Mother

(Bong Joon Ho/2009/South Korea)

Do-joon is a slow witted young man, mollycoddled by his mother who tries to guide him to a good life and to behave well. He is impetuous, silly and prone to anger when called out for being dim. When a girl is murdered locally the police lazily peg the crime on him and get him to sign a confession which sends his mother on a mission to unravel the mystery of the murder herself and free her son who has been framed. Bong Joon Ho is playful with the mood throughout this at times dark crime thriller and as a result it becomes deceptive and capable of twisting the narrative to surprise the viewer. Subtlety layered, this film creates ripples of thought that carry on for a time after viewing. I am still wondering why the mother is dancing in the field? Bong Joon Ho is one of my favourite modern directors and has proven himself across a range of genres; he is always telling a good story so Mother is a recommended watch.

(3.5/5)