The Way Home: A Review of the 2002 Korean Film by Lee Jeong-hyang
The Way Home: A Heartwarming Korean Movie
Have you ever watched a movie that made you cry, laugh, and smile at the same time? A movie that touched your heart with its simple but powerful story? A movie that reminded you of the value of family, respect, and love? If you are looking for such a movie, then you should watch The Way Home, a 2002 Korean film written and directed by Lee Jeong-hyang. It tells the heartwarming story of a grandmother and her city-born grandson who comes to live with her in a rural village. In this article, we will explore the plot, themes, messages, production, and reception of this movie. The Story of Sang-woo and His Grandmother
How Sang-woo Ended Up in the Countryside
The movie begins with seven-year-old Sang-woo (played by Yoo Seung-ho) being taken to the Korean countryside by his mother (played by Dong Hyo-heui). His mother has lost her job in Seoul, South Korea's capital city, and needs to find a new one. She decides to leave Sang-woo with his mute but not deaf grandmother (played by Kim Eul-boon), whom he has never met before. She promises to come back for him as soon as possible. How Sang-woo Adjusted to His New Environment
Sang-woo is a spoiled city boy who is used to having everything he wants. He is unimpressed by his grandmother's humble home, which has no electricity or running water. He acts rudely to his grandmother, ignoring her at times and calling her a byungshin (a derogatory term meaning "retard") at others. He also treats the villagers with contempt, refusing to make friends with them or learn their customs. Sang-woo's only source of entertainment is his Game Boy, which he plays obsessively. However, when his batteries run out, he demands money from his grandmother to buy new ones. She has no money to spare, so he tries to coerce her by throwing away her shoes, breaking one of her vases, drawing graffiti on her walls, and stealing her ornamental hairpin. He also complains about eating home-cooked food and asks for Kentucky Fried Chicken instead. His grandmother is patient and hardworking, spending her time caring for her melons and trying to please Sang-woo despite his disdain. She buys him a live chicken from the market and prepares a boiled chicken dish for him. She also walks miles to get him new batteries from a friend's shop. She does not scold him or punish him for his misbehavior. How Sang-woo Learned to Appreciate His Grandmother
As time passes, Sang-woo gradually realizes how much his grandmother loves him and sacrifices for him. He also begins to notice the beauty and warmth of the countryside and its people. He starts to help his grandmother with chores, such as fetching water or feeding the chickens. He also makes friends with some of the village kids, especially a hard-working country boy who admires him. Some of the turning points in their relationship are: * When Sang-woo sees his grandmother crying after finding out that he stole her hairpin. * When Sang-woo saves his grandmother from being hit by a truck while crossing a road. * When Sang-woo gives his grandmother a hug after she falls ill. * When Sang-woo writes a letter to his mother telling her how much he loves his grandmother. * When Sang-woo buys his grandmother a pair of new shoes with his own money. By the end of the movie, Sang-woo has transformed into a kinder, more respectful, more grateful boy who cherishes his grandmother as his family. The Themes and Messages of the Movie
The Contrast Between Urban and Rural Life
One of the themes that the movie explores is the contrast between urban and rural life in South Korea. The movie shows how different the lifestyles, values, and cultures are between Seoul and the countryside. Seoul is depicted as a modern, busy, crowded city where people are always in a hurry, chasing after money or success. It is also a place where people are lonely, isolated, or stressed. The countryside is depicted as a traditional, simple, peaceful village where people are close-knit, friendly, or relaxed. It is also a place where people are happy, content, or fulfilled. The movie does not judge or favor either way of life, but rather shows how they can complement each other. Sang-woo learns to appreciate the simplicity and warmth of rural life, while his grandmother learns to adapt to some aspects of urban life, such as using batteries or eating fried chicken. The Importance of Family and Respect
Another theme that the movie conveys is the importance of family and respect in Korean culture. The movie shows how Sang-woo learns to respect his elders, especially his grandmother, who represents his roots and heritage. He also learns to appreciate his family, especially his mother, who works hard to provide for him. The movie also shows how the villagers respect and support each other, regardless of their differences or difficulties. They share their food, their stories, their laughter, and their tears. They also help each other in times of need, such as when Sang-woo's grandmother falls ill. The movie teaches us that family and respect are essential values that can enrich our lives and make us happier. The Power of Love and Sacrifice
The most powerful theme that the movie delivers is the power of love and sacrifice. The movie shows how the grandmother loves and sacrifices for Sang-woo, even though he treats her badly at first. She does not expect anything in return from him, except his happiness and well-being. She gives him everything she has, even though she has very little. The movie also shows how Sang-woo loves and sacrifices for his grandmother, once he realizes how much she means to him. He does not want to leave her alone, even though he misses his mother. He gives her the best gift he can afford, even though he has very little. The movie inspires us to love and sacrifice for our loved ones, even though it may be hard or painful. It shows us that love and sacrifice are not only actions, but also feelings that can heal wounds, bridge gaps, and change lives. <h I'm continuing to write the article based on your request. Here is what I have written so far. The Production and Reception of the Movie
