character, who is the epitome of a man’s man, living in a violent, macho world.
I’m not sure if this is a triumphant story or a tragic one, but I’d suggest you get the tissues ready: The copy on the main poster reads, “In the end, the woman inside me has died.” Another poster reads, “Cruelly sad, brilliantly intense HIGH HEEL.”
The movie, touted as a “sensitive noir,” also stars Oh Jung-se (A New Leaf, Miss Korea) and Go Kyung-pyo (Potato Star 2013QR3, Flower Boy Next Door). It releases in the coming week on June 4.
Via Osen
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Tags: Cha Seung-won, Go Kyung-pyo, Jang Jin, Oh Jung-se
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1 canxi
May 31, 2014 at 12:09 PM
I like Jang Jin. Interested in seeing how he and Cha Seung Won tackle the issue of gender identity in this film.
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2 sara
May 31, 2014 at 12:12 PM
now thats what I call a surprise and by any chance is the last picture of the "inner self"
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3 Leona
May 31, 2014 at 12:13 PM
I wonder if Korean society is able to accept a rash movie about trans... I know that Europe couldn't handle Conchita Wurst... even though we all mighty yell that we accept homosexuality
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Kim Yoonmi
May 31, 2014 at 2:44 PM
transgender=/=homosexuality though. Sexual orientation and gender orientation isn't the same thing.
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Kim Yoonmi
May 31, 2014 at 2:51 PM
*gender identity
Sorry...
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eJc
May 31, 2014 at 6:32 PM
You're right. It's not the same thing. But either way, they both aren't as tolarated as one might thing in every days life. Even in so called open minded countries. I suppose that with the fight for equal rights as one community the LGTB (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) is commonly seen as one thing. And therefore, it is accidentally blurry in its external perception
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anais
June 1, 2014 at 12:02 AM
But you never know how Koreans might come respond. So much of Korean notions of identity are rooted in Confucianism, which emphasizes actions and relationships as bases of identity. From what I understand, there is already a Korean celebrity who is transgendered or transsexual. If my mom who isn't the most open-minded person repeatedly talks about this celebrity with awe of the positive sort, I think there's a chance Koreans might respond in a pleasantly surprising way.
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anais
June 1, 2014 at 12:08 AM
Also, Conchita Wurst - from what I understand - is a drag persona. That's not the same thing as the individual being transgendered. The persona is, yes, obviously of a transgender character. However, the performer is not transgendered him/herself. Thomas Neuwirth, the performer, is a male-identified man who is homosexual.
Talk about challenging conventional gender and sexual norms.
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eJc
June 1, 2014 at 6:38 AM
I totally agree with you, anais. That just confirmed what I tried to say. My bad that I did it so clumsy. I mean that if you differ from a so called norm, whether it is your gender identity or your sexuell orientation, you're facing problems; even in open minded societies. And on the other hand, a lot of people do not differentiate between identity and orientation, it's blurry.
Any production who can help understanding the difficulties someone is fighting who is diffrent from the rest, is a step in the dircetion of getting more people to understand the difference and to become aware sympathetically for their problems.
I'm also curious if this movie will be well received for its story or for the talented people involved in the production.
eJc
May 31, 2014 at 6:40 PM
What do you mean by "couldn't handle conchita wurst" ( BTW a ridiculous stage name!)? He/She has won the ESC for Austria with enormous support from across Europe
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Shadow-chan
June 1, 2014 at 7:03 AM
Yeah, agreed.
I mean, let's be honest, the song wasn't bad, but I'm 100% sure that it NEVER would have won if it had been sung by someone else.
And I think that's great!
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redfox
June 1, 2014 at 7:43 AM
let´s be more honest: the song WAS very bad and he only won cause of the persona. Europe has terrible musical taste to choose a crappy schlager over the Dutch song.
but I am sure he is not a bad person himself just that....ah never mind. I am an aquarius I guess that´s why I have to contradict everyone.
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Yuki
June 3, 2014 at 7:42 AM
100% agree. The song was awful...I was cheering for the Dutchies and it was very disappointing.
