‘Mickey 17’ Fans Are Missing Out On This Bong Joon-ho Masterpiece!

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Ever since his breakthrough directorial debut in 2000, Bong Joon-ho has solidified his status as a world-class filmmaker with an impressive series of critically acclaimed international blockbusters under his belt. His unique flair is evident in diverse genres such as monster films like “The Host” (2006) and sci-fi action movies like “Snowpiercer” (2013). The global success of “Parasite” (2019), his most accomplished work so far, was further emphasized during the Oscars. Despite each film receiving widespread acclaim, some have garnered more attention than others. One of his lesser-known films finally premiered in America 15 years ago.

This refers to Mother, a twisted and humorously dark tribute by Bong Joon-ho to Alfred Hitchcock, which first screened in the US in February 2010, following its premiere at Cannes the year prior. Although it garnered typical critical praise upon release, it’s not frequently discussed alongside his most iconic works. However, it still showcases many of the distinctive features that make Bong Joon-ho such a remarkable director. With his latest film, Mickey 17, currently in theaters, now is an ideal opportunity to revisit one of his earlier projects that deserves more attention.

‘Mother’s Murder Mystery

In a quaint South Korean village, Mother is headlined by Kim Hye-ja as the main character, a solitary mother to a young man named Do-joon (Won Bin), who has intellectual difficulties. She struggles to make ends meet by operating a herbal remedy store and performing unauthorized acupuncture treatments on the side. Even in good times, finances remain tight. One evening, Do-joon goes out for drinks at a neighborhood tavern and doesn’t return home until late in the night. The following day, he is taken away by the police, charged with the murder of a young woman whom he allegedly left on the roof of an abandoned building on his way home.

Firm in her belief of his innocence, his mother embarks on a journey to exonerate him, as the local authorities believe the case is closed due to strong evidence they’ve found. However, Do-joon is easily led, so he’s coerced into signing a confession despite this. What makes it easier for them to accuse him is that he stands out from the rest of the townsfolk, and with no help from the police and no money for a competent lawyer, his mother goes to extraordinary measures in search of another explanation for the crime, leading her down a bleak and dangerous path.

In a nutshell, Mother might appear to be a straightforward tale reminiscent of a mother’s love, but, much like other works by Bong Joon-ho, it proves to be more complex. Bong has frequently acknowledged the impact Hitchcock’s films have had on his craft, and in 2015, he included Psycho and Vertigo among the 50 most influential films for La Cinetek, a French streaming platform. Notably, Mother shares certain characteristics with Hitchcock’s films, such as an enigmatic protagonist and a convoluted narrative that gradually reveals a hidden conspiracy. The score by Lee Byung-woo also seems to draw inspiration from the work of Bernard Herrmann, who scored numerous classics directed by Hitchcock, including Psycho and North by Northwest.

Why ‘Mother’ Deserves More Love

In essence, Bong’s film deviates from the swift tempo typical of many of his other works, opting instead for a more restrained narrative style. The director’s touch is subtle yet refined, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of Hitchcock’s masterpieces in terms of subjectivity and perspective, while still maintaining distinct Bong-esque elements. For instance, the film incorporates elements of absurdity and dark humor, as seen in the bungled crime reenactment by the cops or Do-joon’s pompous lawyer (Yeo Moo-Young) holding a meeting with his mother in a karaoke bar. Despite Hitchcock seeming like a significant influence, Bong’s unique style is evident throughout.

A portion of the satirical commentary within Parasite can resonate with viewers, as characters such as Do-joon and his mother are pushed to societal outskirts due to financial constraints, lacking access to legal representation that could potentially alter their circumstances. The film’s portrayal of its disabled characters may appear disorganized at times, especially when revisited in 2025; however, it appears director Bong is making a broader statement about how those who don’t conform to societal norms are often used as scapegoats, particularly within close-knit communities. Do-joon clearly lacks the ability to advocate for himself, but no one seems willing to entertain the possibility of his innocence.

The success of the film “Mother” largely relies on Kim Hye-ja’s exceptional central performance. Her acting, which skillfully navigates the thin line between empathetic and troubling, becomes more pronounced as the movie unfolds. Kim masterfully portrays her character’s multifaceted dimensions, as her codependent relationship with Do-joon influences her increasingly anxious behavior. The film suggests that their relationship may have questionable aspects, but it remains ambiguous. This performance by Kim, who has worked primarily in television and made only a few films throughout her career, is a timeless acting gem.

Although Mother may not be as visually striking as some of Bong Joon Ho’s more renowned films, it is a skillfully crafted work that showcases his exceptional talent once again, adding another success to one of the most captivating careers in cinema. Viewers who are familiar with Bong only through Parasite or Okja should definitely give Mother a watch.

Where To Watch ‘Mother’

As a movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that the captivating film “Mother” can be streamed on Peacock, but only with a subscription. If you prefer ad-supported viewing, it’s also free on Tubi or Plex. For those with a library card, you might be able to borrow it on Hoopla (provided your library participates in the service). Alternatively, you can opt for VOD rental as well. Enjoy the movie experience!

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2025-03-30 22:32