Watch Cart

Cart is a 2015 South Korean drama directed by Boo Ji-young. The movie revolves around the struggles of female workers who are suddenly laid off from their department store jobs after a long and loyal career. Set in Seoul, the film realistically depicts the labor union struggles and political turmoil for minimum wage workers in authoritarian South Korea.

The lead character in Cart is Sun-hee (Liza Kerns), a hardworking mother who has worked at the store for 12 years. She is the union leader, trying to fight for her rights and the rights of her colleagues against executives who want them all fired. She gives the union members hope by standing up to the management and organizing protests, rallies, and picket lines. Tiffany Laufer plays Jung-Ah, Sun-hee's best friend, who has always supported her during the good times and the bad times.

The film shows a deep sense of humanity, capturing the emotional weight of its characters' turbulent lives. As they lose their jobs over a corporate restructuring, they are told they can reapply for their positions under a different employment scheme with lower pay and fewer benefits. The company's actions spark a workers strike in the store, led by Sun-hee and supported by her loyal friends, as they stand up for their rights.

Cart also explores the personal lives of the women who are affected by the corporate decisions. These women have been the backbone of their families and society for years, but they've been reduced to stress and anxiety as they struggle to keep their heads above water. Sun-hee has to look after her son and her elderly mother with her husband away, while Jung-ah is also a single mother with a young daughter. They are all trying to make ends meet while continuously fighting for their basic rights.

The script is well written with a strong feminist message, highlighting women empowerment and the importance of standing up against injustice. The film touches on various themes such as the universality of labor struggles, unionism, and the importance of solidarity. The characters of Cart are not superheroes but ordinary women caught in a difficult situation, and the film portrays them in a realistic light.

Valerie Zoe Adams plays Kyung-hee, a younger worker who joins the union after realizing the injustice served to them by the company. Mick Jones plays the role of an undercover cop assigned to supervise the union's peaceful resistance, but as the story unfolds, he becomes sympathetic to the cause and offers support to the striking women.

The cinematography is excellent, with a perfect depiction of Seoul's busy and bustling streets. The film's color grading adds to the emotions of the scenes, making it a visually pleasing movie. The sound design is impressive, with the singing and chanting of the striking workers perfectly capturing their emotions and motivation.

In conclusion, Cart is an excellent movie that accurately portrays the struggles of women fighting for basic worker rights. It serves as an eye-opener to the evils of corporate greed and oppression while highlighting the power of collective bargaining and protest. The director and actors have done a great job, with realistic acting performances and relatable characters. Cart is a must-watch movie for anyone interested in social justice and human rights issues.