This review may contain spoilers
a misplaced main character
I recently watched the movie, and while it was a touching story, it seemed to me that the focus of the plot was rather misplaced.
Mi Yeon aka Audrey, a graceful, middle-aged woman, leads a peaceful life running a small neighborhood noodle shop with the help of her devoted adopted son, Ki Hoon. Their bond is warm and supportive, with Ki Hoon proving to be a caring and dependable presence in her life. In contrast, Mi Yeon's biological daughter, Ji Yeon—a popular Kpop idol remains estranged from the family due to a troubled past marked by rebellion and unresolved grief. A pivotal moment in their fractured relationship stems from the early death of Ji Yeon’s father, who was tragically struck by a truck during a heated argument with her.
Despite Audrey (Mi Yeon) and Ki Hoon’s sincere attempts to reconnect with Ji Yeon, she keeps them at arm’s length. As time passes, Audrey begins to exhibit signs of memory loss, eventually receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Rather than fully exploring the emotional weight of this development in the story, the narrative introduces another dramatic twist: Ji Yeon is diagnosed with leukemia. Ki Hoon is unable to be a donor to her due to their lack of genetic relation. In a moment of clarity amidst her cognitive decline, Audrey consents to the procedure, becoming the donor who ultimately saves her daughter’s life.
The film concludes with a poignant scene where both Ji Yeon and Ki Hoon sit on a bench with Audrey in the middle, now in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s, sharing a tender moment of connection and love with the woman who shaped both of their lives.
The movie was okay, but it seemed like, yes, Audrey is framed as the main character, especially given her Alzheimer’s diagnosis, plus the movie title is Beautiful Audrey, but Ki Hoon receives more screen time, character depth, or narrative focus—making him feel like the actual protagonist.
Ki Hoon’s story was, in many ways, far more captivating. Orphaned at a young age, he was taken in by Audrey’s family and raised with care. As he matures, he becomes a kind-hearted and devoted son, choosing to forgo college, despite his intelligence, to dedicate himself fully to supporting his mother. Throughout the hardships, especially when both Audrey and Ji Yeon fall ill, Ki Hoon remains their steadfast pillar, quietly carrying the emotional weight of the family. His character felt incredibly relatable; I could genuinely sense his pain, admire his perseverance, and appreciate the quiet strength he showed in the face of so much adversity. Honestly, it felt like the film should’ve been titled Beautiful Ki Hoon instead!
Mi Yeon aka Audrey, a graceful, middle-aged woman, leads a peaceful life running a small neighborhood noodle shop with the help of her devoted adopted son, Ki Hoon. Their bond is warm and supportive, with Ki Hoon proving to be a caring and dependable presence in her life. In contrast, Mi Yeon's biological daughter, Ji Yeon—a popular Kpop idol remains estranged from the family due to a troubled past marked by rebellion and unresolved grief. A pivotal moment in their fractured relationship stems from the early death of Ji Yeon’s father, who was tragically struck by a truck during a heated argument with her.
Despite Audrey (Mi Yeon) and Ki Hoon’s sincere attempts to reconnect with Ji Yeon, she keeps them at arm’s length. As time passes, Audrey begins to exhibit signs of memory loss, eventually receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Rather than fully exploring the emotional weight of this development in the story, the narrative introduces another dramatic twist: Ji Yeon is diagnosed with leukemia. Ki Hoon is unable to be a donor to her due to their lack of genetic relation. In a moment of clarity amidst her cognitive decline, Audrey consents to the procedure, becoming the donor who ultimately saves her daughter’s life.
The film concludes with a poignant scene where both Ji Yeon and Ki Hoon sit on a bench with Audrey in the middle, now in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s, sharing a tender moment of connection and love with the woman who shaped both of their lives.
The movie was okay, but it seemed like, yes, Audrey is framed as the main character, especially given her Alzheimer’s diagnosis, plus the movie title is Beautiful Audrey, but Ki Hoon receives more screen time, character depth, or narrative focus—making him feel like the actual protagonist.
Ki Hoon’s story was, in many ways, far more captivating. Orphaned at a young age, he was taken in by Audrey’s family and raised with care. As he matures, he becomes a kind-hearted and devoted son, choosing to forgo college, despite his intelligence, to dedicate himself fully to supporting his mother. Throughout the hardships, especially when both Audrey and Ji Yeon fall ill, Ki Hoon remains their steadfast pillar, quietly carrying the emotional weight of the family. His character felt incredibly relatable; I could genuinely sense his pain, admire his perseverance, and appreciate the quiet strength he showed in the face of so much adversity. Honestly, it felt like the film should’ve been titled Beautiful Ki Hoon instead!
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