Drama | 2018 | PG-13 | 1h 43m
The film, an adaptation of Daisuke Igarashi’s popular manga (of the same name) stars Kim Tae-ri as Hae-won, who returns to her small hometown after a dead-end job in Seoul. With her mother mysteriously missing, Hae-won reconnects with her past through cooking her mother’s recipes in a serene farmhouse.
This film, praised for its simplicity and warmth, showcases Hae-won’s journey as she spends a year in her village, marked by beautifully depicted seasons and the comfort of home-cooked meals. The story revolves around her relationships with her high school friends, Jae-ha (Ryu Jun-yeol) and Eun-sook (Jin Ki-joo), and her eccentric but loving mother, played by Moon So-ri. Each character adds depth and charm to the narrative, making the village feel like a place you’d want to visit.
Kim Tae-ri shines in her role, bringing a gentle yet compelling presence to Hae-won. Her performance, alongside the strong support from Ryu Jun-yeol and Jin Ki-joo, anchors the film’s success. The flashbacks featuring Moon So-ri provide a deeper understanding of Hae-won’s complex relationship with her mother, enriching the film’s emotional layers.
Despite its lack of traditional conflict or antagonist, “Little Forest” remains engaging and heartfelt. It grossed $11 million at the Korean box office on a $1.4 million budget, proving the universal appeal of its soothing, reflective storytelling. It’s a film that invites viewers to slow down, savor life’s simple pleasures, and find solace in the familiar and the nostalgic.
Everybody needs a film like “Little Forest” once in a while. It is a cinematic embrace of comfort and calm, a delightful journey that leaves you craving the simplicity and beauty of rural life, especially one filled with delicious food.