I don't understand why could someone think that Europe can't handle Conchita. Austrian chose him and sent him there, and then people voted for him all around Europe, even when he was singing a crappy song.
4 Saki
May 31, 2014 at 12:18 PM
OMG I really missed seeing him in this look! Shaved and exposed forehead with this awesome hairdo. I can't wait to see this film! He's so macho so I just can't wait to see how he'll express his emotional suffering from hiding his socially unacceptable self. He's a handsome man and perfect to bring strength to such a film!
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5 Saki
May 31, 2014 at 12:19 PM
This pictures are beautiful, especially the first one!
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6 Orion
May 31, 2014 at 12:24 PM
I am not a fan of Jang Jin's humor (at all), so I am worried about how that fits into what looks like an otherwise very dark movie and also a very delicate subject for Korean society.
Whether the movie is to my liking or not, I just hope they are handling the gender identity issue with respect and a progressive mind. Movies are more free than dramas in that aspect.
As for Cha, I do not worry about his portrayal, if the material is good. He is a fine actor and so is everyone else in the cast. I'm equally invested in and frightened by this movie. We'll know when it reaches us.
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debrainmke
May 31, 2014 at 3:45 PM
Most comedians have a dark side and come from a dark place. I'm a big fan of Jang Jin and I think he will do just fine. He is a fine "actor" and can probably pull of comedy and serious roles, and I don't think this is a comedic role.
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Orion
May 31, 2014 at 5:10 PM
Yes, Pierce Conran watched it and while he did say it is a comedy noir, since Jang Jin's works do have comedy, he also said it is more noir. So I am guessing noir with some lighter moments or black humor.
As for Cha, I also do not think his role will be comedic, even if it might include some comedy. A man's struggle with his gender identity, work and future can only have so much comedy involved before it nullifies the drama of things.
I am looking forward to it, as worried as I may be. Pretty daring territory, but the creator chose this topic for a reason, so I do at least know he is passionate about his work.
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7 Dam
May 31, 2014 at 12:34 PM
I thought it was gonna be a comedy, but this looks good too.
Cha seung won :)
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Mieosa
May 31, 2014 at 11:02 PM
Same here! I was hoping for it to be action comedy as previously reported since Cha Seung Won practically killed it in Best Love / Greatest Love.
A little disappointed with it being noir but its looking really interesting in the trailers. Every time when theres a scene of some broody half-naked man staring at the mirror im reminded of Won Bin in Ahjussi (Man from Nowhere) ><
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8 Vi
May 31, 2014 at 12:54 PM
Uhhh. Ok....
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9 redfox
May 31, 2014 at 12:57 PM
*wipes drool off sofa* this never happened.
I am really a sucker for voices and his voice in that trailer is everything I could ask for
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10 Chandler
May 31, 2014 at 1:03 PM
Woah. This will be great for Cha Seung Won. I mean, he is literally the definition of manliness so it'll be very interesting to see him play this character and I have no doubt he'll be able to portray this very real struggle wonderfully. Will definitely be watching!
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11 Ek Ladhki Thi is Kim Eun-sooks no 1 fan
May 31, 2014 at 1:19 PM
You had me at Cha Seung-won. I'm curious to see how he is going to tackle this role because he is awesome in everything I've seen him in so far.
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12 Kate C.
May 31, 2014 at 1:22 PM
Does anyone know what that song is in the background of the first promo? I want it. :)
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Gwyn Wong
May 31, 2014 at 2:39 PM
"Burn So Slow." http://www.apmmusic.com/featured-cds/b/bruton/dark-songs-dirty-rock/burn-so-slow
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Kate C.
May 31, 2014 at 2:44 PM
THANK YOU!!! :)
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13 gc
May 31, 2014 at 1:37 PM
The umbrella fight scene looks amazing... so stylish.
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trotwood
May 31, 2014 at 4:01 PM
I was thinking that I want to watch this movie for that scene alone!
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14 Anna
May 31, 2014 at 1:48 PM
It's not unusual for men with gender identity issues to become very overtly masculine and to choose very high risk professions, quite often with little regard for their own safety. It's also the reason why the suicide rate is so high. It looks as if this film is going to approach the issue in a more realistic way, which is all to the good.
