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var filmades like a virgin

Like a Virgin (Cheonhajangsa Madonna) is a 2006 South Korean comedy-drama film directed by Lee Hae-jun, centering on a teenager's bold quest for gender- affirming surgery inspired by Madonna.

The story follows Oh Dong-gu, an overweight high school boy who feels deeply female inside, practicing Madonna's dances and songs in secret while saving for a sex change operation. To fund his dream, he enters a ssireum (Korean wrestling) tournament, discovering unexpected talent despite his build, under a quirky coach's guidance.

Plot Highlights

  • Dong-gu's Dream : Protagonist mimics Madonna obsessively, facing bullying but staying determined for transformation.
  • Wrestling Journey : Joins ssireum team, bonds with misfit friends, trains rigorously for prize money.
  • Emotional Core : Explores identity, body image, and perseverance amid humor and heartfelt moments.

Key Facts

  • Release : Premiered August 2006, gained cult following for its quirky take on transgender themes in Korean cinema.
  • Cast : Ryu Deok-hwan as Dong-gu, Baek Il-seob as coach; praised for authentic performances.
  • Reception : 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, lauded for blending comedy with sensitive topics without stereotypes.

Filmed in realistic Korean settings, it mixes slapstick wrestling scenes with poignant family dynamics, like Dong-gu's strained dad relationship. No major recent remakes or sequels, but it trends occasionally in LGBTQ+ film discussions online.

TL;DR : Heartwarming underdog tale of a teen wrestler chasing Madonna- fueled gender dreams—funny, touching, and trailblazing for 2006.

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