At this point, I should be used to the fact that no one becomes famous in Korea without some serious skills. After watching The Man from Nowhere and then this film, I realized Won Bin is far more than just a handsome face (he’s even ranked as Korea’s most attractive man, surpassing So Ji Sub).
But let’s get to the point—I’m not here for the gossip. The film in question is Mother (2009), a gripping story about a widow, Hye Ja, and her son, who has a developmental disability.
A Story That Leaves No One Indifferent
The opening scene is unforgettable: an elderly woman dances alone in a wheat field. This single moment sets the tone, signaling that everything to come will revolve around her. It’s not just about the events happening around her—it’s about her magnetic presence and the masterful performance she delivers.
In a small town where nothing ever happens, a murder shakes the community, and Do Jun, Hye Ja’s son, is accused of the crime with little evidence. From that moment, we witness a mother’s relentless fight to clear his name, embarking on a journey that reveals the true nature of a mother’s love and the extremes she will go to for her child.
While we often expect to see overprotective, sorrowful mothers in these narratives, Hye Ja is different. She knows her son, she trusts him, and despite the hardships of raising him alone, she won’t stop until she proves his innocence.
An Outstanding Cast
- Kim Hye Ja (Goong, Live in Cheongdam-dong, Mom’s Dead Upset) plays Hye Ja in a role written specifically for her. She embodies a fearless woman, fighting for her son’s future despite the challenges of raising him alone.
- Won Bin (The Man from Nowhere, Friends, Autumn in My Heart) portrays Do Jun, a young man with a cognitive disability who spends most of his time with his best friend under his mother’s watchful eye. His powerful performance proves why he deserves his fame.
- Jin Goo (Ad Genius Lee Tae-baek, A Bittersweet Life, A Dirty Carnival) plays Jin Tae, Do Jun’s loyal friend. He tries to help Hye Ja despite his own troubles.
- Yoon Je Moon (The King 2 Hearts, The Alumni, Battlefield Heroes) is Detective Jae Mun, a man torn between duty and compassion for Do Jun. While he isn’t a bad person, he is distracted by other town matters, leading to grave consequences.
Bong Joon-ho’s Vision
The performances of the mother and son are breathtaking, and the film masterfully builds tension through constant unexpected twists. Director Bong Joon Ho, who later won an Oscar for Best Picture with Parasite (2019), showcases his early mastery of suspense and storytelling. His direction is both poetic and emotionally intense, making Mother one of his standout works.
Bong has since gained international fame, and his next big project, Mickey 17, starring Robert Pattinson, is highly anticipated. This makes it the perfect time to revisit Mother and appreciate the foundation of his genius.
If you love thrillers, psychological dramas, and Korean cinema, Mother is a must-watch. Few films manage to be this powerful.