Buzz
1. The Preparation (2017) - A Day Without Mother
In-gyu is a 7-year-old boy trapped in the body of a man in his late 20s. His mother, Ae-soon, has devoted 30 years of her life to caring for him, which has turned her into a grumpy, demanding older woman. One day, Ae-soon realizes that her time with her naive son is coming to an end. The thought of having to leave In-gyu fills her with anxiety.
To prepare for a completely new future for her son, Ae-soon begins to create a list of things to do – simple tasks that are unfamiliar and difficult for someone with developmental challenges like In-gyu. In-gyu’s delayed coming-of-age journey, with his mother’s devoted guidance, will bring both laughter and tears to the audience.
To prepare for a completely new future for her son, Ae-soon begins to create a list of things to do – simple tasks that are unfamiliar and difficult for someone with developmental challenges like In-gyu. In-gyu’s delayed coming-of-age journey, with his mother’s devoted guidance, will bring both laughter and tears to the audience.
2. A Diamond in the Rough (2019) - A Mother's Last Wish
In this family drama set in a poor, obscure village in Jeolla province, a woman named Soon-ok lives with her son Ki-kang and daughter Ki-soon. Ki-kang is a bright young man, well-loved by the locals and seen as someone with a promising future. Driven by his desire for success, Ki-kang decides to go to Seoul to chase his dreams. However, he ends up becoming a criminal sentenced to death.
3. Chronicle of a Blood Merchant (2015) - Blood-Selling Diary
This film is based on the novel by famous Chinese author Yu Hua, set in 1950s Korea, a time when life was hard and poverty-stricken after the war. Heo Sam Gwan works as a laborer on construction sites and helps his uncle manage a farm. The young men in his village are all struggling financially and find it difficult to marry, resorting to selling their blood to make money. By selling their blood, they not only prove their health but also earn a decent amount. One day, Heo Sam Gwan meets Heo Ok Ran, the most beautiful woman in the village, who is dating the wealthy Ha So Young. Despite this, Heo Sam Gwan decides to marry Heo Ok Ran, willing to sell his blood until he has enough money to marry her.
4. Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles (2005) - Journey Across Miles
Tadaka, an elderly fisherman, makes a mistake that causes his son to never forgive him, and they are separated for a long period. Time passes, and Tadaka learns that his son has cancer. After watching a video about his son’s life in China, Tadaka decides to travel to China to fulfill his son’s final wish. It is the most wonderful and final thing he can do for his son.
5. Postmen In The Mountains (1999) - The Mountain Postal Worker
This 1999 Chinese film is a must-see. It doesn’t rely on a star-studded cast, but it captivates with its heartfelt portrayal of human connection. The story follows a postal worker nearing retirement who takes his son on a 200-mile mountain journey on his first day at work. Over three days, the father shows his son that being a postman is not just about delivering letters; it's about the valuable interactions with the seemingly ordinary people along the way. This film is not dramatic or intense, but it has many beautiful and subtle moments.
6. Children of Heaven (1997) - The Children of Heaven
One of Iran's most famous films, and also the first Iranian film to be nominated for an Oscar in the category of 'Best Foreign Language Film.' Children of Heaven brought Iranian cinema to the peak of global recognition, a feat that many once thought impossible for a country in the Middle East.
7. Aftershock (2010) - The Great Earthquake of Tangshan
The Great Earthquake of Tangshan is a 2010 disaster film directed by Feng Xiaogang, produced by Huayi Brothers, and starring Chen Daoming, Chen Li, Yi Lu, and others. The film, which also features a special guest appearance by Wang Zhiwen as Li Shen's wife, depicts the aftermath of the 1976 Tangshan earthquake. Released in China on July 22, 2010, it became the first IMAX 'big-budget' commercial film made outside the United States. The film achieved significant box-office success, grossing over $100 million at the Chinese box office.
8. Canola (2016) - Yellow Canola Flowers
Gye Choon is known as a legendary diver from Jeju Island, living with her granddaughter, Hye Ji (Kim Go Eun). The two rely on each other for support and care. Hye Ji is a high school girl with a fiery soul and a secret within her heart. One day, Hye Ji suddenly disappears. Gye Choon does everything in her power to find her only granddaughter, but it takes twelve long years for them to reunite. Gye Choon struggles to believe what happened in those years, and whether they can return to their former lives remains a significant question.
9. Dearest (2014) - Dearest
Dearest is a Chinese romantic drama directed by Chen Kaige. The story revolves around the life of a poor, happy farming family in a rural village. The couple is devastated when they learn that their only child is adopted, and shortly after, strangers appear and abduct their beloved child. Actress Zhao Wei plays the determined wife who embarks on a difficult journey to the city to search for her son, despite the hardship and pain she faces. The film attracted significant attention upon its poster release, particularly from fans of Zhao Wei, who portrays a poor, suffering character that tugs at the heartstrings of viewers.
10. Hope (2013) - Hope
In Hope, a tragedy strikes the young daughter So-won on her way home from school. In this moving film, her father, Dong-hoon, receives a call from the hospital informing him that So-won has suffered both physical and emotional trauma. Can their family overcome the past and return to the happiness they once shared?
11. The Way Home (2002) - The Way Home
The Way Home (2002) is a heartwarming family drama about the bond between a grandmother and her grandson. The film will make you laugh, cry, and leave a lasting impression. Sang Woo, used to the comforts of city life, is shocked by the simple, rural life his grandmother lives. With no working TV, no battery for his video games, and a lack of convenience, Sang Woo becomes disrespectful and dismissive of his grandmother. He refuses to let her touch him because he fears being ‘dirty,’ and eats food he brought from the city instead of the meals she prepares. He insults her, calling her names like 'old fool' and 'silly.' Throughout the movie, he plays pranks on her, adding to her challenges.
