

Crossing
Yong-soo is an ex-soccer player who lives in a small coal-mine village in North Korea with his wife and young son, Joon. Although living in extreme poverty like many other families in North Korea, the family is happy just to be with each other. Then one day, Yong-soo's pregnant wife becomes critically ill. Let alone medicine, Yong-soo can't even find food for her in North Korea. So he decides to secretly cross the border to China hoping to find the medicine for his wife.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young boy, Joo-seok, is abandoned by his father and left in the care of his grandmother, who is suffering from Alzheimer's. He struggles to survive and care for her, finding solace in the kindness of a young girl he meets. Their budding friendship offers him a glimmer of hope amidst his difficult circumstances, but the harsh realities of their poverty-stricken lives constantly threaten to pull them apart.
Critical Reception
Crossing received critical acclaim for its poignant storytelling and powerful performances, particularly from its young lead actors. It resonated with audiences for its sensitive portrayal of poverty, family struggles, and the resilience of the human spirit.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its emotional depth and heartbreaking narrative.
- Applauded for the strong performances of its young cast.
- Cited for its realistic depiction of hardship and societal neglect.
Google audience: Audience reviews indicate a deep emotional connection to the film's themes of abandonment and the struggle for survival. Many viewers found the story moving and thought-provoking, highlighting its impact despite a lack of widespread distribution.
Fun Fact
The film was inspired by the true story of a North Korean defector who faced extreme poverty and hardship.
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