Liberated Madame 1990

Synopsis

Liberated Madame 1990 (1990년 자유부인) is a South Korean drama film starring Goh Doo-shim that delves into the complexities of female independence and societal expectations in South Korea during the early 1990s. The film explores the life of a woman striving to assert her autonomy amidst the traditional pressures imposed by family and society. Through a compelling narrative that portrays the emotional struggles and social challenges she faces, the movie highlights themes of liberation, identity, and the pursuit of self-realization. Goh Doo-shim’s powerful performance anchors the story, providing depth and nuance to the portrayal of a woman navigating the constraints of her environment.

Cast

• 

  Goh Doo-shim

  Sun-young

• 

  Kang Seok-woo

  Choon-ho

• 

  Kim Hyung-ja

  Yoon-joo

• Kim Heung Ki

  Tae-yeon

Reviews

Critical reception of Liberated Madame 1990 has been varied, reflecting its nuanced approach to social themes. According to Korean film critic reviews archived in domestic cinema retrospectives, the film is praised for Goh Doo-shim’s commanding performance and the sensitive portrayal of women's evolving roles in a patriarchal society. While some reviews on platforms like IMDb note that the pacing and narrative style are characteristic of the period’s melodramatic tendencies, many appreciate its honest and bold examination of gender roles. On IMDb, the movie holds an average rating of around 6.5/10, reflecting moderate viewer appreciation. Though there is no aggregated score available from Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic for this specific title, retrospective critiques have emphasized its cultural significance and contribution to Korean feminist cinema. Some scholars highlight its role in initiating conversations about female autonomy in Korean film, citing it as a courageous work for its time despite certain melodramatic elements.