Number One (2026)

Countdown of Life

I must say, this movie did something to me. It moved my heart in a new direction and made me look at life differently. The description puts it into a genre of fantasy, but the story is as real as it gets. At first glance this is a simple drama about a son concerned about his mom, while he notices strange numbers appearing. The numbers are symbolic of a countdown, but what do they really count?

The movie started slow and unconvincing, but thanks to the great performances of all the actors, it slowly got under my skin. So at the end, i didn't feel at all as if watching a movie or actors performing. Instead, their characters felt like real people, or should i say, like my own family.

This is a minimalistic movie perfect for Mothers Day. The second best option is watching it at lunch, preferably eating Kimchi stew which i did eat today. That way, you might feel as if sitting with the characters at the same table.

PS. I give the movie one extra star for mentioning my Rap Idol Outsider :)

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A film that reminds you to go home to your mother.

In my personal opinion, the premise of this film is very simple, but I think that's precisely its strength. The aftermath makes you want to call your mom, if you can't go home that time.

The simplicity of the premise the director wanted to convey was also conveyed very well by Wooshik and Jang Hyejin. You can understand Hamin/Eunsil's point of view, so you won't blame either of them. Wooshik and Jang Hyejin's tandem is really powerful. If I wasn't a K-drama fan, I would definitely believe that they are mother and son, lol.

What I like here is that Seungyeon's character isn't just Hamin's “girlfriend”; she plays a role in the development of the main character. Hamin and Ryeoun were born to be soulmates and their love is pure. Honestly, I'm looking forward to Wooshik and Seungyeon's reunion in Whale Star because, surprisingly, they're so compatible and both incredibly charming on the big screen.

Oh, and another thing I love is the film's dreamy score?? Love it?? I'm sure the director intentionally made it dreamy to remind the audience that there's still a fantasy element in this film.

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