The new Korean-Vietnamese co-production "Leaving Mom" opens with what appears to be a chilling thriller scene: a man in a black hooded raincoat enters a dilapidated apartment building on a pitch-black night, carrying a suspicious black plastic bag. He opens a door to reveal a middle-aged woman tied to a chair, then pulls out a knife and extracts something bloody from the bag. However, this seemingly sinister opening quickly transforms into a heartbreaking family drama when viewers realize the man, Hoan (Tuan Tran), isn't a criminal at all—he's simply a devoted son preparing a meal for his sick mother.
The film's protagonist, Hoan, works as a street barber in Vietnam and has dedicated his entire life to caring for his ailing mother, Le Thi Hanh (Hong Dao), who suffers from severe dementia. Out of necessity and love, he must restrain her while he's away working to ensure her safety. The opening sequence serves as a powerful metaphor for the "horror" that many impoverished families face when social safety nets fail and resources are scarce.
As the story unfolds, viewers learn about Le Thi Hanh's complicated past through her sporadic moments of clarity amid her memory loss. She once lived and worked in Korea, where she married a Korean man named Jung-min (Jung Il-woo) and gave birth to her first son. Due to unfortunate circumstances, she was forced to leave this child behind when she returned to Vietnam. These flashbacks reveal the deep emotional wounds that have shaped both mother and son's lives.
Hoan's situation becomes increasingly desperate as his own health deteriorates—he suffers from epileptic seizures that are becoming more frequent and severe. Recognizing his limitations and wanting the best for his mother, he begins considering a difficult journey to Korea to find his half-brother, whom he has never met. His hope is that this brother might be able to provide their mother with better medical care and more stability than he can offer in their current circumstances.
What sets "Leaving Mom" apart from many international collaborations is its completely original narrative. Unlike projects that simply remake existing films, this Korea-Vietnam co-production was developed from scratch based on a screenplay by South Korean director Mo Hong-jin. The project took three years to develop, with creative staff members contributing equally from both countries, resulting in an authentic cross-cultural perspective.
The film's emotional resonance stems largely from the cultural values shared between Korea and Vietnam, particularly their deep-rooted traditions of ancestral worship and strong emphasis on filial duty. These common cultural threads make the story particularly compelling for audiences in both countries. The movie's success in Vietnam, where it was released on July 30 and has already attracted over 2 million moviegoers, demonstrates this cultural connection.
The heart of the film lies in the remarkably authentic performances by the two Vietnamese lead actors, who bring genuine emotion to their portrayal of a loving but troubled mother-son relationship. Their performances draw audiences directly into the characters' struggles, making the family's dilemma feel immediate and real. Beyond the personal story, the film also serves as sharp social commentary on the universal challenge of balancing eldercare responsibilities with the need to earn a living, especially when adequate social support systems are lacking.
Korean actor Jung Il-woo, who notably appeared in the film without compensation, delivers a standout performance despite his limited screen time. He portrays Jung-min as a caring individual who embodies the ideals of a devoted father and husband, adding depth to the story's exploration of family bonds across cultural boundaries.
While the film's conclusion may not satisfy every viewer's expectations, the decision that the mother and son ultimately make feels true to their compassionate characters and the values they represent. The ending reflects the complex realities that families in similar situations must face, avoiding simple solutions in favor of emotional honesty. Additionally, a surprise cameo by a famous Korean actor in the final scenes provides a memorable moment that may help offset any disappointment some viewers might feel about the resolution.
"Leaving Mom" represents a significant achievement in international filmmaking, demonstrating how cross-cultural collaborations can produce genuinely moving stories that transcend national boundaries. The film is scheduled for release in Korean theaters on Wednesday, bringing this touching story of family sacrifice and love to a broader audience.
