Review

HOMEWARD BOUND, Kim Dae-hwan's third film as a director, centers on buried secrets involving families. Jung-ha and Jin-woo, a mother and son; Ji-seon, caught between them; and Jenny and her parents are entangled in secrets—less grand than they are difficult to bring to light, both within and between the two families. By taking on the subject of secrets, something no one is truly free from, the film probes the foundation and essence of what makes a family. Yet it does so not with heaviness, but with warmth and humor, uncovering the layered family secrets. The film's humor never feels contrived; it arises naturally from the dynamics already embedded within the families. For example, Jenny's father, despite having lived in Canada, comes across as more of a boomer than the average middle-aged Korean man. Meanwhile, Jenny's mother, who never appears bossy toward him, surprisingly reveals a different side of herself. In addition, when the truth finally surfaces, it's genuinely heartwarming. Secrets also extend beyond family relationships. HOMEWARD BOUND suggests that it's better to openly share those secrets than clumsily attempting to cover them. (MOON Seok)

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