Netflix will release Heartbeat, the first short film directed by acclaimed filmmaker Lee Chang Dong, worldwide on November 2nd.
The short film follows a young boy struggling with anxiety as he worries about his mother, who suffers from depression and his father, who is staging a protest atop a tower crane.
First screened at the 23rd Jeonju International Film Festival, Heartbeat was developed around the theme of depression following a proposal from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Beijing Contemporary Art Foundation (BCAF).
The film closely follows its young protagonist, Cheol Yi (played by Kim Geonu), throughout the story. Knowing that his mother suffers from depression, Cheol Yi panics when she fails to answer his phone calls and rushes home, fearing that something may have happened to her. As he runs desperately toward home, viewers are drawn into his growing anxiety and the unconditional love he has for his mother, culminating in an emotionally moving finale.
Child actor Kim Geonu plays Cheol Yi, while Jeon Do Yeon portrays his mother. Sul Kyung Gu also lends his voice to the role of Cheol Yi’s father, adding another layer to the story.
Heartbeat captures the fear of losing a loved one and the overwhelming sense of responsibility that can arise when someone feels they must do something to protect their family, through a child’s perspective. Its emotional themes are likely to resonate with anyone who has experienced similar feelings.
The film will be available with subtitles in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, French and German.
Ahead of Possible Love, Netflix is also expanding its Lee Chang Dong collection with several of his earlier films, including Green Fish, Peppermint Candy, Oasis, Secret Sunshine, Poetry and Burning. The first four titles are now available worldwide in 4K.
Lee Chang Dong’s first short film, Heartbeat, will be available worldwide on Netflix starting November 2nd.
In the meantime, watch trending K-dramas for free on Amasian TV.
Source: Netflix
