Cyber Hell: Exposing an Internet Horror
Team investigates scary social media scam; sexual violence.
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Cyber Hell: Exposing an Internet Horror
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Cyber Hell: Exposing an Internet Horror is a Korean-language documentary with subtitles. Based on actual digital sex crime cases, the film follows social media investigation led by law enforcement officials, journalists, and victims. Images and references include objectification of young women, teens, and kids as well as stalking, rape, guns, blackmailing, harassment and threats, online doxing of personal information, blurred nude photos, child pornography, sexually exploitative videos, photos of pens stuffed inside female genitals, death by suicide, and narcotics trafficking. Swear words include "ass," "bitch," "bulls--t," "f--ked," "f---ing," "hell," and "s--tty." Slurs include "personal p---y," "slave," and "scumbag." Positive themes include trying to be aware of internet clickbait, using precaution when sharing personal information online, and strength in the face of adversity.
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What's the Story?
In CYBER HELL: EXPOSING AN INTERNET HORROR, it's revealed that young women, teens, and kids are the victims of sexually exploitative crimes on the internet. Expert investigators and journalists pursue a deep-dive takedown of the masterminds behind the social media sites and chat rooms with the hope of ending the control of victims by criminals. It appears that chatting with random people online may lead to exchanges for money and illicit photos, which could then be used for voyeuristic purposes.
Is It Any Good?
Writer and director Choi Jin-seong shares an influential learning tool for all with this unimaginable, yet true, account of social media crimes involving sexually exploitative photos and videos. The victims in Cyber Hell: Exposing an Internet Horror are often young women or girls looking for jobs or in need of money. They are approached by alleged online perpetrators through conversations. "It was repulsive," says Chang Eun-Jo, a broadcasting writer for a Korean investigative news program covering the cases. "I don't know how to explain it, but seeing the video made me irritated and angry."
Infuriation, too, could be shared by viewers that this shocking sequence of events ever took place, but hopefully the film will educate viewers about the use of social media platforms and the internet and inspire conversation about how to stay safe online.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the cast's perseverance in Cyber Hell: Exposing an Internet Horror. How do they demonstrate courage and communication? Why are these important character strengths?
What do you think about the investigative techniques and teamwork used in the film to find out the alleged suspects behind the digital sex crimes?
How effective is the public's help as informants in curtailing these crimes? Would you want to be an informant? Why, or why not?
A digital sex crime could possibly happen to anyone. Should society care? How can we prevent this from happening?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: May 18, 2022
- Cast: Chang Eun-Jo, Kim Wan, Oh Yeon-seo
- Director: Choi Jin-seong
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Activism, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models, History
- Character Strengths: Communication, Courage, Perseverance, Teamwork
- Run time: 105 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 17, 2023
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