Edited by Hwang Hong Sun
Translated by Kim Hoyeun
About Family tells the story of the owner of the beloved dumpling restaurant Pyeongmanok, whose life takes a turn when children claiming to be his grandchildren suddenly appear. The estranged relationship between the father and his monk son begins to shift with the arrival of these unexpected visitors. Featuring Kim Yun Seok and Lee Seung Gi as the father and son duo, the film is directed by Yang Woo Seok, best known for Steel Rain, who takes on his first family-oriented movie.
Every film in which Kim Yun Seok uses a regional dialect has been a success. From the thick Jeolla accent in Tazza: The High Rollers to the forlorn Chungcheong dialect in Running Turtle, his first project as the lead, the commanding North Korean accent in 1987: When the Day Comes, and even the Yanbian dialect in The Yellow Sea, Kim’s ability to adapt his speech has consistently elevated his performances. In About Family, Kim once again takes on a dialect, adding a unique layer to his character.
The characters themselves are compelling. Ham Moo Ok, a self-made man and miser reminiscent of Scrooge, initially appears gruff and bitter due to his estranged son. However, as children claiming to be his grandchildren enter his life, he gradually softens into a generous and doting grandfather. Watching him dye his hair and shower the kids with gifts in an effort to win their favor brings both warmth and lighthearted humor. This rare portrayal of a grandfather in Kim Yun Seok’s filmography adds an extra layer of enjoyment.
Meanwhile, Ham Moon Seok, the monk and Moo Ok’s son, provides another interesting narrative. Despite his polished appearance and impressive abilities, his clumsiness offers unexpected comedic moments. He gains recognition as a monk, but his life takes an unexpected turn when a live broadcast on a radio show reveals that he has hidden children, sparking a scandal. Lee Seung Gi uses his well-established public image to bring relatability to his character, delivering an authentic portrayal of the strained yet evolving father-son relationship with Kim Yun Seok.
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The film’s direction is clear—it aims to reconcile a distant father and son through a series of heartfelt events, leaving viewers teary-eyed. The challenge lies in presenting the familiar theme of familial love in a refreshing way. Thankfully, About Family avoids forcing tear-jerking moments or exaggerating backstories. While there are undeniably heart-wrenching aspects and moments that might bring a tear or two, the film masterfully blends humor to present a story that’s clean and understated.
Director Yang Woo Seok, who used dishes like pork soup in The Attorney and spicy noodles in Steel Rain to symbolize relationships, brings dumplings to the forefront in About Family. Once considered a rare delicacy reserved for holidays, dumplings serve as the perfect metaphor for family bonds—bringing diverse ingredients together to create a unified whole. Scenes of sharing food reflect the traditional essence of Korean families while emphasizing that family is not limited to blood relations. While About Family doesn’t rely on flashy visuals, it poses timeless questions about the meaning of family, delivering a touching story that’s both poignant and satisfying. (8/10)
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Editor Hwang Hong Sun: A Korean movie buff who wishes that the warm messages in good works will warm up this world at least by one degree Fahrenheit.
