There are lots of kdramas with similar plots out there, but this one is almost unique. It's about the love of a woman for a child not her own, who is willing to put her life on the line to save the child, who is in mortal danger from her own mother. It's a heartbreaking, yet fulfilling story with great acting by Lee Bo Young and the child actor. It puts anything Hollywood does to shame, and is well worth watching.
24 Reviews
Beautiful!
Patel_KH22 June 2020
Simply speaking, 'Mother' is one of the best dramas out there!
This drama deep dives into sensitive topics such as physical abuse, motherhood and childhood trauma while never dragging any of these too long so as to lose interest. The plot instantly grabs your attention and first episode sets-up the story nicely. Not one minute is wasted with fillers or narrative that doesn't contribute to the plot. I was heavily invested in the lead characters and was crying my eyes out especially during final few episodes.
Testament to how good the story is: original Japanese drama has been remade in various languages such as Korean, Chinese and Thai.
I will remember:
There is nothing to even nitpick, its an easy recommendation for anyone who is looking for an highly emotional drama with an engaging plot or people who are close to their mothers.
P.S. Keep a box of tissues with you if you decide to watch this :')
This drama deep dives into sensitive topics such as physical abuse, motherhood and childhood trauma while never dragging any of these too long so as to lose interest. The plot instantly grabs your attention and first episode sets-up the story nicely. Not one minute is wasted with fillers or narrative that doesn't contribute to the plot. I was heavily invested in the lead characters and was crying my eyes out especially during final few episodes.
Testament to how good the story is: original Japanese drama has been remade in various languages such as Korean, Chinese and Thai.
I will remember:
- Top notch acting by the mother (Lee Bo Young) and the child (Heo Yool, this kid deservedly won the rookie award at Baeksang). Rest of the cast did great as well
- Evocative and engaging screenplay filled with heart-warming moments
- Beautiful portrayal of multifaceted mother-child relationship
- Satisfying ending
There is nothing to even nitpick, its an easy recommendation for anyone who is looking for an highly emotional drama with an engaging plot or people who are close to their mothers.
P.S. Keep a box of tissues with you if you decide to watch this :')
No better love than mother's love
pagal-tigerniskson22 April 2020
No better show that Call me Mother. This is the best show ever. The emotions that it invokes will completely drain your eyes and makes you heart ache.
Almost every episode has made me cry.
This is an abolute gem that need to be treasured and cherised.
The Acting from two main leads Mom and Yom-booki (thats how she will be remembered) have competely lived through the characters never it came to my mind i was watching a show.
K-Dramas knows how to strike you with emotion and open the flood gates from your eyes and this one has done it consistently in each episodes.
I am so glad the way it ended with a satisfying note.
The dialogues from the child mouth are to be framed on every wall of my house.
I have appreciated shows and movies before , But never have i wanted to truly show gratitude in making one. (Call me mother and My Mister)
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every one Cast and crew involved to gave the opportunity to experience this in my life.
Why in the world is this show did not draw attention and why low number of votes is beyond me.
MUST MUST Watch for all human beings.
Eomma saranghae... Daebak!
splim19 August 2018
I really thankful that I managed to watch this drama. It filled emptiness in my soul. It liven my life once again. I don't mind ended up with frozen cucumber in my eyes from episode to episode. It breaks your heart and heals your heart in the same time. Thanking all people who put their best effort to make this drama came so beautiful. And the music score really rounds out everything into perfection. I do love the "To You" from Kim Yoon-ah whenever it comes out to hit the scene, the vibe and the tears, for real.
The last one, I really thankful to my mom for being the best mom for me till now, despite the fact that I was adopted. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is your love, mom. Really thank you. :)
The last one, I really thankful to my mom for being the best mom for me till now, despite the fact that I was adopted. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is your love, mom. Really thank you. :)
An Amazing story of a Mother Daughter Relationship!!
sambhav-459538 May 2018
*"NO SPOILERS"*
*ALERT* You may end up Weeping a lot of times whie watching this show if you have an Emotinal Personality.
