In 1974, director Ha Gil-jong crafts a haunting portrait of resilience and despair as a young wife, Jil Rye, and her daughter Yong Bun cling to hope while their husband and father is missing in action during the Korean War. As they endure poverty, epidemic, and drought, a powerful village elder’s predatory advances threaten to shatter their already fragile existence. The film’s eerie atmosphere and stark realism capture the oppressive weight of tradition and the vulnerability of those left behind, building a slow-burning dread that lingers long after the credits roll.
User Reviews
“The atmosphere is thick with unease from the start. Jil Rye's struggle feels painfully real, and you can't help but root for her. The pacing is slow but that adds to the dread. A hidden gem of Korean cinema.”
“I appreciated the historical context and the strong performance from the lead actress. However, the story's pacing felt a bit draggy for my taste. Still, the unsettling tone and social commentary make it worth a watch if you can handle slow burns.”
“This wasn't really my cup of tea. The constant misery and lack of any real scares left me feeling more depressed than frightened. The rape scene was disturbingly realistic, which might be too much for some. I'd rather watch something more straightforwardly scary.”
“A beautiful and tragic portrayal of survival and the strength of a mother's love. The director's use of natural light and the stark Korean countryside adds to the oppressive atmosphere. I was blown away by the emotional depth and the subtle horror that creeps in.”






























































