Was this review helpful to you?
Story 10/10: I felt like the story was very original. It takes a very dark subject, and injects it with some comedy. Ultimately it had the right amount of darkness and comedy for me.
Acting 10/10: The actors were flawless.
Music 5/10: I don't really remember much about the music (i watched it a few days ago.) for that reason I gave it a 5/10. I didn't notice anything wrong with the music choice but at the same time it didn't stay in my memory long enough to be GREAT.
Rewatchability 5/10: I generally do not rewatch films. Although this is an amazing movie, I don't see myself rewatching this anytime soon.
Overall 10/10: Solid story. Solid movie. The perfect movie for a Sunday evening.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
Of course, it's seen in the two main characters, Kim Jung Yeon and Kim Seong Geun. Both of whom are also escaping two different things. While male Kim's is more evident, female Kim's is not explicitly told. But that's fine. A hikikomori's reason for shutting himself/herself in has a very long list of reasons and perhaps even the hikikomoris themselves do not know the definitive one. But one thing is clear: escape and withdrawal.
We see how both characters try to live as normally as they can. Male Kim adjusts to the island life in just three months and with only a scarecrow as his companion (a symbol of his old self), he looks more lively than he did 5 months ago. Female Kim lives virtually, by having a virtual identity, she feels "connected" with the world and tries to live normally by doing normal things like as she said, go to "work" and exercise.
Here, we see how human connection tries to render boundaries useless. They break down the walls we have build once we have reach an understanding and to these two is began with the noodles. The noodles becomes a symbol of hope for the two lonely characters. And eventually, it's also each other that in the end, they long to see.
As cheesy and sentimental as this sounds, Castaway wants to show the light at the end of the tunnel. That through hardships, we can retreat to our own worlds but eventually, we will emerge, good as new. It's not a dead end.
Was this review helpful to you?
The ending was fine to me. It fit with the movie's style perfectly.
I recommend this to anyone who wants to see something different. But expect something VERY different from most Asian movies.
Was this review helpful to you?
Hope is a complicated thing.
“Why?”Sometimes everything’s just too much to take and you wanna end it. But no, you don’t really. It’s just there’s a tiny tiny string to hold onto. Why do it today when you can still do it tomorrow? Maybe something might happen tonight.
Maybe.
After many tomorrows, you might find something..beautiful. Something that keeps you moving. Something that makes you love the taste of the air you breath. Something to look forward to. You hold onto the string tighter.
But, what if...
What if it’s dangerous? What if I lose it? It’s a new thing. A new feeling. Something too huge to fit into my chest. Something that can blow away everything I’ve built!
Being hopeless was uneasy, but it was comfortable. Knowing what to expect was comfortable. But now, I don’t know anymore.
RUN!
GO HOME!
IT’S DANGEROUS!
Or..is it?
“Castaway on a moon” to me was a beautiful portrayal of feelings we lock inside. Despair, hope, excitement, fear, wind, light and the sea. Loved it!
Was this review helpful to you?
I didn't think I'd ever love a movie this much
Absolutely beautiful. From the beautiful themes to the acting to the wonderful soundtrack to the almost ridiculous, yet heartwarming humor, it is a perfect movie for me in every aspect.I've never cried, laughed and smiled this much watching a movie.
It's the kind of movie that makes you glad to be human and alive.
This is actually my all time favorite movie and every time I feel life gets me down, I rewatch it and every single time, I love it perhaps even more than the last.
The way the story inspires you to live and never give up in an almost hopeful, simple, but innocent way just makes me tear up even thinking about it.
I am not one to say a movie is perfect easily, but it would be a crime to not call this one. It's imperfections just make it that much more beautiful.
There's just so much earnestness and heart in this movie and it really shines through.
I'll always be grateful for the comfort this movie had provided and will continue to provide me in my worst days.
Was this review helpful to you?
All this for a bowl of noodles!
But man, what a bowl it was, so worth it.Really glad I watched this because the editing in this movie is simply splendid, especially the first two-thirds. Well, except for the foot chase.
I love how so many oddities made their way into this movie. From odd objects the main character managed to fabricate, to intricate and idiosyncratic life habits the girl had, it was great and creative. Like the toy robot in the elevator, amazing! All those sequences of the girl going outside with the biker helmet were sublime, so well made. Great directing.
