Sex is Zero (2002) Saekjeuk Shigong

Movie Rating NR Contains: Strong Language Sex Nudity Mature Situations

Director: Yun Je-gyun Movie Genre: Comedy, Drama Country: South Korea Sex is Zero Score Card The following scores are based on a 0.0 to 10.0 rating scale Hover your mouse pointer over the name of each scoring category below for a description Direction: 6.8 Writing: 7.0 Acting: 5.6 Cinematography: 5.5 Sound and Score: 5.5 Functionality: 7.0 Presentation: 6.8 Genre Comparison: 6.7 General Comparison: 6.5 Overall: 6.4 Reviewed 2006-05-03 21:42:54

Sex is Zero is a Korean sex comedy in the tradition of Porky's and American Pie. The story is about Eunsik, an older transfer student continuing his education after a stint in the military. Shortly after the school year starts, Eunsik develops a crush on Eunhyo, the most popular girl in school. The fact that Eunhyo's boyfriend, Sangok, is a complete jerk who refuses to remain faithful only adds to Eunsik's frustrations.

Midway through the movie, the story shifts dramatically from raunchy comedy to tragic drama. At first, this change is quite jarring, but after the initial shock sets in, the humor returns, blending seamlessly with the new developments in the narrative. This movie never degrades itself by making light of its more serious moments. Instead, the humor serves as an excellent source of comic relief.

It is easy to see how Sex is Zero came to be one of Korea's highest grossing films. This movie pays tribute to American teen comedies by covering all of the standards of the genre. There are several gross-out gags and a lot of promiscuous sex and reckless abandon. There is even a big performance that one of the main characters may or may not make it to, but then arrives at the last minute to save the day. Also, the dramatic elements are reminiscent of the more heartfelt moments of John Hughes' movies.

Many of the comedic scenes in Sex is Zero are out of sync with the dramatic tone of the moral subtext. Surprisingly enough, this mismatch is more of an asset than a hindrance. The ridiculous elements in Sex is Zero help remind the audience that even though this movie has its tragic moments, it is still a comedy, and deserves to be treated as such.