A Place to Be
A Place to Be

Movie spotlight

A Place to Be

2017
Movie
113 min
Spanish

Set against the background of a broken U.S. immigration system, A Place to Be is a love story between two young men, Abel & Diego. When tragedy strikes and Diego's immigration status is revealed, Abel and Diego discover the power of love during uncertain times.

Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users82%
Director: Kim Ki-dukGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

A young man, tormented by a past mistake, attempts to make amends by anonymously donating money to the family of his victim. However, his guilt and the complexities of their lives lead to unexpected emotional entanglements. He finds himself drawn into their world, trying to offer support while grappling with his own demons. The film explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the blurred lines between victim and perpetrator.

Critical Reception

Kim Ki-duk's 'A Place to Be' received mixed to positive reviews, with critics often acknowledging the director's characteristic unflinching gaze and emotional intensity. While some praised its raw exploration of guilt and human connection, others found its narrative bleak and its characters difficult to connect with. Audiences were similarly divided, appreciating its artistic merit but struggling with its somber tone.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its emotional depth and unflinching portrayal of guilt.

  • Noted for Kim Ki-duk's distinctive directorial style and evocative visuals.

  • Some critics found the film's bleakness and character development challenging.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's artistic ambition and emotional resonance, with many highlighting its thought-provoking exploration of complex human relationships and the struggle for redemption. Some viewers found the narrative slow-paced and the subject matter too heavy.

Awards & Accolades

Screened in the Orizzonti section at the 74th Venice International Film Festival.

Fun Fact

Director Kim Ki-duk is known for his minimalist approach to filmmaking, often using simple yet powerful imagery to convey profound emotional states.

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