[TF Cinema Review] 'Flowing Journey,' Where Every Moment Shines

Kim Hye-ok's first leading role in her 49-year careerA moving story unfolded through classical music... and even humorOpening on the 28th, the film 'The Flowing Journey' tells the story of Chun-hee, who, after her husband's passing, prepares for her own journey and encounters unexpected relationships in her new apartment. /Jin Jin Pictures[THE FACT | Reporter Moon Chae-young] This is by no means a fleeting film. It is a movie that remains profoundly in the hearts of the audience long after the curtain falls. The direction is flawless, and every scene is imbued with emotion. 'The Flowing Journey' is more beautiful than expected.The film 'The Flowing Journey' (directed by Kim Jin-yu), which opened on the 28th, depicts Chun-hee (played by Kim Hye-ok), who, after her husband's passing, prepares for her own journey and experiences new changes in her quiet daily life as she meets unexpected people in her new apartment. It won the Korean Directors' Guild Plus M Award and the KBS Independent Film Award at the 30th Busan International Film Festival.The film begins with Chun-hee busily moving potted plants at the entrance of a detached house. Overlaid is the voice of a young man reading a letter written in English, using an old dictionary. As the man's voice continues, Chun-hee picks up a potted plant and leaves the gate.Chun-hee gets into the car. However, in the driver's seat next to her is not a person, but a potted plant. Chun-hee, as if accustomed to it, drives the car with the potted plant at the wheel somewhere. Leaving the detached house, Chun-hee arrives at a terraced apartment. A moving company is already busy transporting Chun-hee's belongings.However, she encounters a problem. They say they need to cut down a tree to move a grand piano into Chun-hee's first-floor apartment. Beside the hesitant Chun-hee appears Min-jun (played by Justin H. Min), who speaks awkward Korean. He approaches quietly and offers his help, offering his 15th-floor apartment.The film 'The Flowing Journey' is the first film in which actress Kim Hye-ok takes on a leading role since her debut, and it is also the first Korean feature film in which Justin H. Min takes on a leading role. /Jin Jin PicturesAlthough Min-jun is suspicious, Chun-hee has no choice but to move the piano to his apartment. What changes will Chun-hee, who is starting apartment life for the first time after losing her husband, experience through her new neighbor Min-jun, with whom she connects through the piano?'The Flowing Journey' does not give the audience a moment to be bored. Every line of dialogue and situation contains simple yet impactful humor. Furthermore, instead of direct words, the process leading to a conclusion, which has been hinted at through various clues, is delicately portrayed through the characters' expressions and gestures. The narrative, meticulously planned, leaves a deep impression on the audience. This is where director Kim Jin-yu's directing prowess shines.People who have lost loved ones gather, comfort each other's pain, and eventually become family. 'The Flowing Journey' is a work based on this common theme. Therefore, director Kim Jin-yu sensuously and stylishly portrays a story that could easily become sentimental, and above all, beautifully resolves it.There is one more aspect he paid special attention to. Director Kim Jin-yu mentioned the importance of music at a previous press conference. He wanted music to act as another language. Therefore, characters with music-related professions appear as protagonists. Min-jun is a conductor from Germany, and Seong-chan (played by Park Dae-ho), who takes piano lessons from him, dreams of becoming a pianist.Thanks to Min-jun and Seong-chan, classical music flows in many scenes, and the timing is impressive. Sometimes, classical music expresses the characters' emotions instead of dialogue. It also serves as a medium connecting Chun-hee, Min-jun, and Seong-chan. Furthermore, at the end of the film, a piece of classical music with a special meaning is introduced to the audience.The film 'The Flowing Journey' depicts the process of people who have lost loved ones forming new connections. It evokes deep emotion and resonance as it portrays a family chosen by one's own will. /Jin Jin PicturesThe actors also exuded presence in their respective roles. Actress Kim Hye-ok, in her first leading role after about 49 years of debut, shows a depth of experience beyond expectations. Justin H. Min, who has been active in the United States for a long time, naturally embodies Min-jun, a foreigner from Germany and a Korean-American, as if he were wearing his own clothes.There is also a new discovery. Actor Park Dae-ho, who is acting for the first time in this film. He plays Seong-chan, a young student cared for by Chun-hee and Min-jun. As the role evokes maternal affection, his inexperienced acting does not feel uncomfortable. It is acting that can only be done by an untrained character, so it does not disrupt immersion.Park Dae-ho also works as a professional pianist. He plays most of the piano pieces used in the film himself, enhancing the credibility of the character Seong-chan, who has a natural talent for the piano.'The Flowing Journey' is a sad story with a predetermined ending. The film hints from the beginning at someone's deep and heavy choice. However, the process is not entirely bleak or tragic. The process of meeting new neighbors, healing wounds, and becoming a family at the end of life is dazzlingly beautiful.Therefore, the lingering impression lasts for a long time. The story of Chun-hee, Min-jun, and Seong-chan, who are reborn as a family, leaves the audience with many questions. It makes us reflect on the true values in life and the precious relationships we choose.'The Flowing Journey,' which is enough to become someone's life movie, is rated for all audiences and has a running time of 125 minutes. No post-credit scenes.mcy21@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]