This Vietnamese-Korean film, written and directed by Mo Hong Jin, has garnered positive attention for its cast, including Hong Dao, Tuan Tran, and Jung Il Woo. Go Kyung Pyo, known for his roles in "Unexpectedly Lucky" and "Reply 1988," makes a surprise cameo appearance.
Centering on family, director Mo Hong Jin explores the struggles of illness, financial burdens, and responsibility. Le Thi Hanh (played by Hong Dao) suffers from Alzheimer's, gradually losing her memory and behaving like a child. Her son, Hoan (Tuan Tran), a street barber, transports her daily on a three-wheeled cart. The pressure of making ends meet and caring for his mother pushes Hoan to the brink of despair.
The story intensifies when Hoan discovers he's experiencing memory loss and struggling with epilepsy. Realizing his inability to care for his mother, he decides to take her to South Korea to "abandon" her with his estranged half-brother.
 |
Hoan struggles with his livelihood and caring for his mother. Photo: Film crew |
Hoan struggles with his livelihood and caring for his mother. Photo: Film crew
Hoan represents children in modern society grappling with the responsibility of caring for aging parents. He is portrayed as introverted, maintaining composure despite hardships. He often says, "I'm fine," shielding himself from the pity of neighbors, friends, customers, and those around him.
Two-thirds of the film focuses on Hoan and his mother's life in Vietnam. The camera highlights everyday moments: Hoan caring for his mother, their small interactions, creating a sense of intimacy and realism.
The director avoids dramatic dialogue or heavy philosophy, instead letting Hoan express himself simply yet poignantly: "Mom, wake up, I'm so tired" or "My mom isn't normal, I'm not normal, then who will take care of my mom?"
 |
Tuan Tran as Hoan. Photo: Film crew |
Tuan Tran as Hoan. Photo: Film crew
The film also portrays the tragedy of a woman with Alzheimer's and her guilt over burdening her son. In rare moments of lucidity, Hanh berates herself for failing as a mother.
Mo Hong Jin also explores the relationship between Hanh and her elder son, Ji Hwan (Go Kyung Pyo), Hoan's half-brother living in South Korea. They are separated by societal prejudice and childhood misunderstandings.
Hong Dao and Tuan Tran deliver powerful performances in emotionally charged scenes. As the 64-year-old woman fluctuating between lucidity and confusion, Hong Dao portrays the erratic behavior of a child. Colleagues praised her portrayal of a mother who doesn't recognize her son, yet whose maternal instincts remain.
 |
Hong Dao in a poignant scene. Photo: Film crew |
Hong Dao in a poignant scene. Photo: Film crew
As Hoan, Tuan Tran evokes empathy through his internal struggles. His final decision resonates with viewers as a humane and inevitable consequence.
The film also aims to challenge negative stereotypes surrounding Vietnamese-Korean marriages. A rare romantic moment depicts the young Le Thi Hanh (Juliet Bao Ngoc) and Jeong Min (Jung Il Woo), whose love transcends cultural differences.
"The film combines various elements, emphasizing family values through the perspectives of both children and parents, without romanticizing reality. Amidst numerous challenges, they choose family as something sacred and irreplaceable," a representative explained.
"Abandoning Mother" is currently showing in theaters nationwide.
Trailer for "Abandoning Mother." Video: Film crew
Dong Ve
