I found it interesting that there was really no protagonist in the film. Blindman is an adulterer, the Chief is a weak man who can't fulfill his role as a husband, Blindman's wife is crazy, and Ermo is incredibly materialistic. While her actions and attempts to earn a living for her family are respected by today's audience, I think they would have been questioned during that time period. After all, she does leave her husband and child to work in the city so that she can buy a TV. Does anyone think that there was a protagonist other than maybe her?
Posted by carlos at November 17, 2004 04:00 PMI think the protagonist was definitely Ermo. Although she was presented as materialistic, she was just responding to the changing culture. She was proud for what she was able to accomplish, and worked very hard for it. She refused to take the money Blindman was trying to give her, and was greatly insulted by this. She, as the sole income for the family, made enough money for the tv, which proved to be a difficult feat in her culture. This I think reflects more of her determination and honor.
I think that the scene at the end proves her respectability. Selling noodles on the streets I thought represented her return to what was really important to her and her cultural values. She was back to the ritualistic method of making and selling noodles, (as was mentioned by Bob). It demonstrates that she was not obsessed with wealth, she only wanted to provide for her family; but also that she valued her past and her family.