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| Movie Review: Mother (Madeo) Alternate Title: What She Did for Love
Story: The time is now. The
place is a small town in South Korea. The story details a mother's undying
love for her son that is instinctual, unconditional, and forever. Do
not think for a moment that this film would appear on some sappy Lifetime
TV mother/child theme movie marathon. This mother is focused like a
laser on protecting her mentally challenged 27 year old son who has
been accused of murdering a local high school girl. Brilliantly directed
by South Korean Bong Joon-ho and written by Park Eun-kyo
and Mr. Bong and based on a story by Bong Joon-ho. This Mother does not need a name in the film.
She represents all Mothers who will stop at nothing to protect their
children. When the system, including the police and lawyers fail Mother
in her quest to prove her son's innocence she decides to investigate
and bring to justice the real killer herself. The director cleverly
introduces some comical scenes to break the building tension of Mother's
pursuit. He also throws in a few jaw dropping surprises that my new
movie buddy and I did not see coming. This film has just about everything you might
want from a foreign film. It has cultural surprises, easy to read subtitles,
fresh new scenery, interesting music, universal characters, a terrific
story and amazing acting. I urge you to find this film in your local theaters
or rent it now. Pay attention - drifting is not a good idea. Watch the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPcijFQ4PpU Acting: Kim Hye-ja as the Mother is nothing short
of sensational. Won Bin as the son, Yoon Do-joon is
very believable.Jin Goo as Jin-tae is terrific as is
the rest of the cast including: Yoon Jae-moon (Je-mun),
Jun Mi-sun (Mi-sun), Song Sae-beauk
(Sepaktakraw Detective) and Moon Hee-ra (Moon Ah-jung).
Trivia: Director Bong Joon-ho's film
The Host was seen by a record ten million
people in his country and was well received by the Cannes Festival.
Mother was nominated for a 2010 Indie Spirit Awards for Best Foreign
Film. Other nominations and awards include: 2009 Dubai International
Film Festival, Best Screenplay Award for Mother. 2009 Mar del Plata
Film Festival (Argentina), SIGNIS Award for Mother. 2009 China Golden
Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival, Best Actress to Kim Hae-ja
for Mother. Predilection: I like to see award nominated films.
Critters: Critter sounds, but no actual appearances.
Food: Chicken and a delicious looking fish filled
buffet.
Sex Spectrum: Sex is an underlying premise in the
murder of the local girl and there is a sex scene that Mother watches
as she hides in a closet in pursuit of the killer.
Blatant Product Placement: None
Soundtrack: Interestingly appropriate.
Opening Titles: Titles superimposed over a lovely
shot of Mother dancing in a field.
Visual Art: Excellent attention to both detail and
the long view.
Theater Audience: Two other people and us.
Weather: It was very rainy in South Korea.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: 1
Drift Factor: I did not drift at all.
Predictability Level: Low - We were surprised.
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: Mother selected as Korea's official
entry for Best Foreign Language Film category.
Big Screen or Rental: Go for the big screen if possible.
Length: Two hours
LOBO HOWLS: 8.5 |