심선아
| 2025-09-02 12:02:43
(Movie Review) Homeward Bound
(Movie Review) 'Homeward Bound,' compelling family drama with touches of humor
By Shim Sun-ah
SEOUL, Sept. 2 (Yonhap) -- We sometimes hide our troubles from our family, knowing they would suffer as much as we do, and in doing so, we become strangers -- closest in proximity yet farthest in understanding.
In his new film "Homeward Bound," director Kim Dae-hwan, known for his nuanced exploration of human relationships in earlier works such as "End of Winter" (2016) and "The First Lap" (2017), takes a subtle look at this paradox of family.
The movie opens with a scene of quiet tension in a seemingly ordinary household. We meet Jung-ha (Jang Young-nam), a high school art teacher in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, along with her husband and their teenage son, Jin-woo.
A simple argument over a report card stashed by the son quickly escalates, exposing the deep-seated friction and emotional distance beneath the surface of their family life. The moment sets the stage for a tragedy that changes everything, as a car accident claims the husband's life.
Years later, Jin-woo (Ryu Gyeong-su), now an adult, unexpectedly returns from Canada with his girlfriend, Jenny (Stephanie Lee), a medical doctor, seeking his mother's approval for their marriage. Having completed college there, he has since been working at a study-abroad agency.
Jung-ha, secretly battling breast cancer, prepares to take medical leave but forces herself to appear composed, determined not to let her son worry about her condition.
Soon after, Jenny's parents -- who should have been in Canada -- suddenly arrive in Chuncheon. A commotion at the hotel front desk over a booking mix-up leaves the two unfamiliar families under the same roof. This awkward and uneasy cohabitation becomes the crucible in which long-hidden truths finally come to light.
What makes the movie so effective is its ability to explore weighty themes with a deft and surprisingly gentle touch. Kim Dae-hwan skillfully interweaves moments of high tension with bursts of genuine, laugh-out-loud comedy, which not only lightens the heaviness of the subject matter but also lifts the overall tone. In particular, Park Ji-ah shines in the role of Jenny's quirky mother, delivering some of the film's most unexpected and delightful moments of humor. This tonal balance prevents the film from becoming overly solemn, resulting in an experience that feels both authentic and deeply moving.
Ultimately, the film is a poignant reminder that true connection requires the courage to be vulnerable and reveal our true selves, even to those closest to us. With its delicate direction and heartfelt performances, "Homeward Bound" is a compelling watch and a strong addition to Kim Dae-hwan's already impressive body of work.
The film is scheduled for release in local theaters on Sept. 10.
(END)
[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]