[Review] 'Seulpeum-ui Samgakgyeong' A Piercing Black Comedy by a Young Genius Director

75th Cannes Film Festival Palme d'Or Winner
Director Ruben ?stlund Wins Two Awards
Turning Capitalist Society Upside Down... A Scathing Satire

'Triangle of Sadness' still image [Photo by Green Narae Media]

Several male models stand side by side wearing jeans with their shirts off. At this moment, the photographer gives an order. "Now, make a Balenciaga expression. This time H&M, Balenciaga, H&M, Balenciaga..." The models raise their chins and lower their eyes with a proud expression at the sound of the luxury brand Balenciaga, then smile gently and brightly at the sound of H&M. Laughter bursts out at the cynical and ridiculous satire of capitalist society. The film Triangle of Sadness begins by implying that class still exists in modern society.

Directed by Ruben ?stlund, Triangle of Sadness won the Palme d'Or, the highest award, at last year's 75th Cannes Film Festival. The film received an 8-minute standing ovation at Cannes and attracted intense attention. It was applauded for portraying the class issues of capitalist society as a black comedy, reminiscent of Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite, which won the Palme d'Or in 2019. Ruben became the ninth director to win the Palme d'Or twice at Cannes, following his previous win with The Square (2017).

An influencer model couple sponsored to board a luxury cruise is among wealthy white people. The travelers casually flaunt their wealth, saying they could buy a ship like this if they wanted. They do not hesitate to make unreasonable demands of the crew, wielding their capital power.

'Triangle of Sadness' still image [Photo by Green Narae Media]

During a dinner hosted by the captain, the cruise is swept by a massive wave, turning the scene into chaos in an instant. Even as the ship violently rocks, the restroom cleaning staff are busy cleaning up the incoming seawater and passengers’ vomit.

Eventually, the luxury cruise faces an unexpected situation and is shipwrecked. Eight people, including the model couple, a Russian tycoon, and crew members, wake up on a nearby uninhabited island.

The film is divided into three parts. Part 1 tells the story of the model couple Carl and Yaya; Part 2 looks at the hypocrisy of the wealthy aboard the luxury cruise; Part 3 deals with the events on the uninhabited island where class is overturned. It reflects the invisible yet blatant class society and poses intriguing questions.

Soon, the class system is overturned. The worker who was in charge of cleaning on the cruise becomes the leader of the group. On the island, where expensive jewelry and Rolex watches hold no power, he hunts fish and adapts to the wild. The white people, who had done nothing and regarded help as an expected privilege, soon accept their reversed positions and adapt to the group.

'Triangle of Sadness' still image [Photo by Green Narae Media]

The film overturns and overturns the world, toppling the invisible but firmly established class in modern society. It sharply mocks the privileged upper class in capitalist society. It satirizes harshly by juxtaposing vomiting, feces, and these elements.

The black comedy, rich with sharp criticism, mockery, laughter, and cynicism, leaves a strong impression and aftertaste. Rather than imposing any meaning or delivering a message, Triangle of Sadness boldly asks questions to the audience and then smiles subtly. Running time 147 minutes. Rated 15 and over. Opens May 17.