Mask Off: The language of resistance as told by Money Heist
It’s no secret that South Korea produces quality television. Filipinos can vouch for that; for one, we collectively grew up munching on media adaptations that are originally K-Dramas. With their fine and positive reputation across almost everywhere, they undoubtedly bear the standard of a worth-consuming media.
So the moment Netflix announced that there was going to be a Korean adaptation of the hit show La Casa De Papel, the world was quick to question: would it steal not only riches, but also the hearts of viewers?
@ghiahong Another action packed Netflix original that’s on my must watch list! #MoneyHeistKorea #HallyuHeist #hallyutalkph #kdramaph
Alex Pina, the executive producer and creator of La Casa De Papel considers the Korean adaptation a fascinating milestone, given the setting of the story took place in a unified Korea.
Pina also gave importance to the role of Korean creators in terms of developing their own language and audiovisual culture for years. He said in a press statement, ‘They have managed, like our series, to go beyond cultural borders and become a point of reference for thousands of viewers around the world, especially among young people.’
A country without borders, but at what cost?
The fresh undertaking of Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area highlighted the clear intent of the heist and its innate political root.
The unification of a divided country with a long history comes with a promise: that every Korean will benefit from it. Its guarantee of having a comprehensive economic development and union, even with the bait of common currency, served as the saving grace for the Koreans. As the Joint Economic Area comes to life, the smell of hope lingers, anticipating the life they yearn for ages.
Unfortunately, that promise only serves as a facade to conceal a much greater agenda. Only the rich got richer.
As Tokyo would say, ‘Welcome to capitalism.’
Remake, Reimagined, Redefined
While the plot structure of the remake remains faithful to the original, there are elements and factors the Korean remake possesses that make them an outlier.
‘Given the political landscape of North and South Korea, it’s different from the original because Spain isn’t officially divided as a country yet; the division and unification of North and South is something that can’t be replicated,’ Madrid, a 23-year-old fan said.
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One noticeable tweak to the Korean remake is the usage of the Hahoetal mask.
Aside from its organic political message, the fans also gave emphasis to the refreshing yet familiar set of city-named characters:
‘Some characters were better than the original (case in point, Berlin and Tokyo) while some lacked the charm the original characters had like the Professor and Nairobi.’ Katya, a 21-year-old fan said.
El, a 19-year-old fan muses: The remake removed the problematic aspects of the original like the blatant misogyny and superficial feminism.
In which Pat, a 18-year-old fan, shared the same sentiments: ‘They made the characters more likable, it was less misogynistic than the original.’
Good as the blueprint?
When I asked hardcore LCDP fans for their take away with the Korean remake, many agreed: it was good, but yet to be called as great.
‘As far as remakes go, this one was really good! It tied up the loose ends the original failed to touch on. I understand why people still prefer the Spanish version, but there are some things that the K-Money Heist did better that I wish they could also see,’ says Katya.
While Madrid gave a promising rating and praiseworthy remarks: Breath of fresh air! Original but also familiar. 10/10 would recommend.
On the other hand, El claimed: I’d say that LCDP Korea is very enjoyable.
Pat said that the political and economic repercussions of the Peninsula’s unification is an entertaining hook.’I love that they [had] set a possible future for Korea that even through fiction, has to be studied in order to analyze how their economy would be if ever the two koreas unify.’
“Our heist will go down in history as a revolutionary crime.” – Professor
Money Heist’s (both the original and Korean version) meatful substance is often overlooked due to its high-octane gun fights and buckle-your-seatbelt-scenes. But underneath it all lies the message that resistance, in whatever form, will happen as long as systemic problems persist.
The post <b> Mask Off: The language of resistance as told by Money Heist </b> appeared first on WE THE PVBLIC.
Source: we the pvblic
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