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Kim Yoonmi
May 31, 2014 at 2:50 PM
If they treat it seriously and do it well, then I'll watch it, but if they slip, make light of the issue or play it *only* for the drama to serve the plot only, rather than as a rounded out issue, or play it as the only point of the film, then I'm not likely to watch.
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Anna
May 31, 2014 at 2:56 PM
What is the Korean public's view of trans issues? I know that homosexuality is fairly taboo, but I wondered how people feel about trans issues.
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annnsow
May 31, 2014 at 3:52 PM
interesting fact… that makes the film even more interesting if it seems like they did some researches.
I will probably watch it.
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15 Min
May 31, 2014 at 3:21 PM
can you all believe that YAS is the first Cha seung won drama I'm watching faithfully? I've been watching dramas almost fifteen years and I've never been attracted to CSW's acting or his looks, until now. thankfully he's gotten rid of the icky cow shaped facial hair.
I'm going to really look forward to this movie it looks dark and intense :)
Thanks for the news JB :)
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Leanne
June 1, 2014 at 8:13 AM
You should try City Hall then. One of my favourite k-dramas. The first 4-5 episodes are a bit slap-stick. Sit through that and then the good bits will come all the way. Cha Seung Won and Kim Sun Ah ... what a pair!
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16 johanna
May 31, 2014 at 3:37 PM
I just love this actor. He can run the whole gamut of emotions in one second.
And I love that he chose to head a project so edgy.
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17 hipployta
May 31, 2014 at 3:48 PM
I adore him so looking forward to a hopefully interesting and not comedic portrayal
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18 pogo
May 31, 2014 at 4:25 PM
This looks interesting. And Korean movies are a lot less predictable than dramas, so we may actually have a bit of a rollercoaster for the feelings here.
Side note: is the girl in the red dress Lee Som (of White Christmas)? Looks a lot like her.
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Orion
May 31, 2014 at 5:12 PM
Yes, that is Lee Som.
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LollyPip
May 31, 2014 at 5:15 PM
Yes, that's her.
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Muenchabench
May 31, 2014 at 5:50 PM
The six degrees of white Christmas!
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19 kmw3
May 31, 2014 at 4:27 PM
YES!!!!! This is the movie I've been waiting for. Foxy Festival was handled sensitively and intelligently and with humor, so I have high hopes for this one. Let's see how this one is handled. After I watch it and see how they handle it i'll probably recommend it to my niece who is having gender identity issues himself, as he says he puts the ? in the LGBTQ? group, much like the spring in Springfield. I'll probably also recommend it to my sister who is an anthropology nerd, if her college would have had gender studies she probably would have majored in it. So excited for this movie!!
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20 Laden
May 31, 2014 at 5:43 PM
Nice haircut :D
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21 yumii
May 31, 2014 at 7:00 PM
Wow.
Music matters.
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22 nozomi
May 31, 2014 at 7:20 PM
woah!!! i can't wait to watch this!
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23 Uhnny
June 1, 2014 at 1:27 AM
Dem stills man~ so amazeballs!!!
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24 sun yue
June 1, 2014 at 1:38 AM
Hmm. On one hand, I love Cha Seung-won as an actor, but as with Jared Leto in Dallas Buyer's Club, I don't like cis men getting trans roles.
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25 sun yu
June 1, 2014 at 1:40 AM
I respect Cha Seung-won as an actor, but as with Jared Leto in Dallas Buyer's Club, I resent the idea of cis men getting trans roles.
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redfox
June 1, 2014 at 7:46 AM
but think of it as evolving as actors. so trans men can get the average guy roles too.
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sun yue
June 1, 2014 at 8:53 PM
But it's like casting a white person to play an Asian character in a U.S. movie. Things like diverse casting are about opening roles for people who largely go unrepresented, not universalizing roles so that actors who fit the heteronormative mold can take the already limited minority roles.
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Orion
June 2, 2014 at 3:21 PM
Firstly, the character is, for the most part if we go by the promotional material, someone who struggles with his identity, but is still anatomically male and tries to keep that as his outer self. He is a male person with a female gender, from what I can tell.
