Manok (2026)
이반리 장만옥
Director: Lee Yu-jin
Cast: Yang Mal-bok, Sung Jae-yun, Park Wan-kyu, Kim Jung-young, Sak-ja
Did you know? The film's title, "Manok," is a clever double-entendre, as it means both "chicken" in Filipino—a nod to the protagonist's scrappy, underdog political fight—and serves as the character's name, highlighting her tough, street-smart nature.
Why Watch: "Manok" swaps sizzling Seoul nightlife for gritty political drama, offering a razor-sharp story of identity, revenge, and queer resilience. Watching a lesbian bar owner dismantle her ex-husband's mayoral campaign with wit and courage is both thrilling and deeply resonant. This is a must-watch for anyone craving fresh, fearless cinema that tackles power, love, and small-town hypocrisy head-on.
Manok, the owner of a lesbian bar in South Korea, swaps neon pride for local power plays after returning to her hometown and launching a mayoral campaign against her ex-husband.