Educational Media Reviews Online

Pauline Parker, a transgender woman and activist, travels to Korea to investigate the records of her birth there 54 years ago. Starting with a face-to-camera interview, she quickly provides her back story: she was adopted from Korea, has a twin brother, and her educational background includes a PhD. The bulk of the film concerns her trip to Korea, with the scenes of her speaking to a group assembled for a pride parade and searching for her birth parents at the Social Welfare Society. A couple of talking heads, an academic and an official from the Global Overseas Adoptees’ Link, add content to the film.

The director’s use of video and still photography together with voiceover narration and some music enrich the narrative. The film brings home the difference between the United States and Korean cultures, enhanced by Park’s comments on the same. Her unique experience provides a fascinating look at transgender issues with the overlay of her adoption story and foreign adoption in particular. Coming Full Circle would make for interesting discussions in college classes, especially sociology, ethnic studies, and gender studies courses. Patrons of public libraries may also want to view for their own education, or as group discussion content.

Awards

• Best Documentary, Ithaca Pan Asian American Film Festival