The issue of illegal immigration has become a recurring theme in films. Based on a true story, To the North tells the story of Romanian refugees trying to reach the United States. However, this film differs from the others in that it shows the relationship between the Romanian refugees and the Filipino sailors who are employed by the Taiwanese cargo ship. Dumitru, a Romanian refugee, sneaks onto a cargo ship with very little preparation to stow away. As the voyage begins, he encounters Joel, a faithful Filipino sailor, and asks for help. Knowing that the Taiwanese captain and his crew will kill any illegal refugees who sneak aboard to eliminate any trace of them, Joel hides Dumitru in storage in a darkened engine room, and their perilous voyage begins. Having made three documentaries, director Mincan MIHAI focuses on realistic portrayals from casting to directing, but he also creates a sense of tension that makes the audience feel like they are watching hide-and-seek at the risk of life, crossing the line between realism and thriller. (CHUN Jinsu)