'Gwoemul', by the same director as 'Madeo', was one of the best monster movies I have ever seen (although it's a been a few years), his 'Memories of murder' was a terrific thriller, and 'Barking dogs never bite' was a pretty good drama. And so I have been anticipating this one rather eagerly for quite a while.
It's certainly not a bad movie, but somehow it disappointed me a little. Maybe it has to do with the mother, who remains elusive at all times, even if the title already gives away how as to we should look at her, and that it simply indicates who the main character is / should be.
The other points of view, through the son's eyes and several other supporting ones, and the fact that the story plays with the facts of a gruesome murder case, demand a lot of attention as well, which takes away some of the focus on the most important character: mom.
These are just some ideas that I have about why I feel that this is my least favorite Joon Ho Bong movie, but it may very well be a more intuitive thing for me, also. The movie and story simply didn't grab me as much as, especially, 'Gwoemul' and 'Memories and murder' did. It felt dragged out too long and was too depressing maybe, even for me.
A good 6 out of 10 it deserves nonetheless, at the least (fine acting, cinematography). And maybe I'll try it again some day.
It's certainly not a bad movie, but somehow it disappointed me a little. Maybe it has to do with the mother, who remains elusive at all times, even if the title already gives away how as to we should look at her, and that it simply indicates who the main character is / should be.
The other points of view, through the son's eyes and several other supporting ones, and the fact that the story plays with the facts of a gruesome murder case, demand a lot of attention as well, which takes away some of the focus on the most important character: mom.
These are just some ideas that I have about why I feel that this is my least favorite Joon Ho Bong movie, but it may very well be a more intuitive thing for me, also. The movie and story simply didn't grab me as much as, especially, 'Gwoemul' and 'Memories and murder' did. It felt dragged out too long and was too depressing maybe, even for me.
A good 6 out of 10 it deserves nonetheless, at the least (fine acting, cinematography). And maybe I'll try it again some day.