Mother (2009)
Director: Bong Joon-ho
Stars: Kim Hye-ja , Won Bin, Goo Jin Runtime: 129 minutes
Synopsis: A mother desperately searches for the killer who framed her son for a girl's horrific murder.
Performances: 10/10
Screenplay: 9/10
Editing: 9/10
Cinematography: 9/10
Score/Soundtrack: 8/10
Screenplay: 9/10
Editing: 9/10
Cinematography: 9/10
Score/Soundtrack: 8/10
Verdict: Along with Bong Joon-ho's "Barking Dogs Never Bite", "Mother" might be the Korean director's least talked about film. In fact, even after his historical Oscar win, I noticed a rise of interest in every single movie of his except this one. I'm here to correct this anomaly because, and I'm saying this assuming that his directorial debut mentioned earlier doesn't change my mind, it might be my favorite entry in his already incredibly rich filmography.
First and foremost, "Mother" contains the best acting I've seen in any Bong Joon-ho movie. Kim Hye-ja in the titular role acts her out and delivers a performance for the history books as a mother desperate to uncover the truth of a murder for which her mentally ill son was arrested for. That son, flawlessly portrayed by Won Bin, always had a complex relationship with those that surround him, his mother included, and that aspect is explored meticulously throughout the film. It always feels natural and organic, with nuances that aren't spoonfed to the audience, and it truly gave dimensions to every character that took part in the narrative. However, "Mother" belongs in the thriller genre despite hints of family drama. The investigation conducted by Kim Hye-ja's character and her determination to free her son from what she strongly believes in an injustice is what drives the plot forward, and each and every turn is as satisfying as the previous one. Thanks to the film's gorgeous, effective, and never too showy editing and cinematography, there isn't one scene that feels elongated, unnecessary or out of place, and it's thanks to these unseen achievements that the film is as gripping as it is.
I could honestly talk about "Mother", or "Madeo" in its original language (a play on word that combines mother and murder), for hours and it's quite frankly a crime of itself that it isn't talked about as much as Bong's other work. If you haven't already guessed it, I strongly recommend seeking this one out and experiencing it for yourself.
First and foremost, "Mother" contains the best acting I've seen in any Bong Joon-ho movie. Kim Hye-ja in the titular role acts her out and delivers a performance for the history books as a mother desperate to uncover the truth of a murder for which her mentally ill son was arrested for. That son, flawlessly portrayed by Won Bin, always had a complex relationship with those that surround him, his mother included, and that aspect is explored meticulously throughout the film. It always feels natural and organic, with nuances that aren't spoonfed to the audience, and it truly gave dimensions to every character that took part in the narrative. However, "Mother" belongs in the thriller genre despite hints of family drama. The investigation conducted by Kim Hye-ja's character and her determination to free her son from what she strongly believes in an injustice is what drives the plot forward, and each and every turn is as satisfying as the previous one. Thanks to the film's gorgeous, effective, and never too showy editing and cinematography, there isn't one scene that feels elongated, unnecessary or out of place, and it's thanks to these unseen achievements that the film is as gripping as it is.
I could honestly talk about "Mother", or "Madeo" in its original language (a play on word that combines mother and murder), for hours and it's quite frankly a crime of itself that it isn't talked about as much as Bong's other work. If you haven't already guessed it, I strongly recommend seeking this one out and experiencing it for yourself.
FINAL GRADE: 9/10
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