14/01/2023

This is not based on a true story, but takes elements of what likely happened after the Sewol ferry disaster back in 2014 as well as what most might experience when losing a loved one.

This story mostly focuses on one family that loses their 16 year old son in that incident and how each family member is impacted by his loss as well as others that knew him.

Grief knows no boundaries when it comes to a parent losing a child, a sibling losing a brother or sister, a relative losing a relative or a friend losing a friend.

We see a mother that has difficulty moving on who is stuck in grief and still in mourning, an estranged father trying to make amends and re-establish himself in the family and a young daughter being caught in the crossfire of that grief and sorrow standing in the shadow of her oldest brother who is no longer there.

There is definitely a void that can never be filled when we lose friends or family due to tragic circumstances.

About his friends...

His friends come into play as well - one that held him on pedestal, one that has survivor's guilt and even his best friend who is grieving deeply as well only can't find it in himself to interact with the family - especially the grieving mother. There is one part near the end in which he, the best friend, says to her he doesn't know why he avoids her yet I am sure most of us can guess why? Sometimes we don't know what the right words are to say or how to act towards someone that has lost someone to death, also, it can be a cruel reminder of who is no longer in our own lives anymore.

So, with this movie we also get to witness what it is like for others beyond the family just a bit.

It is a slow burn film yet it isn't really boring and the point of it I feel is powerfully delivered.