6
10
1
1
1
This review may contain spoilers
THIS side. THAT side. The TRUTH lies in the middle.
My rating is based on the writing, direction, cinematography, acting, editing, music, etc, and my review is not based on the content of the film. Though the film Way Back Home is not masterpiece quality such as Parasite or Midnight Express, it's a good film. The content, being the story itself, is not being reviewed.
I will however, say concerning the story:
The movie, much like others over the decades, assures the audience through the wife's 'plight' that the 'every day citizen' CAN prevail over 'evil' bureaucracy, if one is persistent. What movies such as this don't provide is the other half of the story. I was always told there are 3 sides to any given story: THIS side, THAT side, and the TRUTH is somewhere in the MIDDLE.
It would've been nice to see more of the couple's story BEFORE the husband's choice to co-sign for a friend's loan. I needed to know more about what drove the wife/mother to such an extreme decision. The disconnect from being absolutely against her husband 'helping' his friend, Seo Moon Do, to going to the extreme opposite by calling Seo herself to accept the offer wasn't clear in the telling. I needed more facts.
Way Back Home is emotionally laden. I'd recommend as a one time watch bc it IS a gut wretching real life story. I rewatched WBH a second time as I did for Parasite and Midnight Express. I'm a sucker for a good underdog triumphant story.
Rewatch August 14, 2026.
I will however, say concerning the story:
The movie, much like others over the decades, assures the audience through the wife's 'plight' that the 'every day citizen' CAN prevail over 'evil' bureaucracy, if one is persistent. What movies such as this don't provide is the other half of the story. I was always told there are 3 sides to any given story: THIS side, THAT side, and the TRUTH is somewhere in the MIDDLE.
It would've been nice to see more of the couple's story BEFORE the husband's choice to co-sign for a friend's loan. I needed to know more about what drove the wife/mother to such an extreme decision. The disconnect from being absolutely against her husband 'helping' his friend, Seo Moon Do, to going to the extreme opposite by calling Seo herself to accept the offer wasn't clear in the telling. I needed more facts.
Way Back Home is emotionally laden. I'd recommend as a one time watch bc it IS a gut wretching real life story. I rewatched WBH a second time as I did for Parasite and Midnight Express. I'm a sucker for a good underdog triumphant story.
Rewatch August 14, 2026.
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