The New York Times by Dana Stevens
The story, touching though it is, does not quite have enough emotional resonance or variety of incident to sustain a feature, and even at 85 minutes it feels a bit long. The premise, too, is a little thin.
✭ ✭ ✭ Read critic reviews
Korea · 2002
Rated PG · 1h 26m
Director Lee Jeong-hyang
Starring Kim Eul-boon, Yoo Seung-ho, Dong Hyo-hee, Min Kyung-Hyun
Genre Drama, Family
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Born and raised in the big city, 7-year-old Sang-woo heads to the countryside for the first time. Spending the summer with his mute grandmother, he's initially bored and annoyed -- but as he adjusts to life in the rural village, he learns to appreciate the simple life.
The New York Times by Dana Stevens
The story, touching though it is, does not quite have enough emotional resonance or variety of incident to sustain a feature, and even at 85 minutes it feels a bit long. The premise, too, is a little thin.
The plot of the picture is familiar, but it's realized with such delicacy and affection for the characters that it seems as fresh and warm as its verdant setting.
New York Daily News by Jami Bernard
Life-affirming story of love, kinship and sacrifice.
Wall Street Journal by Joe Morgenstern
Affecting, even touching, provided you can put up with its sclerotic pace.
Portland Oregonian by Kim Morgan
There are many merits to the picture -- it's wonderfully shot and boasts a beautiful performance by Eul-Boom, who acts in gestures of subtle dignity and compassion. But it's questionable how we're to take actor Seung-Ho.
Washington Post by Michael O'Sullivan
Simple without being slight, and profoundly moving without dipping into mawkishness.
Chicago Tribune by Michael Wilmington
Director Lee has a true cinematic knack, but it's also nice to see a movie with its heart so thoroughly, unabashedly on its sleeve.
The Globe and Mail (Toronto) by Rick Groen
If you ever doubted the power and scope of silent film, watch The Way Home. The narrative arc is as broad as any chattering feature, the emotional depth is greater than most, and it's all achieved with virtually no dialogue.
Austin Chronicle by Steve Davis
Theres also something to be said for wanting a little bit more.
The film is worth watching if only for Kim, who before this had never seen a movie, let alone acted in one.