A pair of Seoul moppets are foisted upon an alcoholic aunt as their mother goes searching for their absentee father in this slow-burning charmer, rooted in director So Yong Kim’s childhood. The youngsters’ dismay at being shipped to the country turns to unexpected contentment when they’re finally shown some affection by peasant grandma Park Boon Tak.
With Anne Misawa’s camera fixing upon the children’s bemused expressions as they try to fathom the adults’ behaviour, So coaxes superlative performances from her adorable leads, creating an enchanting, challenging film without ever sliding into sentiment.