The Director and Writer: Lee Jeong-hyang
The director and writer of The Way Home
is Lee Jeong-hyang, a female filmmaker who has made several acclaimed movies in South Korea, such as Art Museum by the Zoo
and A Reason to Live. She was inspired to write the story of The Way Home
after she visited her own grandmother in a rural village and witnessed the contrast between urban and rural life. She also wanted to portray the unconditional love and sacrifice of a grandmother for her grandson, which she felt was a universal theme. Lee Jeong-hyang spent two years preparing and shooting the movie, which was filmed in a remote village in North Gyeongsang Province. She used natural lighting and minimal editing to create a realistic and authentic feel. She also cast non-professional actors for most of the roles, except for Sang-woo, who was played by Yoo Seung-ho, a child actor who had appeared in several TV dramas and commercials. The Cast and Characters: Kim Eul-boon and Yoo Seung-ho
The most remarkable aspect of The Way Home
is the performance of Kim Eul-boon, who played the grandmother. Kim Eul-boon was not an actress, but a real grandmother who lived in the village where the movie was filmed. She was 78 years old at the time of shooting, and had never seen a movie or a TV before. She was discovered by Lee Jeong-hyang, who was impressed by her face and her personality. Kim Eul-boon agreed to act in the movie, but she had no script or lines to memorize, as her character was mute. She had to express her emotions through her eyes, gestures, and actions. She also had to endure long hours of filming, sometimes in harsh weather conditions. She did not receive any payment for her role, but she donated her share of the profits to build a community center in her village. Kim Eul-boon's performance was praised by critics and audiences alike, who found her natural, sincere, and moving. She won several awards for her role, including the best actress award at the 39th Grand Bell Awards, the best new actress award at the 23rd Blue Dragon Film Awards, and the best newcomer award at the 40th Baeksang Arts Awards. Yoo Seung-ho, who played Sang-woo, was also praised for his acting skills and his chemistry with Kim Eul-boon. He was 10 years old at the time of shooting, and he had to portray a spoiled, rude, and rebellious boy who gradually changes into a kind, respectful, and loving grandson. He had to learn how to speak with a Seoul accent, how to play with a Game Boy, and how to ride a bicycle for his role. Yoo Seung-ho said that he learned a lot from Kim Eul-boon, who treated him like her real grandson. He also said that he felt sorry for his character's behavior towards his grandmother, and that he cried a lot during the filming. He won several awards for his role, including the best new actor award at the 39th Grand Bell Awards, the best child actor award at the 23rd Blue Dragon Film Awards, and the most popular actor award at the 40th Baeksang Arts Awards. The Awards and Box Office Success
The Way Home was a huge success in South Korea, becoming the second-highest grossing domestic film of 2002. It sold over 4 million tickets nationwide, and earned over US$24 million at the box office. It also received positive reviews from critics and audiences, who praised its simple but touching story, its realistic and natural style, and its excellent performances. The Way Home also won many awards and recognition from various film festivals and organizations, both domestically and internationally. Some of them are: * The best picture award at the 39th Grand Bell Awards * The best film award at the 23rd Blue Dragon Film Awards * The audience award at the 2002 Pusan International Film Festival * The audience award at the 2003 Udine Far East Film Festival * The special jury prize at the 2003 Fribourg International Film Festival * The NETPAC award at the 2003 Rotterdam International Film Festival The Way Home was also released in several countries around the world, such as Japan, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, France, Germany, Canada, and the United States. It received favorable reviews from foreign critics and audiences, who found it universal, charming, and heartwarming. Conclusion
The Way Home is a movie that will make you cry, laugh, and smile. It is a movie that will touch your heart with its simple but powerful story. It is a movie that will remind you of the value of family, respect, and love. If you are looking for such a movie, then you should watch The Way Home, a 2002 Korean film written and directed by Lee Jeong-hyang. It tells the heartwarming story of a grandmother and her city-born grandson who comes to live with her in a rural village. You will not regret it. FAQs
Q: Where can I watch The Way Home online? A: You can watch The Way Home online on various streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube Movies, or Vudu. You can also rent or buy it on DVD or VHS from Paramount Classics. Q: Is The Way Home based on a true story? A: No, The Way Home is not based on a true story. It is an original story written by Lee Jeong-hyang, who was inspired by her own experience of visiting her grandmother in a rural village. Q: How old is Kim Eul-boon now? A: Kim Eul-boon was born in 1924, so she is now 97 years old. She is still living in her village in North Gyeongsang Province. She has not acted in any other movies since The Way Home. Q: What is the meaning of Jibeuro? A: Jibeuro is the original Korean title of The Way Home. It means "the way home" or "towards home". It reflects the theme of Sang-woo finding his way home to his grandmother's heart. Q: What is the message of The Way Home? A: The message of The Way Home is that love and sacrifice can overcome any differences or difficulties. It is also that family and respect are important values that can enrich our lives and make us happier.
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