''A Skin So Soft'' by Denis Cote is a multi-faceted portrait of Adonis in modern version. The film focuses on the daily life of six bodybuilders in Montreal who are from different races and backgrounds. In dealing with their extreme dieting and training, family relationships, and solidarity in the community, he contrasts physical strength with emotional weakness or tenderness. The beautiful muscles, veiny body, and robust frame seem to exist only to be valued by somebody. In view of the quest for contemporary masculinity, the training process of body and muscle reminiscent of ancient sculptures, is represented as a sort of rite. Irony of solitary self-practicing training and ostentatious performance. Isn’t the film a cynical comment on macho masculinity? Cote presents the more serious vision, and cultural anthropological observation. [JANG Byungwon]