andjel

This is a very beautiful intimate family drama, free of heart-wrenching clichés, yet filled with honest and real emotions. The main strengths of the movie are the performances of the lead actors and the layered story in which we can empathize with every character, even though they are opposed to one another. I like these kinds of life dramas where there are no purely good or bad characters—everyone is just an ordinary person with their own weaknesses and needs.

I even liked the tennis. I didn’t expect to see any top-level tennis, but the young actors managed to be realistic in that sports segment as well. Tennis here serves as a metaphor for life, and the movie uses that comparison very well to reflect and convey its message about the characters through the hobby and training. The Korean title focuses on the girl Yeong-seon, while the English title mentions the other girl, Su-a. In the same way, the movie is not one-sided but successfully shows different perspectives. I don’t know why the nun in the movie doesn’t wear a cross around her neck, but I still appreciate the subtle religious elements that are present.

Probably not everyone will enjoy the movie equally, but I can say that it deeply touched me and taught me to better understand the emotions of young people searching for their place in the world.