With beauty advertisements plastered all over shopping malls, bus stops
and social media platforms these days, it can be difficult to ignore the
current beauty trends and societal pressures to look a certain way when it is
all around us constantly.
After all, who does not want to look perfect?
Tackling the subject of physical beauty, (Im)perfect is a documentary
short on Singaporean youth’s perceptions and perspectives on physical
appearances, trends as well as engaging in surgical methods to beautify
oneself.
With the increasing convenience of plastic surgery and non-invasive
methods of beautifying oneself, as well as the rising standard of beauty from
one’s size to one’s height, I thought that this documentary is extremely
relevant to the youths of today and is something worth talking about.
The documentary was done with multiple interviews being conducted and
weaved together neatly to be able to give a good gauge of opinions and
perspectives by youths and industry professionals. The questions asked were
common yet able to draw upon interesting answers, and that made the documentary
more interesting and engaging to watch.
One thing I really liked about the documentary is that there was a good
mix of both genders and everyone was willing to share about their insecurities
on their physical appearances (particularly with their faces).
Even though media outlets usually focus on the ladies and their need to
up keep a certain image that causes unnecessary pressure and stress, men do
face similar pressures as well, and I am glad that this documentary managed to
show that.
However, I think it would have been more compelling and impactful if the
age range of interviewees was extended to the tweens and teens since they are
usually the ones that are still forming their own identity and place in
society.
All in all, it was an interesting watch and left me with some questions
to think about even though the stand taken by the documentary right at the end
was rather cliché and expected right from the start.
(Im)perfect advocates for individuality and acceptance of one’s physical
appearance.
But there is a question that stayed in my mind: If plastic surgery will
help me feel better about myself and more confident, is it still frowned
upon?
Is it a fault then or is that justifiable?
Review by Dawn Teo