So this show is about how a lady Kang Su-jin(Lee Bo-young) becomes a Mother without being Biological mother of Kim Hye-na(Heo-yool) and how they goes on journey full of Emotions. I only saw just one show starring Lee Bo-young before this show and although I was her fan already but I never thought that I'll start respecting her so much. The show has an amazing story with Brilliant Cast. Even the Antagonists have Justified their Characters with their Acting. I didn't see the Original Version before but I guess it wasn't even necessary. The Cinematography, Background Score and Direction was fantastic. The best thing about the this show is the main Protagonist Kim Hye-na( Heo-yool) played by a Debudante at the age of 8. She express her Emotions so well that You'll feel all the Feelings she's going through. The bond and chemistry shown between Kim hye-na and Kang Su-jin is Heartmelting.
Although some people Criticized the show for various reasons but I guess a show like this isn't Cup of tea for Everyone. I respect their opinions but If you haven't watched this show just because People Criticized is not right. One must see the show before making the Judgement about the show beforehand. "You should not judge a Book by it's Cover". And yes everything has its flaws and nothing is Perfect.
Overall, I'd really recommend this show to everyone.
*ALERT* You may end up Weeping a lot of times whie watching this show if you have an Emotinal Personality.
So this show is about how a lady Kang Su-jin(Lee Bo-young) becomes a Mother without being Biological mother of Kim Hye-na(Heo-yool) and how they goes on journey full of Emotions. I only saw just one show starring Lee Bo-young before this show and although I was her fan already but I never thought that I'll start respecting her so much. The show has an amazing story with Brilliant Cast. Even the Antagonists have Justified their Characters with their Acting. I didn't see the Original Version before but I guess it wasn't even necessary. The Cinematography, Background Score and Direction was fantastic. The best thing about the this show is the main Protagonist Kim Hye-na( Heo-yool) played by a Debudante at the age of 8. She express her Emotions so well that You'll feel all the Feelings she's going through. The bond and chemistry shown between Kim hye-na and Kang Su-jin is Heartmelting.
Although some people Criticized the show for various reasons but I guess a show like this isn't Cup of tea for Everyone. I respect their opinions but If you haven't watched this show just because People Criticized is not right. One must see the show before making the Judgement about the show beforehand. "You should not judge a Book by it's Cover". And yes everything has its flaws and nothing is Perfect.
Overall, I'd really recommend this show to everyone.
One of the most perfect shows about a difficult subject I've ever seen.
brian-106811 April 2018
*There are NO SPOILERS in this review!*
If you want to see a visually stunning and deeply moving drama, I highly recommend Mother. I shamelessly love this show more than any other.
Any faults in this review are my own and should not be taken as any reflection of the quality of this Kdrama gem.
The tldr version:
This is the story of how one little girl is saved (we hope) from an abusive home ("the gaze of a beast that bites women and children") by a woman who receives hidden help from others and, in the process, begins also to save herself. The tension comes from the many seemingly insurmountable obstacles society, family, law and predators pose along the way. We can only hope our heroes win in the end.
More detail below (still no spoilers).
Part of what makes Mother so stunning to me is the exquisite lead actress herself, Lee Bo Young. One of the most beautiful and talented women in the world (yes, I might be smitten). For further evidence of just how amazing she is, go watch I Hear Your Voice.
Quick disclaimer: I'm raising an adopted 8 year old and have worked with foster children. Because of this my review may be biased for other reasons than my very high opinion of Lee Bo Young.
Still, if you've seen her in other projects you know that playing the beleaguered hero to the downtrodden is something she does surpassingly well. And she does it with heartbreaking perfection here. Clearly a gifted actress at the top of her game. She was meant to do this.
Jeong Seo Kyeong's (Handmaiden) script is impressive to me. I've seen more than I ever wanted to of abused and neglected children. Jeong Seo Kyeong has carefully and accurately depicted how it affects everyone it touches. It scars even those who don't/can't help. I have only rarely seen a writer do this so well. And I've never seen it done with such a delicate and sensitive touch. Ever. Just wow. Juong Seo Kyeong is amazing.
