Cinema is a fascinating medium, capable of evoking a range of emotions and perspectives. This is particularly true when the film in question is as thought-provoking as Regrettable.
Today, we examine this short film through the lenses of three of our Ambassadors. Each of them brings a unique perspective, colored by their own experiences and cultural contexts. Their reviews explore different aspects of the film and offer us a richer understanding of it. So, without further ado, let’s explore what they made of Regrettable.
1. ‘Regrettable’ Makes Silver Screen Debut to Give Viewers Glimpse of the ‘Lonely Death Phenomenon’ in South Korea
Author: Ambassador Shaira San Miguel
A group of individuals embarked on a new journey as they produced a masterpiece that
serves as an eye-opener to the public about the alarming psychological pressure in South
Korea.
Digging deeper into the recurring event, “Regrettable” is one of the newly released films that
will give the public a view of how society works in the said country.
“Regrettable” makes its screen debut to navigate the new emerging social issue called the
‘lonely death phenomenon,’ which is present among young people in South Korea.
They said the home is where the heart is, and there’s no place like home, but unfortunately
not applicable to everyone. Sometimes people who are related by blood, never like to bond.
The new Korean content foretells the story of a young man, who despite living with his family
feels isolated, as the members hardly open the door to check up on him.
As he’s unable to bear the loneliness-and to not prolong the agony, he decides to end his life
despite his family’s presence at home.
His parents, on the other hand, who struggle to understand their son, take some time to
realize he’s gone.
Helmed by Kim Yongi and penned by Lee Mingyu, these talented creatives continue to grow and make compelling strides in their respective fields, as they share an interesting narrative that the audience will
empathize with and will stick to the viewers’ memory.
As a result of their collaboration, their work already bagged nominations in various
international film festivals.
“Regrettable” is a movie that you will not regret watching.
2. A Review of Regrettable
Author: Ambassador Team Lead John Axel Orencia
The topic of suicide among youths has garnered considerable attention in recent years. The short film entitled “Regrettable” functions as a compelling catalyst for raising awareness regarding this disturbing circumstance.
This thought-provoking short film expertly delves into the complex themes of familial lack of communication, isolation, loneliness, burnout, and the harrowing depths of suicide. With its captivating narrative and deeply moving portrayals, the short film left a lasting impression on viewers, including myself.
The act of killing oneself was examined in great depth during the film. It sheds light on the severe implications that might result from a gloomy and lonely state of mind. Dying alone with our own thoughts, the filmmakers portrayed this issue with great sensitivity.
Moreover, the film underscored the context in which too little familial communication may worsen these concerns or ultimately lead to a tragic outcome. Isolation, confusion, and strained relationships can result from a failure to effectively express each family member’s emotions.
Burnout was another significant theme covered in the film. The protagonist’s life demonstrated how repeated everyday activities from his job and personal life may lead to exhaustion and emotional breakdowns, and he even admitted that he hadn’t had much time for himself recently. This portrayal struck a chord with many people who have gone through similar hardships.
In a stunning display of emotional depth, sadness becomes an ever-present force that flows into every corner of the narrative. The film effectively conveys a profound sense of melancholy, skilfully weaving together breathtaking cinematography, an incredibly touching musical score, and extraordinary performances from its cast. With subtle gestures and expressions, the actors effortlessly convey raw emotions, immersing the audience in a deeply moving experience. In doing so, it succeeded in inspiring its viewers to feel sympathy for individuals who are suffering in silence.
The story leaves us with a cliffhanger to encourage us to use our imaginations and take part in creating our own meaning for what happens in that final frame. This open-endedness invites reflection on sentiments concerning sorrowful emotions. In this particular state, viewers are compelled to confront their most profound fears and regrets.
This film contains impactful lines that convey powerful reflections on the complex nature of life. These lines emphasize the significance of demonstrating empathy and understanding towards individuals who may be experiencing internal struggles without expressing them openly.
“I wish to live independently, but I don’t have enough money to do so.” – Son
Young adults in today’s society often long for independence but lack the resources to actually attain it. The conflict between independence from parents and financial constraints can lead to feelings of hopelessness and disappointment.
“Geez he’s like a pile of mold” – Father
When the father in the film refers to his son as a “pile of mold,” he paints him in a negative light. An extremely cruel and demeaning comparison. That statement suggests that the father has a negative opinion of his son. From what he has described, I gather that the father does not think highly of his child.
“But I also don’t want to live alone on a deserted island.” – Son
The protagonist’s statement that he does not want to live alone on a deserted island expresses a symbolic human need for companionship and connection with others. This shows that he needs someone with whom he can share his thoughts and feelings in order to feel okay. Living alone on a deserted island represents isolation and solitude, which can be detrimental to one’s mental and emotional well-being—things that literally happened in the film.
“I’m burning up” – Son
Young adults are exploring and finding their place in the world. The film demonstrates how the protagonist’s daily life is repetitive, which can make young adults feel stuck in a never-ending loop. Waking up at the same time, going to work or school, and doing the same things can be mentally and physically exhausting. Lack of interest and dissatisfaction can result from this lack of differences.
Overall, this short film did an excellent job of dealing with heavy themes including suicide, lack of communication in family, burnout, and isolation. It reminds us to prioritize mental health awareness and good communication in our own lives while empathizing with others who may be struggling silently.
3. A Review of Regrettable
Author: Ambassador Aniqa Ramzan
Standing by the train among the millions of people, we still feel lonely and obsolete. Not only this loneliness has been increasing lately after COVID-19 but also, it is wrapping around the young generation the most.
In this short film, “ Regrettable ” the struggle of a lonely young man living in a family is described as a leading character who feels disconnected from this world and even his family. He loses his job due to fear of communication with his colleagues and stays locked in a room at home. Gradually, the protagonist loses his sensations and strangely enough, he finds comfort in a dirty and smelly room. He seems fearful of people even his own family. His family wanted him to be cheerful and friendly, but continuous nagging and dictation from his father and others made him more repressed and disconnected. Going out for him was becoming a moon in a fortnight. Over time, he permanently came out of his room. His parent lost him long ago before he took his own life—he chose death over life while living under the same roof as his parent. Loneliness and lack of understanding engulfed him so easily.
A lot of young people belonging to developed countries like Korea and Japan face severe bouts of loneliness like the protagonist. Modern society has witnessed changes in family structures and community dynamics. Young people may experience greater mobility, leading to a lack of stable social support networks, such as close-knit families and neighbourhood communities. Unable to cover the generation gap, young people are on the edge of depression and solitude.
Secondly, the constant comparison with others and fear of missing out make people more depressed and deviate from what is considered a normal and healthy lifestyle. Well, The pressures of academic performance and establishing a successful career are no less than harmful, leaving little time for social interactions and nurturing relationships. In the world of AI, we are losing living beings. Communication barriers should be addressed as soon as possible. Healthy activities should be a mandatory part of the curriculum. With the current race of excellence among young beings, we are creating nothing but loneliness and robotic monsters. Regrettable is the story of millions of young individuals around the world.
“The loneliest moment in someone’s life is when they are watching their whole world fall apart, and all they can do is stare blankly.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald”
Terafty 
Wow
. Amazing
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