Actors are about pretending. Gender is not race, so I disagree with your comparison. Race shows and it is therefore important for the actor's to fit the character's in order for the story to be told with immersion unharmed. But any person could have a gender identity crisis.
Secondly, while a range of trans actors would be lovely to see play trans characters, Korea only has one (to my knowledge) trans celebrity and she is no longer acting. She is also a she now and could therefore not portray the character pre-change.
And she is still facing great discrimination. As lovely as a fair world would be, we still have to accept the fact that, push as we may, change will happen slowly. Especially in a society like the Korean one, where such issues are still very much taboo and LGBT people discriminated against. Not that Hollywood is doing much better with trans people.
The fact that this movie is even being made and a trans character explored, in Korean cinema, is a rarity. And if using cis actors can pass a message and make a point, as well as get audiences to understand trans people more and perhaps open their minds, I consider that only a good thing. Not the best we could have, but Rome wasn't built in a day.
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26 Sekanstar
June 1, 2014 at 9:56 AM
if I'm in America , how do I watch this movie ? anybody know ?
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Saki
June 1, 2014 at 11:25 AM
Well alot of us here are in America and yet we know and watch the korean entertainment.... How? INTERNET hahaha wait some months or less and it'll be online. Just google it. That's a way to get around.
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Lisa-Loo-Loo
June 1, 2014 at 7:45 PM
Yeah the movies always end up online. Also a lot of times the city you live in have mom and pop Korean stores that sells movies. I have one where I live (in Florida) that I purchase movies and music from all the time. Just Google.
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27 hello panda
June 1, 2014 at 10:10 AM
He has such beautiful,expressive eyes. I could stare into them all day.
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28 Cheap Heels
June 1, 2014 at 6:41 PM
Most people don't realize that high heels were originally designed for men :)
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29 Lisa-Loo-Loo
June 1, 2014 at 7:43 PM
Can there be such a thing as a "sensitive noir"? Isn't that kind of an oxymoron? The English conundrum aside this looks interesting and ridiculously (yet sensitively) violent.
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30 Beng
June 1, 2014 at 8:13 PM
maybe this is the reason why he didn't grew is beard anymore. I was expecting he will have them for You're all Surrounded given that he is a tough detective there.
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31 LillyLee
June 1, 2014 at 8:14 PM
This guy is such a great actor. I can watch him in anything.
He puts so much personality and life into his characters.
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32 mabel
June 2, 2014 at 2:51 PM
Cha is overall a great noir character actor,Blades of Blood, My son etc but he tries do funny things in dramaland its a interesting duality,
Here is a bit skinny and spoiled but its ok for the role someone struggling...NICE
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33 Sua
June 2, 2014 at 4:08 PM
That fifteenth shot tho.... The one where he's aiming the gun?
Three letters. One word. H. O. T.
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34 linanne
June 2, 2014 at 11:43 PM
totally love cha seumg won :)
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35 kookicookie
June 3, 2014 at 4:04 AM
Just a taaaad bit lower on those torso shots. ;3
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36 tubie51
November 16, 2014 at 4:09 PM
The film was nicely photographed but the scriptwriter let us down in the end. Made all of the effort and angst feel wasted. Wimp ed out?
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Rosecoco
December 11, 2014 at 3:56 PM
Yes I completely agree. *SPOILER* When I saw that he was alive I was happy but then when we find out the ending I was really sad. I mean, what did he really have to loose after all that?
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37 RLD
October 7, 2015 at 7:46 PM
Very good movie, almost an art film. CSW did an excellent job as a man struggling with having to keep his true self hidden, and allowing himself the courage to finally transform into who he has always known himself/herself to be. This movie enlightens us on many levels. I was really surprised at the super job that was done w/makeup and clothing to, eventually, give him the female look. He is so unquestionably a guy that what they did was miraculous. I bet he was damned shocked too when he saw himself looking so much like a woman, an attractive one at that. This was a bold decision for him and I think highly of him as an actor for taking it on and doing it so well.
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