Alert: If you have a heart, it will make you weep. Well, if you don't weep, your heart is made of sterner stuff than mine.
Major nod to the cinematography and editing. The visuals - not just Lee Bo Young - are a true work of art. Many Korean dramas take advantage of the beauty of the sea. But the ocean scenes in Mother are at another level. Watch the color composition and the coordination of movement with the rhythm of waves, birds and actors. Well and beautifully done.
I have to praise the other actors, too. Everyone seems to be taking this project deeply to heart and putting everything they have into it.
The biological mother and "uncle" are playing difficult parts with subtlety and without a hint of overacting or being out of sync with the delicacy of the rest of the production. That's not just a credit to them. But to the director.
Call out for Go Sung Hee. I've seen her in other shows (such as While You Were Sleeping) and been impressed by her presence and beauty. Until I saw her portrayal of the bio mom in Mother, though, I had no idea how deeply talented she is. With angles of her head and slight changes to her expression you begin to understand her character before she says a word. I can't help but believe it cost her emotionally more than a little to play this part. Yet she commits to portraying her mostly unsympathetic character unflinchingly. Wow. I'll never underestimate her again. She's gonna need - and richly deserves - a butt kicking action role after this one.
Heo Yool playing the little girl is a delight. Where they found a young girl with this kind of screen presence and craft, I don't know. But she's got skills. And, yes, I know they auditioned 400 little girls for this part.
More than anything else, I think this show makes a poignant and articulate plea for the children of the world, as well as their mothers. Voices that too often are tragically silenced or just unheard. Kudos to all involved for speaking for the helpless with such sensitivity & intelligence.
If I could, I would hug every one of those involved in this production for the love and care they have shown in creating this finely cut jewel.
A little perspective: In South Korea, not much data is available. But at least 20,000 foster children have been counted. In the US, that number is currently above 400,000. 4 kids die in the US every day from abuse & neglect.
To other reviewers: Please, if you just don't like the story, the subtitles, or some other piece of this drama, even if you hate the subject matter, I hope you'll still give the overall work the credit it deserves. Knock off a few stars for whatever flaws you perceive (and everyone is different, so your opinion may dramatically - pardon the pun - differ from mine). But don't drop the rating down to 1 to 5 stars for simple preference. The work itself deserves at least a 7 whether you enjoy it, agree with it or not. And pls don't knock off stars because u haven't seen it all yet. That falsely skews the perception of the show.
Any faults in this review are my own and should not be taken as any reflection of the quality of this Kdrama gem.
The tldr version:
This is the story of how one little girl is saved (we hope) from an abusive home ("the gaze of a beast that bites women and children") by a woman who receives hidden help from others and, in the process, begins also to save herself. The tension comes from the many seemingly insurmountable obstacles society, family, law and predators pose along the way. We can only hope our heroes win in the end.
More detail below (still no spoilers).
Part of what makes Mother so stunning to me is the exquisite lead actress herself, Lee Bo Young. One of the most beautiful and talented women in the world (yes, I might be smitten). For further evidence of just how amazing she is, go watch I Hear Your Voice.
Quick disclaimer: I'm raising an adopted 8 year old and have worked with foster children. Because of this my review may be biased for other reasons than my very high opinion of Lee Bo Young.
Still, if you've seen her in other projects you know that playing the beleaguered hero to the downtrodden is something she does surpassingly well. And she does it with heartbreaking perfection here. Clearly a gifted actress at the top of her game. She was meant to do this.
Jeong Seo Kyeong's (Handmaiden) script is impressive to me. I've seen more than I ever wanted to of abused and neglected children. Jeong Seo Kyeong has carefully and accurately depicted how it affects everyone it touches. It scars even those who don't/can't help. I have only rarely seen a writer do this so well. And I've never seen it done with such a delicate and sensitive touch. Ever. Just wow. Juong Seo Kyeong is amazing.
