No-Frills Movies Explore Friendship and Paternal Love

Yet another trend has been identified in Korean cinema.
It's the rise of analog films that follow in the footsteps of "Old Partner".
Honest, everyday characters depict the drama of everyday life, moving the hearts of viewers without the need for massive budgets.
Eighteen-year-old Min-seo is experiencing the last throes of her growing pains while her mother is preparing to get married again.
She goes through a number of odd jobs trying to earn money for a private tutor.
Min-seo happens to pick up a wallet on the bus.
Her finders-keepers moment is soon shattered when the owner turns up: Karim, an immigrant worker from Bangladesh.

[Interview : Sin Dong-il Director of "Bandhobi" ] "I like films that tear down the prejudices or preconceptions we have about others. That's why I made this film".

For Min-seo and Karim, it soon seems like they're the only two friends in the world.
The friendship between this brave girl and honest young man is solemn at moments and lively at others.
"Bandhobi" questions human relationships amidst the reality of prejudice and discrimination.

Gi-su is top in his class at his school and a recognized bookworm.
He wants to continue his studies in middle school, but his father is adamantly against the idea.
The reasoning is, that farmers don't need much schooling.


[Interview : Bae Hae-seong Director of "My Father - 2009" ] "Back then, fathers didn't talk much. They were stern and dignified so most children feared them. Yet fathers had a deep love in their hearts. That's what I'm trying to show in this story".

Gi-su's homeroom teacher happens to be enthusiastic about drama, so the students gather in the classroom to rehearse for a play.
Suddenly, Gi-su's father appears.


[Interview : ] "Your parents are breaking their backs farming, and you put on a play "Bandhobi", a film that evaluates the true meaning of friendship and the collective past of Korean adults depicted in "My Father - 2009".
Neither of these films contain flashy visuals, but they will leave you with a feeling of nostalgia that will last a long time.