This is a film that depicts the mental state of the people involved in a court case involving a school rape. Huihua, a music school freshman, is raped by Professor Lee. She files a suit against him with the help of another professor, who involves his attorney friend, Fang Anyu. As the film focuses on the secondary abuse inflicted on Huihua, it narrows in on the characters’ inner lives. Why does Fang Anyu defend Huihua while his marriage crumbles? Why does attorney Lin so actively defend her husband? Above all, Huihua’s complex psyche is evident in the words, “I may have loved Professor Lee.” The film transcends into something beyond a simple courtroom drama. Lin struggles with the guilt she feels over having stood in the way of her husband’s success. This feeling is further complicated by her determination to protect her family. Huihua’s confession comes with the knowledge that her honesty may jeopardize the case. Professor Lee alone maintains his lie to the end. Thus (Sex) Appeal is more a psychological film than a social critique. (KIM Ji-seok)