Synopsis
A sci-fi version of exquisite combination of signature Northern European psychoanalysis and dark comedy, The Substitute is a fable full of delightful humors and lessons. In the film, a bunch of sixth graders find their new substitute teacher with compulsively competitive didactic style baffling and belittling. They are convinced their mind-reading, chicken-butchering substitute is an alien, only their parents don't believe them. A touching, compelling warning that adults would rather blame kids for their "childish" fascination with games and the Internet than listen to them when they actually tell the truth, the movie visualizes a horrendous consequence of not listening to young minds. In the end, however, both grown-ups and kids become more mature, and the value of love is appreciated as the aliens would describe it the most potent and coveted energy in the entire universe. (CHO Hye Young)