The ending, although good, was the weakest part of the movie for me. I guess I was so blown away by the rest that I was expecting a bit more.
I have never seen CAST AWAY and now I just found the perfect excuse.
At least this time the American movie came first... Usually it's the other way around.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
This is not light-hearted, has some comedy but not central, and is not a romance per se
ReviewI consider this an 8/10 despite what I consider to be some significant issues with certain aspects and particularly the ending. But the "meat" of the story is very good. Castaway on the Moon* is a poignant and introspective South Korean film that dives deeply into complex themes of mental health, isolation, and human connection. Despite its seemingly quirky premise—a man stranded on an island in the middle of Seoul’s Han River—it’s far from a lighthearted comedy or romance. The story follows two individuals at their lowest points, finding an unexpected bond through their shared struggles. While there are hints of mild romantic feelings, the film avoids explicit romance, focusing instead on mutual understanding and empathy between two people who feel alienated from society.
The film’s strength lies in its unflinching exploration of mental health and social issues, making it a compelling watch for those who appreciate thought-provoking narratives. It’s not a movie for everyone, though. If you’re looking for a funny, uplifting, or romantic story, this isn’t it. The tone is heavy, and the pacing is deliberate, which may not suit viewers seeking lighter fare. Personally, I wouldn’t rewatch it, but I wouldn’t leave the room if someone else put it on—it’s engaging enough to hold your attention, even if it’s not a film you’d revisit.
**Recommendation**: Watch this if you enjoy deep, character-driven stories that tackle mental health and societal pressures. Skip it if you prefer rom-coms or lighthearted entertainment.
---
Spoilers
Some viewers have questioned the plausibility of the protagonist, Kim Seong-geun, being unable to escape the island, given its proximity to Seoul. However, real-life cases show that isolation can happen even in populated areas. For example, there have been instances of people trapped in overlooked spaces—like a patient left on an outdoor hospital landing who died because no one heard their calls. This supports the film’s premise that Seong-geun could be stranded so close to civilization. That said, the film suggests he might not have *wanted* to be rescued. At a certain point, his focus shifts from escape to survival, and he finds purpose in sustaining himself on the island. This is evident in his determination to make black bean noodles, a task that symbolizes his need to reclaim agency after feeling like a failure in his job and finances.
The connection between Seong-geun and the female protagonist, Kim Jung-yeon, who observes him from her apartment, is another point of contention. Their bond, built on minimal communication through messages, feels intense but underdeveloped. I find it hard to believe that their brief exchanges could foster such a strong connection. As a psychologist I found the characters to be deeply troubled—Seong-geun with severe depression after attempting suicide, and Jung-yeon with what appears to be agoraphobia, social anxiety, possible hoarding tendencies, and trauma hinted at by facial scarring and her avoidance of her parents. Without significant therapy, it’s likely both would revert to their previous states after the film’s events. Seong-geun’s forced removal from the island leaves little indication he’s equipped to handle his old life, and while Jung-yeon makes progress by venturing outside, her underlying issues remain unaddressed.
The film’s ending is deliberately ambiguous, offering a soft resolution that leaves their futures uncertain. There’s a suggestion of a potential friendship, or perhaps a faint romantic spark, but I don’t buy the latter—they’re too damaged to be in a state receptive to romance nor would they be very good for each other romantically. His "FU" response to her not messaging him back is an example of how volatile both of their emotional states are. As friends, they might support each other’s healing, but both need serious professional help. Seong-geun’s struggles seem rooted in depression, while Jung-yeon’s complex issues, including possible trauma, make her a more intricate case. The film frustratingly never reveals the cause of her condition, which feels like a missed opportunity to flesh out her character.
On a side note, some of Seong-geun’s survival tactics were off-putting. His casual handling of bird droppings and using his own waste as fertilizer—without apparent concern for hygiene—felt gross and unrealistic, as he’d likely contract parasites. Eating unwashed items also triggered my germaphobic side. But, on a practical note, you have to be even more careful in a survival situation with stuff like wound care and sanitation. Granted you can't be perfect but being oblivious and careless could lead to fatal results. These moments detracted from the film’s otherwise grounded portrayal of survival.
Overall, *Castaway on the Moon* raises compelling questions about resilience and connection but leaves you uncertain about the characters’ futures. It’s a thought-provoking film, but its ambiguity and lack of resolution may leave some viewers wanting more closure.
Was this review helpful to you?