Alert: If you have a heart, it will make you weep. Well, if you don't weep, your heart is made of sterner stuff than mine.
Major nod to the cinematography and editing. The visuals - not just Lee Bo Young - are a true work of art. Many Korean dramas take advantage of the beauty of the sea. But the ocean scenes in Mother are at another level. Watch the color composition and the coordination of movement with the rhythm of waves, birds and actors. Well and beautifully done.
I have to praise the other actors, too. Everyone seems to be taking this project deeply to heart and putting everything they have into it.
The biological mother and "uncle" are playing difficult parts with subtlety and without a hint of overacting or being out of sync with the delicacy of the rest of the production. That's not just a credit to them. But to the director.
Call out for Go Sung Hee. I've seen her in other shows (such as While You Were Sleeping) and been impressed by her presence and beauty. Until I saw her portrayal of the bio mom in Mother, though, I had no idea how deeply talented she is. With angles of her head and slight changes to her expression you begin to understand her character before she says a word. I can't help but believe it cost her emotionally more than a little to play this part. Yet she commits to portraying her mostly unsympathetic character unflinchingly. Wow. I'll never underestimate her again. She's gonna need - and richly deserves - a butt kicking action role after this one.
Heo Yool playing the little girl is a delight. Where they found a young girl with this kind of screen presence and craft, I don't know. But she's got skills. And, yes, I know they auditioned 400 little girls for this part.
More than anything else, I think this show makes a poignant and articulate plea for the children of the world, as well as their mothers. Voices that too often are tragically silenced or just unheard. Kudos to all involved for speaking for the helpless with such sensitivity & intelligence.
If I could, I would hug every one of those involved in this production for the love and care they have shown in creating this finely cut jewel.
A little perspective: In South Korea, not much data is available. But at least 20,000 foster children have been counted. In the US, that number is currently above 400,000. 4 kids die in the US every day from abuse & neglect.
To other reviewers: Please, if you just don't like the story, the subtitles, or some other piece of this drama, even if you hate the subject matter, I hope you'll still give the overall work the credit it deserves. Knock off a few stars for whatever flaws you perceive (and everyone is different, so your opinion may dramatically - pardon the pun - differ from mine). But don't drop the rating down to 1 to 5 stars for simple preference. The work itself deserves at least a 7 whether you enjoy it, agree with it or not. And pls don't knock off stars because u haven't seen it all yet. That falsely skews the perception of the show.
Amazing
nabt-3218618 March 2021
This is by far one of my favorite Kdramas. I love a show that can give me a good cry. It was beautifully tragic if that makes sense. It showed me the kindness that still exists in the world among the evil. The child actress is so talented. You could see the pain and sadness she felt as if it wasn't a role. I love how everything came full circle. By the end I had no questions, everything was solved. It deserves more recognition and views then what it actually got. I would highly recommend watching this show.
Extraordinary relationship between a wannabe mother and daughter that worked.
superstore8812 June 2020
I was very curious to watch this KDrama because of the very high rating of 9.1 even higher than my favorites ...It is indeed watchable and therefore recommended....The story-telling was just right and it was not slow, dragging and boring..It has a unique plot again which is usual for a KDrama and the criminal who turns out to be the good samaritan is the winner at the end....something like the good prevails over evil....I actually expected this to be heavy drama with lots of crying...but I was surprised that I only became teary-eyed from episode 13 onwards...I cried even harder with CLOY and other fantasy comedy romance shows....As expected, there was not a humor sequence and the romance is only a bit of teaser.....still one of the best shows for me.
Perfect
nadeerakodippili4 April 2018
Simply the best drama series you'll ever see
stampmotionfilms14 June 2019
"Mother" (aka "Call Me Mother") from 2018 is a 16-episode Korean Drama series which will very likely highly impact you on emotional levels you thought not possible in film.
