Detailed Summary
The Incident: A Tragic Murder
In a small, quiet town in South Korea, a mentally challenged young man named Yoon Do-joon (Won Bin) lives with his overprotective mother (Kim Hye-ja), who runs an herbal medicine shop. One evening, after a night of drinking, Do-joon follows a girl through the streets, but she rejects his advances. The next morning, the girl is found dead on a rooftop, and Do-joon becomes the prime suspect.
Do-joon’s Arrest
The police quickly arrest Do-joon due to circumstantial evidence, and his confession is coerced during interrogation. Though it’s clear that he doesn’t fully comprehend the gravity of the situation, the authorities are eager to close the case. His mother, devastated, is convinced of his innocence and embarks on a journey to prove it, determined to find the real killer.
Mother’s Investigation
The mother takes matters into her own hands and starts her own investigation, questioning witnesses, retracing her son’s steps, and confronting people who might have been involved. Her love and desperation for Do-joon drive her to extreme lengths, unraveling dark secrets about the town and its residents.
The Real Killer
As the mother digs deeper, she discovers chilling revelations, leading to a confrontation with the real killer. The truth about the crime shakes her to her core, challenging her perception of morality, guilt, and her son’s innocence.
The Twist
The film delivers a shocking twist when the mother uncovers a connection between the dead girl and Do-joon that forces her to confront uncomfortable truths. The tension builds up to a devastating climax that changes the course of her relationship with her son.
Movie Ending
In the final scenes, the mother takes drastic action to protect her son from the truth she has uncovered, resorting to morally ambiguous choices that mirror the complexity of human nature. The film ends on a haunting, ambiguous note, leaving viewers questioning the price of a mother’s love and the limits of moral righteousness.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, “Mother” does not have any post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
“Mother” is a gripping psychological thriller, blending elements of crime drama and mystery. The film delves into complex family relationships, exploring themes of love and the ethical challenges that emerge when loyalty to a family member conflicts with the pursuit of justice and truth.
Cast
- Kim Hye-ja as Mother
- Won Bin as Yoon Do-joon
- Jin Goo as Jin-tae
- Yoon Je-moon as Je-moon, the detective
- Jeon Mi-seon as Mi-seon, the murdered girl
Film Music and Composer
The score for the film was composed by Lee Byung-woo, whose work helps to heighten the film’s tense, eerie atmosphere and emotional depth. His subtle yet haunting melodies underscore the psychological elements of the story.
Filming Locations
The production team shot the movie in diverse rural and urban areas throughout South Korea, with a strong focus on the picturesque countryside. The village backdrop is essential to the story, creating an isolated, close-knit environment where hidden truths can thrive.
Awards and Nominations
- Asian Film Awards: Won Best Film and Best Actress (Kim Hye-ja)
- Blue Dragon Film Awards: Won Best Actress (Kim Hye-ja)
- Cannes Film Festival: Screened in the Un Certain Regard section
- Grand Bell Awards: Nominated for Best Director and Best Actor (Won Bin)
- Korean Film Awards: Won Best Film and Best Actress
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Director Bong Joon-ho had always envisioned Kim Hye-ja for the role of the mother, as she was known in Korea for her warm, maternal roles in television. Bong subverted that image by placing her in a thriller.
- Won Bin’s portrayal of Do-joon marked a major transformation for the actor, who had been known for more conventional roles prior to this film.
- The role of the mother was emotionally demanding for Kim Hye-ja, who has stated that she found it challenging to navigate the intense emotions required for the character.
Inspirations and References
- Director Bong Joon-ho was inspired by his own relationship with his mother, as well as traditional Korean family dynamics where the mother is often seen as a sacrificial figure.
- The film explores themes from Oedipal Complex theories, as well as societal perceptions of disability, justice, and revenge.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The film remained true to Bong Joon-ho’s original vision, with no well-known alternate endings or deleted scenes. He successfully achieved his vision from the script to the final edit, and the open-ended conclusion was essential in conveying the film’s core themes.
Book Adaptations and Differences
Bong Joon-ho and Park Eun-kyo crafted the original screenplay for *Mother*, drawing on themes that resonate with psychological and crime thrillers. Although not based on any book, the film delves into complex issues like family loyalty and the nuanced nature of morality.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Do-joon’s Arrest: The heartbreaking moment when Do-joon is wrongfully arrested, setting the film’s events in motion.
- Mother’s Confrontation with Jin-tae: The intensity rises as she accuses her son’s friend of betraying him.
- The Discovery of the Real Killer: The moment when the mother uncovers the truth behind the murder, leading to her final, devastating decision.
Iconic Quotes
- “Mother, it’s all because of you.”
- “You shouldn’t have done that. You shouldn’t have done it.”
- “A mother’s love knows no bounds.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The film’s opening and closing scenes, both featuring Kim Hye-ja’s character dancing, serve as bookends, symbolizing her internal turmoil and descent into moral ambiguity.
- Bong Joon-ho subtly references themes from his previous work, such as social inequality and crime, which also appear in Memories of Murder and Parasite.
Trivia
- Before this film, Kim Hye-ja had built a reputation for portraying warm, loving mothers on Korean television, so casting her brilliantly flipped her established image.
- Bong Joon-ho wrote the script with Kim Hye-ja in mind for the lead role.
- The film premiered at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival in the “Un Certain Regard” section.
- “Mother” became a critical and commercial success internationally, cementing Bong Joon-ho’s reputation as a master of blending genres.
Why Watch?
“Mother” is a compelling and gripping psychological thriller that masterfully balances suspense, emotion, and moral complexity. If you appreciate films that explore deep family bonds and the dark lengths people will go to protect their loved ones, this movie will captivate you.
Director’s Other Movies
Recommended Films for Fans
- Memories of Murder (2003) – Another Bong Joon-ho thriller
- Mystic River (2003) – A crime drama exploring familial bonds
- Oldboy (2003) – A gripping Korean revenge thriller
- Prisoners (2013) – A tense thriller about the lengths one will go for justice
- The Handmaiden (2016) – A psychological thriller with dark twists
