3.2 Visual Text Techniques

Dialogue in the goodbye scene showing Hae Sung's hope that he and Nora could be closer in another life.

“What if this is a past life as well and we are already something else to each other in our next life? Who do you think we are then?”

Dialogue in the goodbye scene showing Nora's focus on her present life over past possibilities.

“I don’t know.”

Technique used in the Goodbye scene that mirrors a timeline, with Hae Sung going left into the past and Nora going right to her present life

Tracking shot

Used in scenes with Nora and Hae Sung to show the physical/emotional distance between them.

Mise-en-scene - Positioning

Symbolism of Hae Sung’s dark, formal costuming (navy blue shirt, black pants).

Represents his traditional Korean lifestyle/identity.

Symbolism of Nora’s light, loose costuming (beige shirt, loose pants).

Represents her adapted American identity and lifestyle.

The type of shot used to show Nora’s happiness/excitement at reconnecting with Hae Sung in the Skype scene.

Close-up shot

Technique used to show Nora and Hae Sung’s intimacy with each other during the Skype scene.

Crosscutting

A symbol that foreshadows Nora and Hae Sung taking different paths in life.

Stairs

Symbolism of the colourful, plant-filled stairs that Nora takes.

Represents her ambition to pursue a new life in America.

Symbolism of the neutral alleyway that Hae Sung takes, as well as the bit of yellow he wears.

Represents his decision to remain in Korea, with the yellow showing he still holds onto Na Young.

Colour palette/costuming/lighting of Nora’s surroundings as Nora talks about in-yun.

Blues, greens, browns + neutral lighting

Colour palette/costuming/lighting of Hae Sung’s surroundings as Nora talks about in-yun.

Bright colours like red and blue + darkness against bright lights

Dialogue where Nora shows that she understand the idea of fate without surrendering to it.

“That’s just something Koreans say to seduce one another.”

A setting symbolising childhood memories for Nora and Hae Sung.

Park/Carousal

Symbolism of Seoul’s muted colours and lighting.

Represents the nostalgia of Nora’s childhood in Korea.

Symbolism of New York’s bright yellow colours and lighting.

Represents the brightness of Nora’s present and future in America.

Dialogue used by Nora and Hae Sung during the crosscutting part of the Skype scene to show their mutual care for each other.

“Hae Sung? Can you hear me?” / “Na Young? Can you hear me?”