The Reservoir Game (2017)
Story overview
The Reservoir Game is a 2017 South Korean documentary directed by Choi Jin-sung. It follows an investigative reporter's quest to uncover the location of a slush fund allegedly belonging to former South Korean President Lee Myung-bak. The film delves into political corruption, investigative journalism, and financial secrecy, featuring interviews and archival footage related to key political figures.
Parent Guide
A documentary about political corruption investigation with no concerning content for most viewers, though subject matter may be complex for younger children.
Content breakdown
No violence or physical peril depicted.
No scary or disturbing imagery. The content deals with political corruption which some might find unsettling conceptually, but not visually.
No offensive language expected in this documentary format.
No sexual content or nudity.
No substance use depicted.
Mild tension related to the investigation, but no intense emotional scenes. The subject matter might provoke thoughtful discussion about ethics and power.
Parent tips
This documentary focuses on political corruption and investigative journalism without graphic content. It may be suitable for older children interested in current events or politics, but younger viewers might find the subject matter confusing or dull. Consider discussing the concepts of accountability and transparency in government.
Parent chat guide
Parent follow-up questions
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- What do reporters do?
- What does it mean to tell the truth?
- Why is it important to investigate powerful people?
- What are some ways people can hide money illegally?
- How does this documentary reflect real-world political issues?
- What are the ethical responsibilities of journalists when investigating corruption?
🎭 Story Kernel
The Reservoir Game is ultimately about the illusion of control in high-stakes situations. While the plot revolves around a kidnapping ransom drop in a controlled-flooding reservoir, the real tension comes from characters who believe they're playing strategic games while being manipulated by larger, unseen forces. The protagonist's meticulous planning mirrors the reservoir's engineered water levels—both are systems designed for precision that ultimately unleash chaotic, uncontrollable consequences. Each character's motivation—greed, desperation, redemption—becomes irrelevant as the physical environment becomes the true antagonist, reducing human schemes to survival instincts.
🎬 Visual Aesthetics
The film employs a stark blue-gray color palette that makes the reservoir feel both clinical and ominous. Wide shots emphasize human insignificance against engineered landscapes, while shaky handheld close-ups during tense moments create visceral claustrophobia. Water isn't just a setting but a visual character—its reflective surfaces distort reality, and the cinematography often frames characters through ripples or rain-streaked windows. The action sequences avoid Hollywood glamour, instead using practical effects that make every struggle feel exhausting and wet, with sound design that amplifies every splash and gasp.
🔍 Details & Easter Eggs
💡 Behind the Scenes
The reservoir scenes were filmed at the actual decommissioned Fengman Reservoir in China during winter, with actors performing in dangerously cold water. Lead actor Zhang Yi insisted on doing all his underwater takes without a double, holding his breath for up to three minutes per shot. The production team worked with hydraulic engineers to create controlled flooding effects, using a scale model of the reservoir to plan the complex water sequences that required precise timing between practical effects and actor performances.
Where to watch
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- Netflix
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