12. Echoes of the Rainbow (2010) - Tuế Nguyệt Thần Thâu
The film tells the story of the Law family, a lower-class household living in the impoverished suburbs of Sham Shui Po during the 1960s. Mr. Law is a quiet and hardworking cobbler, earning just enough to support his family. Mrs. Law is an optimistic, kind woman who is always ready to help others. Together, they face hardships such as storms and the death of their son. Their younger son, 'Tai To,' an eight-year-old mischievous boy, dreams of becoming an astronaut. Meanwhile, their elder son Desmond attends an elite school in England, excelling in both sports and academics.
13. English Vinglish (2012) - Tiếng Anh Là Chuyện Nhỏ
English is considered a global language, but for those who have never learned it, it is truly a challenging barrier. Shashi, a traditional Indian woman, has always longed to rise above her circumstances, but the daily grind holds her back. The opportunity arises when her sister invites her and her family to the U.S. for her niece’s wedding. A woman who has never left India, never been on a plane, and does not know English, what will she do in New York?
English Vinglish tells a simple story of one person, yet it reflects the larger aspiration of many: the desire to succeed and reach for something better. Like many other Bollywood films, English Vinglish captivates viewers with its fun songs and humorous dialogue.
Film Information:
- Duration: 133 minutes
- Director: Gauri Shinde
- Country: India
- Genre: Family, Comedy, Drama
- Release: 2012
- Cast: Adil Hussain, Mehdi Nebbou, Priya Anand, Sridevi
14. Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2013) - Điều Kỳ Diệu Ở Phòng Giam Số 7
The story of Miracle in Cell No. 7 begins when Yong Goo is sentenced to death after being falsely accused of murder. His final wish is to see his daughter, Ye Seung. However, the prison doors that hold him captive will never open to allow a family visit. So, the other inmates devise a plan to help the father and daughter reunite...
Film Information:
- Duration: 127 minutes
- Director: Lee Hwan-Kyung
- Country: South Korea
- Genre: Family, School
- Release: 2013
- Cast: Oh Dal-su, Park Won-Sang, Park Shin Hye, Ryu Seung Ryong, Kal So Won
15. My Annoying Brother (2016) - Anh Tôi Vô Số Tội
My Annoying Brother follows Doo-young (D.O), a judo athlete for the national team, who suffers a permanent loss of vision after a severe injury in an international match. Doo-sik (Jo Jung-seok), his estranged older brother who has been in prison for fraud for 15 years, manipulates his younger brother’s tragedy to get a temporary release. For Doo-young, who lost his parents in an accident and has been independent since a young age, the return of his brother is the last thing he wants. He must come to terms with his permanent blindness while figuring out how to deal with his manipulative brother. Despite the initial tension, Doo-young gradually grows fond of Doo-sik due to the responsibility and help he receives from him in adjusting to his new life.
Film Information:
- Duration: 110 minutes
- Director: Kwon Soo-Kyung
- Country: South Korea
- Genre: Family, Comedy
- Release: 2016
- Cast: Cho Jung-Seok, Do Kyung-Soo, Park Shin Hye, Kim Gang-Hyun, Ji Dae-Han, Lim Chul-Hyung, Lee Do-Yeon, Son San, Shim Hoon-Ki, Jung Jae-Jin, Ku Hye-Ryeong, Lee Sang-Hun
16. Father and Son (2017) - Cha Cõng Con
Cha Cõng Con tells a simple yet deeply moving story that can stir the hearts of millions with its endless childhood dreams and the boundless love of a father that words cannot fully express. It's a sad but hopeful tale, reflecting the humanity that can be found even in the darkest corners of life.
17. Reply 1988 (2015) - Lời Hồi Đáp 1988
Following the success of the dramas Reply 1997 (Lời Hồi Đáp 1997) and Reply 1994 (Lời Hồi Đáp 1994), the producers quickly began working on the third installment. After careful consideration, they decided to set the next story in 1988. Reply 1988 (Lời Hồi Đáp 1988) revolves around the lives of five families in a small neighborhood, exploring the humorous and heartfelt situations they face. The series offers both laughter and tears, creating a deeply emotional experience.
18. The Godfather (2021)
The Godfather is a romantic comedy film produced by Trấn Thành Town, HKFilm, and Galaxy Studio, based on Trấn Thành's web film of the same name released during the 2020 Lunar New Year. In this film, Trấn Thành takes on multiple roles: co-director alongside Vũ Ngọc Đãng, writer, and lead actor as Ba Sang, a delivery man living in a working-class neighborhood in Ho Chi Minh City. The cast also includes Ngọc Giàu, Tuấn Trần, Ngân Chi, Lê Giang, Hoàng Mèo, Lan Phương, La Thành, Lê Trang, Quốc Khánh, A Quay, and Bảo Phúc.
19. Ode to My Father (2014) - Lời hứa với cha
This film, depicting the life of a South Korean man, tackles the theme of 'Modern History' and 'National Pain' through a panoramic, modern approach. The story follows Duk-soo’s journey, who begins his life during the evacuation of 14,000 refugees on the SS Meredith Victory during the Korean War, sailing from the port of Hungnam. As the eldest son, Duk-soo keeps a lifelong promise to his father, as his family evacuates to the South and settles in Busan.
20. Romang (2019) - The Things Parents Don’t Tell
The Things Parents Don’t Tell is not a typical heartwarming family film. This piece intricately weaves together layers of meaning, exploring love, friendship, and unexpected emotional highs and lows, balanced by gentle, soothing waves. Watching this film feels like riding an emotional rollercoaster, at times feeling angry, sorrowful, tearful, and even laughing. The valuable message about the power of apologies is conveyed through several poignant scenes, leaving a lasting impact on the viewer’s heart long after leaving the theater.