There is so much packed into this drama/thriller series, and let me tell you, it's an absolute masterpiece. Now even if you're the type of person that doesn't care to read subtitles since it's a foreign show, you still must watch it. Reading subtitles gets easy very quickly, due to the content of the series being so moving.
I actually have a background in film, and as a filmmaker, I really never give anything a 10/10 on the scale. But this is the once exception I've made. I give this show a solid 10/10. It's perfection. The girl playing Hye-Na (Heo Yool) is without a doubt, the best child actress to walk this earth. AND guess what, this is her acting debut. During casting for this show, she was selected out of 400 other candidates. Yes, and she had never acted in any shows prior to this.
The level of emotional complexity that her character brings is literally chilling. Like, when I imagine her voice from the series at any given moment; I still get chills. She really is that good.
Rest of the cast works perfect together, couldn't ask for a better cast. There are may characters which the series shows when they were kids, and the kids they got to play these characters look strikingly similar. Props to whoever the casting director was on this series.
The story is so emotionally-pulling. It deals with the serious issue of child abuse/neglect. Personally, coming from a background of abuse; this story really accurately captures the horrors. The story leaves you on the edge of your seat and in ugly tears until the final episode. Even up until the last episode, I kept thinking...HOW IS THIS GOING TO END?
Finally, the music...The soundtrack for this film perfectly compliments the visuals. It's just so beautiful. I honestly can't say enough good things about this show.
I HIGHLY recommend this show. I've seen it all the way through twice, now. It's definitely my favorite show of all time. Nothing will ever beat it.
There is so much packed into this drama/thriller series, and let me tell you, it's an absolute masterpiece. Now even if you're the type of person that doesn't care to read subtitles since it's a foreign show, you still must watch it. Reading subtitles gets easy very quickly, due to the content of the series being so moving.
I actually have a background in film, and as a filmmaker, I really never give anything a 10/10 on the scale. But this is the once exception I've made. I give this show a solid 10/10. It's perfection. The girl playing Hye-Na (Heo Yool) is without a doubt, the best child actress to walk this earth. AND guess what, this is her acting debut. During casting for this show, she was selected out of 400 other candidates. Yes, and she had never acted in any shows prior to this.
The level of emotional complexity that her character brings is literally chilling. Like, when I imagine her voice from the series at any given moment; I still get chills. She really is that good.
Rest of the cast works perfect together, couldn't ask for a better cast. There are may characters which the series shows when they were kids, and the kids they got to play these characters look strikingly similar. Props to whoever the casting director was on this series.
The story is so emotionally-pulling. It deals with the serious issue of child abuse/neglect. Personally, coming from a background of abuse; this story really accurately captures the horrors. The story leaves you on the edge of your seat and in ugly tears until the final episode. Even up until the last episode, I kept thinking...HOW IS THIS GOING TO END?
Finally, the music...The soundtrack for this film perfectly compliments the visuals. It's just so beautiful. I honestly can't say enough good things about this show.
I HIGHLY recommend this show. I've seen it all the way through twice, now. It's definitely my favorite show of all time. Nothing will ever beat it.
A great spring story of being mother
zforouzan9 April 2021
It was the best drama about motherhood I've ever seen. During the drama I cried, I laughed, I hoped, I prayed, I admired, and other great emotions I experienced because of this perfect story. Now I love my mother mor.
Perfect
steli-os1 June 2021
This is the second time I rate a TV series with 10 stars. I never thought I'd watch something this good. I think this is the best I have ever watched. It's as close to perfection as it can get.
There were times when I thought that something was wrong or weird, but it was explained later. No plotholes, no decline in quality as it progressed, some unexpected plot twists.
Not much else to write. The word "perfect" sums everything up.
* I guess the only problem with this drama is that it's hard to watch some scenes because of the tears in the eyes.
There were times when I thought that something was wrong or weird, but it was explained later. No plotholes, no decline in quality as it progressed, some unexpected plot twists.
Not much else to write. The word "perfect" sums everything up.
