Acclaimed South Korean drama SILENCED comes to DVD September 18

"'Silenced' has had an extraordinary impact" (The New York Times), "nothing short of earth-shaking" (The Economist).

James Plath's picture
James
Plath

I haven't seen this one, but the South Korean film has gotten rave reviews, and now "Silenced" is coming to DVD for North American audiences. Read on:

LOS ANGELES — Sept. 1, 2012 — The hideous truth – concealed for far too long – is revealed in "Silenced," the real-life story of one man’s battle for justice, available on DVD Sept. 18 from CJ Entertainment America. Based on the book Dogani – which elicited outrage across South Korea – "Silenced" is the heart-wrenching true story of horrific child abuse and the shocking human rights issues that continue to plague activists today.
When widower Kang In-ho becomes a teacher at the Ja-ae Academy for deaf children in Mujin, far from his home and family, he is thankful for a new start for himself and his young daughter, who is sick and requires surgery he can’t afford. But all is not as it appears at the esteemed school and, as the gentle-natured In-ho slowly gains the trust of his reticent students, he uncovers a dark and shocking secret.  Though he is reluctant to step forward and lose the income he so desperately needs to help his daughter, he cannot turn his back on his tormented, young charges. With the help of activist Seo Yu-jin, they risk everything to give the kids a voice and to challenge a system darkly intent on protecting the privileged perpetrators … not the children.

A powerful and moving tribute to great strength and heroic conviction …The story of one man – and one people’s – unwavering hope for change.

Postscript: Although the accused received woefully minor sentences prior to the release of "Silenced," the film – which sold 2.7 million tickets within two weeks of  theatrical release in Korea – elicited positive real-life results. President Lee Myung-bak publicly attended a screening and, amid much public outcry, revisions to national laws were put into effect.

"Silenced" won the “Black Dragon Audience Award” at the  2012  Udine Far East Film Festival; “Best Film” at the 2012 Film of the Year Awards; “Best Music” at the 2011 Blue Dragon Film Awards; and was an official selection at the 2012 Fantasia Film Festival.

"Silenced" is presented in widescreen (aspect ratio: 2.35:1) and Korean 5.1 Dolby digital sound.  Special features include: “The School” “The Children” deleted scenes, poster photo shoot, still gallery and trailer.