Love for Family
Moviegoers should think about watching this film with a relative or somebody you know because it is a charged fairytale story of Cardinal Kim Souhwan's childhood that might force a tear or two. It is a faith-based film, so some of you may forgo this work of art. It is a slow-moving but rewarding message. The film, based on the work of the late Jeong Chae-Bong, well-known for his children's stories, depicts the poor environment Cardinal Kim Souhwan grew up but do not let the rich scenery trick you.The film captures the beautiful images of the natural landscape with vast fields, clear skies, and lush green mountains within South Korea's countryside. The cinematography paints a portrait of the 7-year old Kim Souhwan who wanted to become a ginseng seller rather than a priest for his parents. Circumstances in his life sown in the process of finding his faith and encouraging hope, justice, and religions have no walls in South Korea. He was an imperfect human being who had faults and regrets of not doing enough to combat poverty in South Korea.
The young actor who portrayed the 7-year old Kim Souhwan, Lee Kyung Hoon, was his first significant role. He depicted the young Dong Baek in Memorist. His pure appearance, innocent smile touch the viewer's soul. The message that the audience asks with a warm gaze what is bone-wrenching introspection and the heart's genuineness about the ego.
Lee Hang Na, who has has been active in feature films, and dramas superb as Souhwan's mother. She had a difficult mother's look that revealed the despair and hope. She was loving and caring that you may connect with her character. It was a turbulent time under Japanese Occupation, exposing the halves and have-nots. I cannot imagine living in such times, especially the underground Christians persecuted in the 1800s, South Korea, which the film lightly touches.
Other Prominent actors Ahn Nae Sang, Kang Shin Il, Song Chang Eui, Lee Yul Eum, and others no matter the small role or significant role they played in this film took upon themselves to depict the struggles we all must fight within us.
The music livens the shots that may appear like a sermon, but its nothing like that. People will struggle and fight their way through life, but family is the backbone.
I do not consider these spoilers since anybody can read about the history of the Japanese Rule of South Korea. The film fails at capturing the cruelty of the Japanese Occupation that the movie exposes the Japanese Rule to a certain extent.
It is a fairytale-like production so I can rationalize why they cut his siblings from seven to one. These are the only two things I took offense with, but it is understandable.
Watch this with a family member. Please do not go into this film already prejudging it. Cardinal Kim Soohwan once said, "I raised a special seed in my heart; it was the love of my family."
Final Rating: 8.23/10
Acting: 9.07/10
Rewatch Value: 5/10
It is a moving story, but one that I may not be able to watch again for a long time.
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