* I guess the only problem with this drama is that it's hard to watch some scenes because of the tears in the eyes.
Riveting, Heart wrenching
mayc61927 August 2019
Stellar performances and storyline. The child who played Yoon-Bok was outstanding! This was extremely hard for me to watch because of the subject matter. I felt so anxious and could only watch an episode here and there over the course of a few months. Despite it being emotionally draining, I think it deserves to be watched. You'll agree the performances are incredible and not to be missed.
Completely immersive
newkrejados18 March 2021
This was a hard watch. Hard to believe that portraying such difficult roles could be mere acting, hard to acknowledge that such horrors actually happen - and they do. Incidentally, they're even harder to watch.
Hard to fathom the resilience of the human spirit and to keep your heart from soaring at the way things turned out.
Heol Yool is just phenomenal as Hye Na/Yoon Bok. Absolutely mind-blowing how she turned out such a performance. She was in good company; there wasn't a single miscast or badly acted role.
This was a show that you completely fall into; one that will haunt you long after that final fade-out.
No better drama
sheeplover-0566014 April 2019
A beautiful potrait of mother and child relationship
tikarusly21 October 2018
Must watch for all kind of mothers (biological/not, mom who is not happy in doing her roles a mother) and kids who are having relationship difficulties with thier moms. The scenes, the songs and actings are trully wonderful and moving. Even if you have a good relationship with your kids / your mom, this series will bring a new appreciation of being a mom or of having a mother.
Simply explicit
eliara37119 January 2022
I have not been moved by a series like I was from this one in ages. You will not be disappointed. Sometimes you watch a series and wish to change something, but this was not the case here. I simply enjoyed it all without complaints.
Best KDrama
ybilodeau11 November 2021
I see maybe 200 Kdrama on my life.
But this Kdrama is the perfect tv show.
Beautiful story,very solid cast.
Staggering performance by the girl who makes us cry.
The series is poignant and at the same time anxiety-provoking.
But this Kdrama is the perfect tv show.
Beautiful story,very solid cast.
Staggering performance by the girl who makes us cry.
The series is poignant and at the same time anxiety-provoking.
Just Perfect
gabrielmathon10 April 2018
an amazing story
hopepray23 July 2018
Beautiful story
akashpriyanka5 December 2020
Love this drama so so much!
paulinairawanzhao9 July 2020
Amazing drama
jhames-beijing29 January 2023
Yes, amazing drama. I can't say enough about the impact of this series. The performances are outstanding, the story is gripping, the writing is top notch, the direction is just right, keeping this drama moving forward with no filler, no wasted scenes.
Yes, there are a few of the long staring matches that many romantic K-dramas utilize, but they are kept to a minimum. The interpreted lyrics of the pop songs can often interfere with dialog, but if you are interested in the story, this will be minor.
This is not your typical Korean love story. It is a human drama, very real, very tragic, with unforeseen twists and turns. It's the story of children and their mothers and it is near perfect. The young Heo Yool (Hye Na/Yoon Bok) steals this drama with her performance of the abused child, but the entire cast is excellent, especially all the mothers. I was hooked about 15 minutes into the first episode.
Mothers and daughters, especially, watch this series. It is highly recommended. But be warned: domestic violence is not a light subject. Have the tissues nearby.
Yes, there are a few of the long staring matches that many romantic K-dramas utilize, but they are kept to a minimum. The interpreted lyrics of the pop songs can often interfere with dialog, but if you are interested in the story, this will be minor.
This is not your typical Korean love story. It is a human drama, very real, very tragic, with unforeseen twists and turns. It's the story of children and their mothers and it is near perfect. The young Heo Yool (Hye Na/Yoon Bok) steals this drama with her performance of the abused child, but the entire cast is excellent, especially all the mothers. I was hooked about 15 minutes into the first episode.
Mothers and daughters, especially, watch this series. It is highly recommended. But be warned: domestic violence is not a light subject. Have the tissues nearby.
See also
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