THE MOTHER

This film features twists and turns that so surprise the viewer that you really cannot predict what is around the corner. A Korean film produced by Bong Joon-Ho is part mystery, part horror, and even a little comedy. Yet it all is woven together in a way that only a master could put into a pattern that turns out beautiful and fascinating. It begins simply enough when we see the mother , the central character and played with boldness by Kim Hay-Ja, keeping a close eye on her son who is partially retarded. He cannot protect himself and is too often taken advantage of by his best friend. Each of these characters are presented in a striking way and with completely different personnas: The overprotective mother, the simple son, and the friend who is a bully. What a triad! The film gathers steam when a murder of a sexually precocious teen ager takes place with the town folk suspecting the son. We have no idea who is the guilty party. It seems impossible to imagine that the son committed the murder. Perhaps it was his nasty friend. As the film moves quickly along there are other suspects. In spite of the huge variety of suspense,suspects, and Hitchcockian like moments, the mother remains the one constant in the story. She is single minded, daring, and willing to go to any lengths to prove her sons innocence. We sympathize with her and are amazed at how she hounds everyone in town. I highly recommend this film. If you go see it, hold onto your hats!