Initial Impressions and Box Office Success

Despite its serious subject matter, the documentary film is resonating with audiences. One middle-aged couple leaving the theatre remarked, It’s fun. Surprisingly, the film ranked third in the daily box office, closely following another leading film. This success indicates a positive reception for documentary films in the current cinematic landscape.

A Departure from the Source Material

While the film shares its origins with a book, the narrative unfolds quite differently. the most significant divergence lies in the timeline. The book predates the rise of Yoon Seok-yeol, while the film directly addresses his governance’s actions, particularly the arrest of individuals involved in related events.

Pacing and Key Figures

The film maintains a brisk pace, incorporating testimonies and news footage featuring journalists Kim Yong-jin, Han Sang-jin, Bang Ji-wook, Shim In-bo, and Park Jong-seok. Despite the potential for a dense and tedious presentation, the film avoids these pitfalls. It weaves a narrative that connects the emergence of the Yoon Seok-yeol regime to its subsequent downfall, all framed by the thread of what it calls Newstapa oppression. This is attributed to the talent and skill of director and actor Kim yong-jin.

Emotional High Points

Several poignant scenes linger in the memory. One notable instance involves reporter Han Sang-jin, struggling to maintain composure. In one scene, after participating in a prosecutor’s office forensic examination, Han declares, Must win in this fight. Another interview captures him fighting back tears, stating, I can never yield to the pressure of power. These moments encapsulate the spirit of Newstapa.

Optimism Amidst Adversity

Even amidst the challenges posed by the Yoon administration and the prosecution, the journalists maintain an optimistic outlook, which lightens the mood of the film. At a book launch, reporter Bang Ji-wook confidently asserts, I think yoon Seok-yeol will not fill his term, eliciting cheers and applause from the audience.

Another scene depicts reporters Kim Yong-jin, Han Sang-jin, and Bang Ji-wook driving through the Namsan Tunnel. Kim remarks, I’m passing through a dark tunnel, but it’s going to be a bright day as soon as I get out of the tunnel.

A Preemptive Stance

Both the book and the film emerged before the full impact of Yoon Seok-yeol’s policies was felt. The journalists, in their coverage of the administration’s actions, seemed to anticipate the consequences. Their reporting suggests an awareness that they might face repercussions for their critical stance. This was not a prophecy,but a result of their investigative work.

The Role of Journalists in a Tumultuous Era

The journalists featured in the film exemplify the qualities needed in today’s media landscape. They face challenges head-on,from seizure searches to trials,maintaining a confident demeanor.one journalist, confronted by prosecutors, retorts, Do not just dictate the prosecution. They also declared that they wanted to call the Kim Man-bae-Theological Forest case, Newstapa vs. Yoon Seok-yeol.

Comparisons and contrasts

Some critics have drawn parallels between this film and documentaries about former President Roh Moo-hyun’s legal career. While there are similarities,this film offers a distinct viewpoint.It underscores the importance of critical media in a democracy, arguing that the power that oppresses the media, the core of democracy, is forced to fall. Despite attempts to suppress critical voices, the film suggests that such efforts ultimately backfire.