King of Pigs – DVD Review
After murdering his wife, businessman Hwang Kyung-min contacts old classmate Jung Jong-suk. The two meet and reminisce on their childhood days spent as ‘pigs’ – poor students ruled by an elite class of bullies known as ‘dogs.’ As ‘pigs,’ their only hope is Kim Chul – adept classroom brawler and defender of the weak. Intercutting between past and present, a secret is revealed which will be a turning point for both men.
This violent thriller explores the idea of justice through the burgeoning moral compasses of its young protagonists. In addition to showing the long-term effects of bullying, the film is a righteous attack on strict hierarchies, highlighting the emotional damage to those on the bottom. One particular scene sees Chul, his sense of justice rooted firmly in an unstable home life, concluding the only way to beat the ‘dogs’ is to “become more evil than them.”
Animation-wise there’s a visceral edge to the most of action. Students shake with fear, clench teeth in frustration, and wail with existential dread. Fights are brutal, usually short, with one classmate continuing the assault long after victory is assured, while cuts and bruises swell and stay long after fights come to an end.
Overall, King of Pigs is an engaging drama with plenty of themes to mull over long after its conclusion. Its a remarkably assured first feature from director Yeun Sang-ho and a great sign for both the future of Korean animation, and adult feature animation in general.
Items mentioned in this article:
![The King of Pigs [DVD]](https://www.skwigly.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/The-King-of-Pigs-DVD.jpg)