A Singaporean auntie (“ajoomma” in Korean language) lives alone with her estranged son. Her only pleasure in life is to watch Korean TV series, clumsily imitating the dialogues. She and her son book a tour in Korea for holidays, but the son excuses himself for a job interview to cancel the trip. The auntie, who has never traveled abroad alone, musters up her courage – perhaps encouraged to do so by the hefty cancellation fee – to travel to Korea. Deluded by her dreams of a Korea like that shown in television dramas, the woman finds herself surprised if not shocked. Her journey begins to take a turn for the worse from the beginning: she finds herself lost, then involved in a violent incident. Will she be able to (re)discover her new self? (Source: BIFF) ~~ Co-production with Singapore. Edit Translation
- English
- 中文(简体)
- ภาษาไทย
- Русский
Cast & Credits
- Kang Hyung SukKwon WooMain Role
- Jung Dong HwanJung SuMain Role
- Hong Hui FangLim Bee HuaMain Role
- Shane PowSamSupport Role
- Yeo Jin GooJae SungGuest Role
- Kim Jae EunA YoungUnknown
Reviews
Have to be a fan
I don't think this show deserves such a low rating. It is a simple story but with an innovative storyline, not the trope Kdrama or Kmovie plot that we see so much of. A Kdrama-loving Ahjumma who speaks no Korean is lost in SKorea. It's more than just a-fish-out-of water story. It deals with deeper issues of living in a big city - the dislocation and isolation that elderly parents feel - experiences that both people who live in big cities like Seoul and Singapore can similarly identify with. [Aside: I certainly wouldn't call her relationship with her son "estranged" as the synopsis describes. It's just a normal mother-son relationship in a busy big city.]However, you really have to be a fan of Kdramas and perhaps more importantly, identify as Singaporean to really fully understand the in-jokes and appreciate the context of the movie. There's a real kick from watching a Singaporean actress, who is a household name that many of us grew up with, acting in a Korean production starring a few stars that many of us are now fan-girling. In particular, I get a real kick out of listening to Kang Hyung Suk speaking rather impeccable Mandarin for a non-native speaker.
Would I watch this again? Probably not. It was good enough but certainly not an Oscar-winning movie. It gave me a sense of home and also fun to see a linkage to my self-professed adopted culture. It is a good fun ride if you leave your heart switched on but switch off your brain. Just go for the ride.
sweet story about letting go and finding yourself
i watched this movie on a flight as I heard about the lead actress Hong Huifang’s outstanding performance. she did not disappoint as we audience feel her joy and pain. her portrayal of the mum character is so full and realistic. It is both a story of finding oneself no matter at what age and rite of passage as a young son. the sub plot of the tour guide is a little underwhelming and perhaps more time could have been spent on the male lead uncle instead. overall it is a gentle and enjoyable film.