Things That We Shouldn't Do 2003
"Things That We Shouldn't Do (2003)" is a razor-sharp, five-minute archival documentary that skewers the militaristic culture once celebrated in South Korea.
Director: Kim Kyung-man
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Things That We Shouldn't Do (2003) about?
Kim Kyung-man's short film dissects the Korean military's Vietnam War legacy through a mix of archival footage and satirical narration. It lampoons the glorification of machismo while exposing the civilian massacres committed by Korean forces during the conflict.
Who directed Things That We Shouldn't Do?
Kim Kyung-man is the director behind this incisive 2003 documentary.
Who stars in Things That We Shouldn't Do?
Director information is not available.
Is Things That We Shouldn't Do (2003) worth watching?
As a 5-minute archival essay that blends satire with historical inquiry, it's a niche but memorable viewing experience. While unrated, its sharp critique and condensed runtime make it a quick, thought-provoking pick for fans of political documentaries.
How long is Things That We Shouldn't Do?
Things That We Shouldn't Do runs for 5 minutes.
About Things That We Shouldn't Do (2003) — Kim Kyung-man's subversive Vietnam War documentary dissected
"Things That We Shouldn't Do (2003)" is a razor-sharp, five-minute archival documentary that skewers the militaristic culture once celebrated in South Korea. Directed by Kim Kyung-man, the film stitches together declassified Vietnam War footage and 1970s military training films to expose how macho bravado and blind patriotism could justify atrocities. Beneath the sarcasm lurks a sobering critique of a society that, at the time of filming, still winked at the atrocities committed by Korean troops in Vietnam. The short's witty juxtaposition of archival reels and dry narration turns propaganda into parody, revealing the absurd—and often tragic—connections between drill-square discipline and national identity.
Kim Kyung-man's guerrilla-style approach transforms what could have been a dry historical survey into a dark comedy of errors, where the laugh track cuts to silence when the camera lingers on the collateral damage of war. Shot through with archival grit and a biting sense of humor, the film challenges viewers to laugh at militarism's pageantry while confronting its human cost. It's a micro-doc that packs a macro punch, leaving audiences to question how far 'glorious sacrifice' can go before it tips into outright complicity.