Moving On

The elephant in the room when Okju, her little brother Dongju and their father move in with the grandpa they hardly know at the end of the school year, is that this is not just because the old man needs care. After his divorce, their father is as good as broke and although grandpa's three-room apartment is pretty unsuitable, it provides temporary shelter to the family. Not long afterwards, their aunt, whose marriage is on the rocks, moves in as well. Three generations under one roof: a form of cohabitation which was once very normal, nowadays primarily illustrates how poor family relationships are. In a series of unemphatic, yet acutely observed moments, Yoon Dan-bi explores the contemporary meaning of family. A remarkable debut reminiscent of both the themes and style of Japanese master Kore-eda Hirokazu. (International Film Festival Rotterdam)