The Recorder Exam

Kim Bo Ra created the short film The Recorder Exam as a student. It came across as a precursor to her House of Hummingbird (2018). Yet this 28-minute film set in 1988 was beautifully, achingly complete, more so than many films three times the length.

Nine-year-old Eun Hee is preparing for her recorder exam. She’s using her brother’s hand me down recorder and wishes for a new one. More than a new recorder she desperately wishes for affection and attention from her family. Both parents are checked out emotionally. Big sis is seeing a boy behind their backs and staying out late. Her brother is doted on and orders her around, unafraid to hit her. As the youngest and a girl, there’s not much leftover for her from her stressed out mother and a father who is seeing another woman. When Eun Hee hears him whisper “I love you" to the mistress, how she longs to hear those words for herself. Her sister having realized she will never hear those words has sent her searching for acceptance elsewhere.

This film will make you want to give Eun Hee the hug she needs. It will also make you want to shake her disconnected parents. Much like HoH’s Eun Hee, this girl was trying to find a way to feel wanted by her family, loved. The shock she exhibited when a friend’s mom treated her kindly spoke volumes. Eun Hee also had a stubborn, defiant streak that broke through when she was being treated poorly which usually only led to more punishment but must have felt powerful in the moment.

The Recorder Exam focused on Eun Hee as the exam approached, her strained relationship with her family, her friendship with a classmate, and a need to feel like she belonged and was cared about in her own family. Even a few crumbs of kindness could set her free to soar if only for a few moments, if her parents could look outside themselves and see her. This film was well-written, well-directed, and well-acted with young Hwang Jeongone giving a heartbreaking and compelling performance. Definitely worth 28 minutes of your time.

8 September 2025

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A Beautiful, Touching Short Film

This short film, released in 2011, is South Korean filmmaker, Kim Bora's first notable project. This project was developed as her graduation project from her Master of Fine Arts Program at Columbia University.

This is a really well done short film! I am honestly amazed at how one can fit such a complete story in only 30 minutes. Of course this isn't the first short film, but in a world where we are more enthralled by longer epic stories. Its honestly a nice change of pace.

The Recording Exam is about a young girl by the name of Eunhee who, as is described in the title, is getting ready for her Recorder exam. However, issues at home complicate her capacity to get ready. It's a simple premise, yet it definitely sheds light on certain different issues, including dysfunctional families, childhood, jealousy and longing for something that isn't necessarily quite there. It isn't overly dramatic and is very realistic and feels honest and sincere.

All in all, it is a must watch, especially since it won't take too much time from the day.

8.5/10

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